Almost 200 high school students were given lessons in financial technology from industry experts during Tech Education Day last week.

The event was hosted by the Economic Development Department as part of Bermuda's annual Techweek, and featured presentations and demonstrations from leaders in the tech and fintech industries.

A government spokesman said: “In the run-up to Tech Education Day, a special fintech Fridays podcast series introduced the speakers and asked them about their subject matter expertise.

“The weekly podcast itself is a product of the EDD's Office of fintech and aims to demystify fintech, its core concepts and its importance for Bermuda. Every week, each speaker was featured in an episode and discussed how, as young professional Bermudians, they got started in the field.”

Tech Education Day organises training programmes, events and activities that support Bermuda's effort to develop a sustainable, informed and skilled workforce by exposing its students to technology and technologists.

This year's topics included Web3, how technology can empower creators, cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens.

There were also audience-participation demonstrations of hovercraft races and drone acrobatics, as well as a robotics demonstration by Team Bermuda, freshly returned from the First Global Robotics Challenge in Switzerland.

Addressing the student attendees at the event, David Burt, the Premier, said: "We must continue to invest in you to ensure that you have the knowledge and experience to help Bermuda maintain its place as a global leader in tech innovation and in fintech, allowing you to have fulfilling careers of your own.

“Ask questions, engage in discussions and provide feedback when given the opportunity. It is those actions that drive ideas forward."

Joseph Ziolkowski, the chief executive officer of insurance company Relm, one of the event’s sponsors, said: "As an insurer that specialises in innovative products for companies operating in the digital asset and Web3 space, it is essential that we promote and encourage education on these topics.

“This technology is already fostering a sea change that will eventually impact nearly every sector. Tech Education Day serves as a great foundation for students to learn more about and develop an interest in these rapidly evolving areas of the tech industry."

Cyralene Benskin-Murray, a compliance officer at fellow sponsor Circle, said: "We are proud to be a sponsor of Tech Education Day for the second year in a row.

“This event has proven to be a valuable resource for students who wish to learn more about technology, and we are excited to see that this year's edition also carries a focus on fintech and Web3."