OPEN TRAININGS
Blockchain and AI Demystified
A practical introduction course for anti-corruption practitioners
DATE
14 – 15 December 2026
Application Deadline
4 December 2026
Language
English
TRAINING FEE
650 EUR
PROGRAMME
Location
IACA Campus, Laxenburg
Format
In-person
Target group size
Approximately 20 participants
About
Blockchain and artificial intelligence are rapidly transforming the way information, transactions and public and private sector processes are managed. At the same time, these technologies are creating new opportunities for preventing, detecting and investigating corruption, while also introducing new risks and methods that may facilitate corrupt practices and financial crime.
This two-day open training provides anti-corruption professionals with a practical foundation in blockchain and artificial intelligence. It is designed for participants without a technical background and focuses on how these technologies actually work, what they can realistically deliver, and how they relate to corruption prevention, detection and investigation.
The course is delivered in cooperation with Blockstruct GmbH, a Vienna-based company specialising in blockchain and AI solutions for enterprises and public authorities.
Course Purpose
The course will introduce participants to the fundamental concepts and practical applications of blockchain and artificial intelligence, with a specific focus on their relevance to anti-corruption and integrity professionals.
It is not intended to make participants technology specialists. Instead, it enables them to develop a sufficient understanding of the underlying mechanisms, opportunities and limitations of these technologies to:
- identify potential applications in their professional work
- critically assess technology-related claims and solutions
- recognise risks and vulnerabilities associated with emerging technologies
- understand how blockchain and digital assets may be relevant to financial investigations and asset tracing
- assess the opportunities and limitations of AI-assisted analysis
- better engage with technical experts, technology providers and institutional decision-makers
In short, the course builds the technological literacy required for informed decision-making, effective oversight and credible engagement with both technology providers and technical specialists.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to explain the core concepts of blockchain and generative AI in plain language, distinguish what these technologies can genuinely guarantee from what they cannot, understand how digital assets are used to move illicit value and how they can be traced, and recognise the main opportunities and risks of AI for anti-corruption work — including hallucinations, deepfakes and the practical questions to ask when assessing technology solutions.
Details
target group
The course is intended for anti-corruption and integrity professionals with little or no technical background, including:
- anti-corruption authorities and government officials
- investigators and prosecutors
- police and financial intelligence officers
- asset recovery practitioners
- supreme audit institutions and internal auditors
- compliance and integrity professionals
- representatives of state-owned enterprises
- international organisations and oversight bodies
- other professionals involved in preventing, detecting or investigating corruption and related financial crime
The course is particularly suitable for mid- to senior-level practitioners who need to understand emerging technologies without becoming technology specialists.
Delivery Format
The training will be delivered in person at the IACA Campus in Laxenburg.
Methodology
The course uses an interactive and practice-oriented methodology combining:
- expert presentations
- guided discussions
- practical demonstrations
- examples and case studies
- group exercises
- analysis of realistic anti-corruption scenarios
- discussion of potential applications within participants’ own institutions
No prior technical knowledge is required.
The learning approach focuses on developing a clear mental model of each technology rather than training participants to use a particular commercial tool. This ensures that the knowledge remains relevant as specific technologies and products evolve.
Duration
Two days (8 sessions of approximately 90 minutes each)
Information
Language of instruction
English
Certificate awarded
Certificate of Attendance
Cancellations
Cancellations are permitted within 14 days of payment of the seminar fee, but in any event no later than 4 December 2026.
Admission
Requirements
The training is designed for anti-corruption and integrity professionals with little or no technical background. Mid- to senior-level practitioners are particularly encouraged to apply. Participants will be selected based on their professional experience and the relevance of the training to their current role.
IACA is committed to promoting diversity and strives to attract participants from various backgrounds.
Documents
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copy of a valid passport or national ID
- Professional photo (preferably passport-style)
Process
Applications will be processed on a rolling basis. Successful applicants may be offered a place before the application deadline. Interested professionals are therefore strongly encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience. Places are limited to approximately 20 participants and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fees
and Logistics
Training Fee
650 EUR
The fee covers tuition, training materials, lunches and coffee breaks during the programme. Participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and any other costs not related to the programme.
Contact
For enquiries, please contact: tcd@iaca.int