Beyond the Visible: Summer School on AI, Sensing, and the Future of Terrestrial Resources

Across land, water, food, energy, and global supply chains, societies must navigate rapid change and make decisions under uncertainty. At the same time, rapid advances in Earth observation and artificial intelligence reshape how these systems are monitored, analysed and managed. With such a wealth of technological capability at our disposal, how do we drive its real-world application, adoption, and market uptake at scale?

During this Summer School, you will learn to:

• Understand the capabilities and limitations of Earth Observation (EO) data and AI methods for resource management applications, including different data modalities, analytical approaches, and practical constraints.
• Identify and clearly define a potentially high-impact problem in the domain of resource management, grounded in stakeholder needs and informed by practical, technological and/or regulatory constraints.
• Design a solution concept that applies EO data and AI approaches to address the identified problem and assess its technical feasibility, considering data availability, methodological suitability, and system requirements.
• Map a realistic pathway from solution idea to implementation, considering operational constraints, stakeholder adoption, and entrepreneurial and market realities.
• Present and defend a coherent concept, including solution logic, initial business model considerations, and key risks, to an expert jury.

We welcome Master’s students, PhD candidates, early-career researchers, and young professionals from diverse disciplines, including:

• Resource management and policy
• Earth observation, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and technology development
• Entrepreneurship
• Related fields in academia, industry, or the public sector

A successful applicant demostrates:

• a relevant afinity with and background in technical, environmental or industrial sectors.
• well formulated motivation and interests
• overall fit with the program

The programme focuses on how advances in Earth observation and artificial intelligence can improve resource management systems—and what it takes to move from technological capability to actual implementation and scaling.

Over five days, participants work in interdisciplinary teams on challenges in resource management, moving from scientific exploration to hands-on experimentation and application. Using a project-based approach, they develop viable concepts, testing ideas against practical constraints with guidance from experts across academia, industry, the public sector, and entrepreneurship. The programme combines input sessions, hands-on technical work, field-based learning, and structured concept development.

Summer School highlights

Special show at the Science Dome (Science Center Heilbronn): Experience a live drone performance by Marco Tempest exploring the intersection of illusion and technology.

Technological Deep Dives: Hands-on sessions introducing a range of Remote Sensing and Earth Observation technologies.

Excursion to Heuchelberg: A guided visit featuring live remote sensing demonstrations, followed by a dinner on location.

Startup Insights: Founders in the remote sensing field share real-world experiences of building and scaling ventures.

Networking and community building: Connecting science with real-world ventures, and creating lasting friendships and future collaborations.

Learning is assessed through formative, non-graded activities designed to support reflection and collaboration rather than formal examination. Assessment methods include hands-on exercises, group discussions, short individual reflections, team-based project work, and excursions. The Summer School concludes with project presentations, where interdisciplinary teams present their concepts and receive constructive feedback from invited experts.

To apply, submit your application through the online application portal by Wednesday, 8 April 2026, 23:59 UTC.

Application portal: https://ethzurich.eventsair.com/beyondvisible/application

Participation fees are €450 and will include accommodation, meals, mentoring, and excursions.

ETH Zurich Campus Heilbronn in Germany.

Participation requires full-time, in-person attendance for the entire duration of the Summer School.

The full course is held in English.