4th European Summer School on Artificial Intelligence
2nd International Summer School on Bilateral AI
Networking Event on July 9, 2026
Library and Learning Center of Vienna University of Economics and Business

ESSAI is the annual summer school on Artificial Intelligence held under the auspices of the European Association for Artificial Intelligence (EurAI), and in 2026 it will encompass the 2nd International Summer School on Bilateral AI. ESSAI is the largest school of broad AI in Europe, offering courses in all areas of AI and from a wide range of perspectives. ESSAI 2026 will be a central meeting place for early-stage researchers to deepen their knowledge in AI, broaden their perspectives, discuss current research, and build new connections. The summer school will last five days. Most lectures and tutorials will take place at TU Wien, while some talks and the networking event will be held at WU Wien. The school is expected to attract over 400 participants, most of them early-stage researchers in Artificial Intelligence from various European universities and beyond.

ESSAI 2026 will feature networking opportunities to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, encouraging new research directions, joint projects, and the transfer of cutting-edge AI innovations into practical applications across diverse sectors. It will also provide a platform for established and emerging academia and industry players to discuss their ideas and technologies, while offering students the chance to connect with professionals, explore career opportunities, and gain insight into the evolving AI landscape. The dedicated networking event, featuring a keynote speech, is tentatively scheduled to be held at the renowned WU Library in the afternoon and evening of July 9, 2026.

If AI plays a key role in your company, you are warmly invited to propose a topic for discussion at the Networking Event. The proposed topic should focus on a clearly defined AI-related challenge that your company is currently facing or seeking to address.
Selected topics will be featured in a short presentation slot during the Networking Event and will be given dedicated space for in-depth discussions with junior researchers and leading experts in the field.
ESSAI 2026 is expected to welcome around 400 participants, primarily PhD students working across a wide range of AI disciplines. Take this opportunity to connect with future leaders in AI research and industry, exchange ideas, and explore innovative solutions together.

Submission Instructions

You can submit your proposal by sending an email essai2026-support@list.tuwien.ac.at. Your email should include the following information:

• Basic information on your company (e.g., company name, size, location, website, industry type)
• Contact person (including email address)
• Motivation and a description of the industry challenge your company wishes to present and discuss (maximum 300 words). The role of AI in the challenge should be clearly explained.
• If applicable, information on where and how the challenge has been previously discussed in public.

Selection Procedure

The selection of challenges to be presented during the Networking Event will be made by the organizers of ESSAI 2026. Proposals must demonstrate a strong connection with Artificial Intelligence. Priority will be given to proposals that are considered to be of the greatest interest and potential impact for students. A portion of the available invitations will be reserved for companies sponsoring the event (see the dedicated page on Sponsorship Opportunities).

Participation

At least one company representative is expected to register for the summer school and to present the selected industry challenge in person during the Networking Event, which will take place on the afternoon of July 9 at the Library and Learning Center of Vienna University of Economics and Business. Presenters are also expected to actively interact with students during the Networking Event (e.g., by providing details to interested students, offering feedback on proposed solutions, and leading discussions when needed). We are currently shaping the format of the Networking Event and welcome industry representatives to co-create engaging activities aligned with their goals.
For inquiries, please contact us at essai2026-support@list.tuwien.ac.at

Organization

Please see the dedicated page for the organizers of ESSAI 2026.