SUMMER SCHOOL IN XR AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Shaping the Future with XR and AI

The Summer School in Immersive Technologies and Artificial Intelligence is a one-week intensive programme designed to provide participants with a forward-looking and hands-on introduction to Extended Reality (XR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Programme Overview

The Summer School in Immersive Technologies and Artificial Intelligence is a one-week intensive programme designed to provide participants with a forward-looking and hands-on introduction to Extended Reality (XR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
This initiative responds to Europe’s growing digital skills gap by equipping participants with practical, future-oriented competences in immersive technologies, digital innovation, and ethical AI.
More than a training programme, the Summer School is a space for inspiration, experimentation, and collaboration. Participants are encouraged to explore emerging technologies, challenge conventional ideas, and co-create innovative solutions that contribute to Europe’s digital transformation.

Objectives and Scope

The Summer School aims to provide participants with a comprehensive and forward-looking understanding of immersive technologies and artificial intelligence. By combining theoretical insights with practical application, the programme supports the development of future-ready skills while fostering collaboration across disciplines and sectors.

The programme aims to:

  • Demonstrate how XR and AI can enhance experiential and skills-based learning
  • Equip participants with practical skills in immersive content creation and AI applications
  • Foster collaboration between academia, industry, and research communities
  • Promote ethical, inclusive, and responsible use of emerging technologies
  • Build a transnational network focused on digital innovation and education

Target Audience

The Summer School is designed for a diverse and multidisciplinary audience interested in immersive technologies and artificial intelligence. It brings together participants from academia, industry, and policy-making environments to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration.

This Summer School is intended for: 

  • VET educators and trainers
  • University students and faculty
  • XR developers and digital creatives
  • Industry professionals and innovators
  • Policy makers and researchers

Participants are expected to actively engage in workshops, discussions, and collaborative project work, contributing to a dynamic and interactive learning environment.

Duration

The programme consists of a 50-hour immersive week, carefully structured to combine theoretical lectures, hands-on workshops, and collaborative project development activities. Throughout the week, participants engage in an intensive learning experience that balances conceptual understanding with practical application, enabling them to explore emerging technologies while developing concrete skills in XR and artificial intelligence. The programme also encourages teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, culminating in the development and presentation of innovative group projects.

Fee

Included: participation in all academic activities and access to materials
Not included: application/registration fee, certificates, student insurance, travel, and accommodation

Fee per participant:

250€

Early bird:

200€

SCHEDULE

The opening day sets the tone for the Summer School, introducing participants to the world of immersive technologies and artificial intelligence. Through keynote insights and inspirational discussions, participants explore current trends, challenges, and opportunities in XR and AI, while beginning their first hands-on experience.

10:00 – Welcome Session António Fidalgo, Gisela Canelhas, Pedro Brandão
10:30 – Keynote “The Future of Immersive Technologies: From Vision to Impact” TBD
11:30 – Coffee Break
12:00 – Inspirational Talks & Roundtable Discussion “Sharing Success: Innovation in XR and AI”

13:00 – Lunch Break

Parallel Workshops
14:30 – 17:30 – Workshop 1 Introduction to XR Development (Unity / Unreal Basics) | YOUBIQUO, KHORA
14:30 – 17:30 – Workshop 2 Crafting Immersive Worlds Through Sound | Edu Krithinas

The day emphasises design thinking, storytelling, and interactive development, fostering creativity and innovation. Participants also engage with key debates around AI and XR ethics and explore how to develop inclusive and socially responsible technological solutions.
10:00 – Keynote “Storytelling in XR: Creating Meaningful Digital Worlds” | KHORA
11:00 – Coffee Break
11:30 – Expert Talk “Innovation with Responsibility: Erasmus+ Project Experiences” by Paulo Duarte
13:00 – Lunch Break Parallel Workshops
• 14:30 – 17:30 – Workshop 3 Digital Transformation, AI and XR: Rethinking Business Models YOUBIQUO, KHORA
• 14:30 – 17:30 – Workshop 4 TBD Nicolau Morar (University City St. George’s, London – TBC)
14:30 – 17:30 – Workshop 5
The Inner Virtual Reality: Understanding the Human Experience of Technology Rinon Hoxha (Cacttus Education)

This day focuses on the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies, highlighting the importance of human-centred design, trust, and responsibility. Participants engage with key debates around AI and XR ethics and explore how to develop inclusive and socially responsible technological solutions. In addition, participants dive into the creative side of immersive technologies, exploring how ideas are transformed into engaging XR experiences.

10:00 – Keynote “Human-Centred AI: Ethics, Trust, and Responsibility in Immersive Worlds” Marco Romano (UNINT)
11:00 – Coffee Break
11:30 – Talk “Designing Immersive Experiences: From Concept to Prototype” Peiman (KHORA)
13:00 – Lunch Break
14:30 – Lisbon Sightseeing Tour (Exclusive for Summer School participants)

This day is dedicated to applying knowledge in practice. Participants work collaboratively on project development, strengthening technical and transversal skills while preparing solutions that address real-world challenges in XR and AI.

10:00 – Workshop 6 Project Development Lab & Prototyping Cecilia Bolognesi (POLIMI)
13:00 – Lunch Break
14:00 – 17:00 – Project Development Session Preparation of final group presentations
20:00 – Summer School Dinner

The final day showcases participants’ work through project presentations, highlighting the outcomes of the week. The programme concludes with reflections, networking, and a cultural experience in Lisbon, reinforcing collaboration and lasting connections.

10:00 – Project Presentations
12:00 – Coffee Break
12:30 – Closing Session Gisela Canelhas, Pedro Brandão