This program, organized within the framework of the i2Planet 2026 educational project by IdeaSquare, combines science, technology, and creativity to explore the limits of human and artificial intelligence and their role in building a sustainable future. The selected students are enrolled at the Campus of Álava or, if domiciled in Álava, at other UPV/EHU Campuses.
The selected students, eight women and eight men, will spend several days at CERN aiming to establish synergies between the university community and the research center's scientific community. During their stay, training activities will be promoted to equip them with the necessary tools to generate ideas and projects that positively impact the planet's sustainability.
Furthermore, they will face an international challenge where they must design strategies applicable to real-world planetary issues, focusing on balancing innovation and sustainability, and demonstrating how human and artificial intelligence can coexist harmoniously with their environment.
“"This innovative experiential learning program offers a unique opportunity to get to know one of the world's most important research centers and learn from its researchers."
Fernández de Labastida added that the students will participate in scientific simulations to reflect on the role of artificial intelligence in planetary sustainability and will debate how to educate future generations in an increasingly automated world.
The Vice-Rector also highlighted that, in addition to an intensive internationalization experience, participants will develop essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and innovation and entrepreneurship capabilities.
“"It is important to bring university students closer to the ecosystem of scientific innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering international collaboration and the development of sustainable solutions with real societal impact."
Another focus of the workshop will be developing innovative entrepreneurial ideas and projects offering sustainable technological solutions, framed within the circular economy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Technologies will be extrapolated to a future scenario for establishing a sustainable civilization on another planet, and then the learnings and potential solutions will be applied to the challenges faced on our own Planet.
As the CERN program explains, "our future as humanity requires replacing traditional thinking archetypes and adopting non-linear and systemic approaches. Only then can we anticipate the formidable challenges our planet will face in the coming decades."
This initiative is part of the INIZIA Araba Campus program, developed in collaboration with the Álava Business and Innovation Center (BIC Araba), aiming to foster, advise, and support entrepreneurs and promote the creation of innovative, technology-based companies within the university community.
