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Author: Serena Fabbrini

Join the Inspirational Tour at Airspace World 2025 – and win!

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

Step into the future of aviation with Career Passport: Boarding Your Future – the interactive adventure designed for young professionals and students, developed by Engage 2 as part of the Tomorrow’s Voices programme at Airspace World 2025 (Lisbon, 13-15 May 2025).

🗓️ When?
The Inspirational Tours will take place on Thursday 15 May, between 12:00 and 13:00 at Airspace World.

🎟️ How to join?
Register now to secure your place: https://forms.gle/8R8AEVK16Ygq3s6E6

This isn’t just an exhibit, it’s a mission. With your Career Passport in hand, you’ll explore the industry’s most exciting roles, from air traffic controllers to AI engineers, drone operators, cybersecurity specialists, and more. Meet real aviation experts, hear their stories, and collect exclusive stamps at each stop along your journey.

Visit at least 5 stand per tour and collect stamps, and you’ll be in with a chance to win a €100 voucher to spend on online training courses, the perfect way to invest in your future!

How to play

  1. Get your Career passport;
  2. Start the tours – use the map of the venue to locate the each stop on your tours:
    • Tour 1: Shaping future skies and operational excellence
      Jobs: ATC, CNS Engineer, Cybersecurity specialist, Aviation safety inspector
      (Themes: Digitalisation, Front-Line Operations, and Safety)
      Description: Explore how cutting-edge ATM solutions are shaping a safer, more efficient, and digitally enabled airspace. This tour takes you to the heart of front-line aviation operations, where air traffic controllers manage complex and evolving skies with precision and adaptability. Discover the engineering minds behind the communication, navigation, and surveillance systems that power modern air traffic management and meet the digital innovators integrating artificial intelligence into aviation’s core infrastructure. Finally, step into the safety and security ecosystem: learn how cybersecurity specialists defend aviation’s digital backbone and how safety inspectors uphold the highest operational standards.
      Companies to visit
      • Amper – Digitalisation & Safety
      • CAE – Digitalisation & Operations
      • DFS – Digitalisation, Operations, Safety
      • NOAMAI – Digitalisation
      • Frequentis – Digitalisation
      • Nokia – Digitalisation
      • NATS – Digitalisation & Operations
      • Indra – Digitalisation
    • Tour 2: Innovating tomorrow’s skies
      Jobs: UAS Operator, AI Engineer, HMI designer, U-space service provider
      (Themes: Advanced Air Mobility, Drones, and Innovation Leadership)
      Description: Step into the frontier of aviation innovation. This tour explores how new technologies and human-centred design are transforming airspace as we know it. From uncrewed aircraft systems to advanced air mobility, discover how UAS operators manage drone traffic with precision and situational awareness. Meet AI engineers and digital visionaries developing intelligent, adaptive systems that will shape the future of connected skies. Explore how human-machine interface designers and human factors specialists ensure that innovation remains usable, intuitive, and safe — putting people at the centre of complex systems. Join us to see how tomorrow’s aviation is being imagined, built, and refined today.
      Companies to visit
      • Amper – Advanced Air Mobility
      • Unifly – Drone Integration
      • SkyGrid – Drones
      • DFS – Advanced Concepts
      • DroneTalks – Drone Advocacy
      • Indra – Drones & AAM
      • Nokia – Drones
      • NATS – Drones & AAM
  3. Engage with experts in a 10-minute conversation about different aviation professions, hear their insider stories and be inspired!

Engage 2 Hackathon crowns its first champions in a thrilling tech sprint

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

On 24 and 25 March 2025, Madrid became the stage for a high-intensity coding marathon as Engage 2 brought together some of the brightest young minds in European aviation and data science for its first-ever hackathon. Hosted and organized by Innaxis, partner of Engage 2, the event challenged participants to develop innovative solutions to a complex problem in ATM. Watch the video below to see what happened, and keep reading to find out who the winners are!

In 24 hours the teams were capable of developing reliable models to solve a traditional problem for air traffic controllers at airports: predicting time to threshold of arriving aircraft. For the challenge, DataBeacon provided over 30GB of highly curated runway operations data collected near Madrid airport. Participants recognized the importance and relevance of data preparation and highlighted the motivation of working with real data in a real-world problem.

36 participants, divided into 11 teams, worked tirelessly in a two-day sprint of coding, strategy, and problem-solving. Each team tackled the challenge with their own innovative approach, pushing boundaries in technology and collaboration. The atmosphere was intense, fueled by creativity, teamwork, and a shared passion for innovation. Mentors and evaluators from DataBeacon, Frequentis and ARC were there to solve participants’ questions and guide them to reach the prizes, co-sponsored by SESAR and CANSO.

Paula López-Catalá, programme Director at Innaxis, shares her perspective. We are proud to have successfully organized this data hackathon, surpassing even our own expectations. Innaxis put a great effort into every detail, working proactively to ensure an outstanding result. We extend our gratitude to the sponsors, mentors, and evaluators who made this event possible, helping bridge the gap between emerging talent and industry professionals. For over 15 years, Innaxis has been at the forefront of promoting data-driven techniques in aviation, and this event represents yet another milestone in our journey. Attracting new talent is essential if we truly want the future of aviation to be digital, and this hackathon has been an excellent opportunity to foster that connection.

And the winners are…

After two days of intense competition, Los Modelos, a team of four students from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, emerged victorious. Their innovative solution secured them the first prize, which included an all-expenses-paid trip to Airspace World 2025 in Lisbon, along with exclusive opportunities, such as a breakfast with industry CEOs and the chance to take the stage at Tomorrow’s Voices.

In a tight race for second place, the jury awarded a tie between FourOFour from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and Runway Prophets from Delft University of Technology. Both runner-up teams received €500 in vouchers for online training platforms or other educational resources of their choice.

With fresh perspectives and bold ideas, the Engage 2 Hackathon proved that young talent is key to shaping the future of aviation. As the industry moves forward, initiatives like this ensure that the next generation is equipped to lead innovation in ATM.

Block your agenda for Tomorrow’s Voices at Airspace World 2025

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

Engage 2 is proud to be part of Tomorrow’s Voices, the space at Airspace World dedicated to empowering the next generation of aviation professionals. Across two days – 14-15 May 2025 – Engage 2 will host interactive activities designed to inspire, connect and inform students, young professionals, and innovators of all ages. Register now for Tomorrow’s Voices and take your first step into the future of airspace. Are you a student? You could receive a €100 support contribution to help you attend the event! To apply, simply write to engage2-coordinator@dblue.it.

📍 Tomorrow’s Voices area, Airspace World 2025, Lisbon

📆 14–15 May 2025

Here’s what’s on the horizon.

✈️ Thematic Workshop: The Future Workforce in the Era of New Entrants, 14 May 2025, 09:30–12:30

This first Engage 2 thematic workshop focuses on Thematic Challenge #4: Integration of New Entrants into the ATM System. Through an engaging and hands-on format, the session will explore the skills and career paths of the future, the evolving needs of the ATM sector, and innovative ways to attract young talent. Are you passionate about drones and new aviation frontiers? Then don’t miss this opportunity! Register here: Registration Form Note: seats are limited. You will receive a confirmation upon registration.

📱 Engage 2 Matchmaking App Launch

We’re excited to unveil our brand-new Engage 2 Matchmaking App, designed to help you connect with peers, mentors, experts, and opportunities tailored to your interests in aviation innovation. Stay tuned – more details coming soon!

🔍 Inspirational Tours

Join us for curated small-group Inspirational Tours across selected exhibitor booths. These guided visits will introduce you to real-world technologies, roles, and career paths in aviation, from operations to innovation, from human-centred design to regulation. Each tour is based on different aviation professional profiles to help you explore the industry through the lens that suits you best. Complete at least three tours to be in with a chance of winning a €100 voucher to spend on online training courses! Register here.

🎲 Board to Fly: The Ultimate Aviation Trivia Challenge

Get ready to put your aviation knowledge to the test with Board to Fly, the serious game developed by Deep Blue! Challenge your friends (or rivals!) and learn more about the aviation sector in the most fun and competitive way possible. Learn more about the game, here.

Engage 2 at SESAR Annual conference 2025. Connecting minds, building the future of aviation

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

Engage 2 took part in the SESAR Annual Conference 2025, one of the most significant events shaping the future of European ATM. The project was represented by its coordinator, Micol Biscotto from Deep Blue, at the dedicated Digital Sky Marketplace Exhibition stand, where she presented the upcoming activities for 2025 and beyond.

The mission of Engage 2 is clear: to be the bridge between academia and industry and empowering the next generation of aviation professionals. This goal aligns perfectly with the vision of SESAR, which focuses on modernizing ATM through research, innovation, and collaboration across the aviation sector.

During the conference, Engage 2 showcased its key initiatives for 2025, including the first Hackathon (which will take place in Madrid in March 2025), the first Thematic workshop (focusing on Thematic Challenge #4 “Integration of new entrants“, will take place at Airspace World 2025), the opening of a new Catalyst funds call in Spring and the next edition of Summer School (Braunschweig, September 2025).

Engage 2’s participation in the SESAR Annual Conference 2025 was a great opportunity to strengthen the dialogue between academia and industry, contributing to a more efficient, sustainable, and future-ready air traffic management system.

Engage 2 Winter School in Belgrade: fostering the next generation of ATM researchers

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

The Engage 2 Winter School recently brought together a dynamic group of young researchers in Belgrade, Serbia, for an intensive five-day programme dedicated to key topics in Air Traffic Management (ATM). Designed to support the academic growth of PhD students funded by Engage 2, as well as other motivated students who applied to participate, the Winter School offered an opportunity for knowledge exchange, networking and collaboration.

A total of 49 expressions of interest were received, highlighting the enthusiasm for this initiative. After a careful selection process conducted by the event’s organisers, 29 students (from 13 countries) were chosen to take part in the programme together with the seven Engage 2 funded PhDs students. These participants engaged in a series of lectures and sessions led by experts from the academic world, providing them with cutting-edge insights into the latest developments in ATM research and innovation.

A tailored programme
The structure of the Winter School was carefully designed based on the input of the PhD students’ supervisors and other professors consulted during the planning phase. Their contributions helped shape a curriculum that addressed the most hot topics in the field, ensuring that participants gained relevant and impactful knowledge.In addition to traditional lectures, the Winter School placed a strong emphasis on peer-to-peer learning and academic discussion. Each PhD student had the opportunity to present their research project, receiving feedback from both their fellow participants and the attending faculty members. This interactive approach fostered a stimulating environment where ideas were exchanged, methodologies were refined and new perspectives emerged.

Building lasting academic and professional connections
One of the key objectives of Engage 2 is to encourage collaboration among young professionals in the aviation and ATM sector. The Winter School embodied this mission by creating a space where students and experts could engage in discussions, build connections and explore potential research synergies.

Beyond the academic sessions, the event also featured informal gatherings, reinforcing the sense of community among participants. A highlight of the social programme was an evening event with a stunning view of the iconic Saint Sava Orthodox Church. This gathering provided a relaxed setting for attendees to strengthen the relationships formed during the week, further enhancing the collaborative spirit fostered by Engage 2.

A commitment to supporting young researchers
By organising initiatives such as the Winter School, Engage 2 reaffirms its dedication to supporting young professionals in the ATM field. Through its numerous activities, the project continues to serve as a bridge between academia and industry, equipping the next generation of experts with the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary for shaping the future of aviation.
The success of this year’s Winter School sets the stage for future editions, further solidifying Engage 2’s role as a key player in fostering innovation and collaboration in ATM research. The next Engage 2 Summer School is already in the planning stages and will take place in Braunschweig, Germany, during the last week of September 2025.

Engage 2 Hackathon: deadline extended and prizes announced

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

The registration deadline for the Engage 2 Hackathon has been extended to 26 January 2025, giving more time to secure spots at this two-day event in Madrid on 24-25 March 2025.

Visit the Engage 2 Wiki to register now and be part of shaping the future of aviation!

Participants will also compete for incredible prizes:

The first-place team will receive the exclusive “Airspace World 2025 Pack” which includes an all-expenses-paid trip to Airspace World 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal (up to €750 per person, with a maximum of €3,000 per team, sponsored by SESAR 3 JU), plus €100 vouchers for each team member and the invitation to a unique breakfast with industry CEOs, with the opportunity to present their solution at the “Future Skies: Tomorrow’s Voices” event, sponsored by CANSO.

The second-place team will be awarded €500 in vouchers for online training platforms or other educational resources, allowing them to continue developing their skills and expertise in aviation and air traffic management sponsored by SESAR 3 JU.

Co-sponsored by key ATM players

To ensure the success of the competition, the event is supported by two key sponsors in addition to the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking:

CANSO (Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation) as a global advocate for air navigation service providers, ensures that participants gain exposure to leading industry figures. Thanks to its participation, the first awardees will be able to participate, all sponsored, to the upcoming edition of Airspace World, which will be held in Lisbon from the 13 to the 15 of May 2025. 

DataBeacon specializes in advanced data science and artificial intelligence solutions for the aviation industry. It focuses on innovative applications, including air traffic management, airline operations and airport management, all designed to optimize efficiency and enhance decision-making. To support the hackathon, DataBeacon will provide the curated datasets – prepared for competition use – and will set up the platform to ensure seamless data access for participants, as well as mentoring them during the competition.

Mentored by experienced professionals

In addition to the expertise offered to the participants by CANSO and DataBeacon, the hackathon will also count with the support of two additional entities:

Airport Regions Council (ARC), is a European network of regional and local authorities dedicated to fostering collaboration and driving innovation in airport-related development. With a focus on sustainable growth, regional integration, and community engagement, ARC representatives will mentor participants by sharing their knowledge and practical experience of the airport environment and operations.

ENAC (École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile) is a globally recognized leader in aviation education and research, renowned for its expertise in air traffic management, airport operations, and aviation technologies. With a mission to advance innovation and excellence in the aviation industry, ENAC brings knowledge and insight to our hackathon, guiding participants, offering them valuable advice, and ensuring teams develop meaningful solutions to the challenge proposed.

Registration now open for the Engage 2 Hackathon #1

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

We are pleased to announce that registrations for our first hackathon – which will take place on the 24-25 March 2025 in Madrid – are now open, with submissions being accepted until January 15, 2025. Submit your application via the Engage 2 Wiki. The organization will cover the costs for accomodation and meals.

This event will bring together new talents to the aviation industry for two days of intense collaboration and creativity. Participants will have the opportunity to tackle the industry’s digitalization challenge, featuring a 24-hour coding session to tackle proposed ATM-related challenges.

Prizes on offer
Among all the prizes, the first-place winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Airspace World 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal, with travel reimbursement for a maximum of €3,000 per team, and more. The second-place team will receive €500 in vouchers for online training platforms or other educational resources, allowing them to choose their preferred development tools.

SESAR AI Flagship workshop. Advancing AI in aviation

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

On 11 November 2024, the SESAR AI Flagship workshop brought together researchers, industry stakeholders and regulatory representatives at Spazio Europa in Rome. This second session of the flagship series followed the inaugural online workshop held on 20 September and coincided with the SESAR Innovation Days, which kicked off the next day. With 56 participants from 23 SESAR projects, the workshop served as a strong continuation of discussions on aligning AI innovation with aviation certification requirements.A key highlight of the event was the active participation of representatives from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Their involvement deepened the connection between SESAR projects and the institution driving the AI Roadmap 2.0, fostering a shared understanding of the roadmap’s goals and bridging the gap between research outputs and regulatory needs.

Bridging research and regulation: insights from EASA

Central to the workshop was EASA’s detailed presentation on the AI Roadmap 2.0, a strategic framework guiding the development and deployment of AI systems in aviation. Launched in 2019, the roadmap has evolved into its second phase, focusing on Level 3 AI capabilities and the consolidation of an AI/ML framework. EASA’s direct engagement with the workshop bridged the divide between research and regulation, enabling SESAR projects to align their innovations with the priorities and expectations of Europe’s leading aviation safety authority.

Guillaume Soudain, joined by colleagues François Triboulet and Andrew Kliner, elaborated on how the roadmap integrates existing safety and certification standards with the unique demands of AI systems. The session highlighted the importance of defining a robust safety assurance process that accommodates the non-deterministic nature of AI. Unlike traditional deterministic automation, AI systems require novel approaches to data management, security threat modeling, and system monitoring.

The discussion on EASA’s “W-model” for learning assurance exemplified these challenges. Designed to address issues such as bias-variance trade-offs and model generalization, the W-model introduces iterative steps for identifying edge cases and ensuring operational robustness. EASA emphasized the criticality of understanding and managing the influence of AI components within hybrid systems, where deterministic and non-deterministic elements coexist.

The roadmap also underscored the significance of operational explainability, tailored to the specific needs of stakeholders such as air traffic controllers and system operators. This focus on user-centric design resonated with participants, especially as the SESAR projects continue to explore how AI can be effectively integrated into real-world ATM operations.

SESAR projects showcase collaborative innovation

The workshop spotlighted five SESAR projects, each tackling unique challenges in applying AI to air traffic management.

JARVIS – The JARVIS project introduced its human-centric design approach for digital assistants, emphasizing the critical role of trust, workload-adaptive interfaces, and robust interaction mechanisms. The project highlighted the risks of over-reliance on AI and the potential for de-skilling, offering a thought-provoking perspective on human-AI teaming.

CODA and TRUSTY -The CODA and TRUSTY projects shared their advances in digital systems for air traffic controllers, exploring adaptive task distribution and the psychological nuances of trust in AI-powered digital towers. These presentations illuminated the transformative potential of AI in redefining ATM roles, while also addressing the philosophical and practical challenges of integrating AI into high-stakes environments.

AI4HyDrop project – AI4HyDrop project explored how AI can optimize airspace management, particularly with the growing presence of drones. By leveraging computer vision and other robust technologies, the project demonstrated its commitment to achieving technical resilience and operational efficiency.

    HUCAN – The HUCAN project showcased its work on a certification roadmap for advanced ATM systems. With EASA now leading this regulatory effort, HUCAN has shifted focus to clarifying critical definitions and approaches to AI, as evidenced by its paper presented at the SESAR Innovation Days.

      The in-person gathering in Rome provided a dynamic forum for meaningful dialogue, building on the foundational discussions of the September online session. Roundtable discussions fostered rich exchanges on topics ranging from technical robustness and AI explainability to human-AI teaming and certification challenges. Participants collaborated on identifying shared terminology, exploring visualization tools, and addressing liability concerns.

      As the day concluded, Alessandro Prister from SESAR thanked the participants for their active engagement and underscored the importance of such collaborative efforts. The SESAR AI Flagship Workshop exemplified the critical role of community and shared expertise in advancing AI for aviation, setting the stage for future innovations and robust frameworks that will shape the industry’s evolution.

      Showcasing innovation and bridging academia and industry in ATM at SESAR Innovation Days 2024

      Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

      Engage 2 participated in the SESAR Innovation Days 2024, where the consortium presented several important developments that reflect the project’s commitment to enhancing collaboration between academia and industry in the ATM domain.

      One of the key highlights was the official launch of the redesigned Engage 2 Wiki. The new version features an updated visual design along with improved user experience and navigation, providing a more efficient tool for those working in the sector.

      During the event, the consortium also opened registrations for its first hackathon, scheduled to take place in Madrid on 24-25 March 2025. This event aims to bring together experts and students to explore innovative solutions for ATM challenges. Thanks to the sponsorships of CANSO, Data Beacon and Airport Regions Council, the Engage 2 hackathon is able to announce several attractive prizes available for the winners. The first-place winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Airspace World 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal, with travel reimbursement for a maximum of €3,000 per team, and more. The second-place team will receive €500 in vouchers for online training platforms or other educational resources, allowing them to choose their preferred development tools. More information about the event can be found here.

      Another significant development presented at SIDs 2024 was the prototype of the Engage 2 matchmaking app. Still in its early stages, the app aims to connect students and professionals in the ATM field, supporting greater engagement and opportunities for the next generation.

      The entire Engage 2 consortium attended the event, where the project’s initiatives were introduced to the SESAR community. The project coordinator also had the opportunity to present Engage 2’s role as a bridge between academia and industry, highlighting the project’s efforts to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange to help shape the future of ATM.

      The SESAR Innovation Days provide an important platform for networking, allowing Engage 2 and other stakeholders to strengthen connections and share insights. These interactions are essential in fostering collaboration across the SESAR community, ensuring that future advancements in ATM are driven by a diverse network of professionals, researchers and innovators working together towards common goals.

      Engage 2 to showcase innovations at SESAR Innovation Days 2024

      Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

      The SESAR Innovation Days 2024 have finally arrived and Engage 2 will have a special place to showcase the latest developments that the SESAR community can benefit from. With our very own stand, our team will be present throughout the entire conference, from 12 to 15 November 2024, to showcase two major innovations: launch our reimagined Wiki and debut the brand-new Matchmaking app.

      The Engage 2 Wiki is a comprehensive knowledge platform designed to support the Air Traffic Management (ATM) community. Recently transformed with a bold new look and an enhanced user experience, the Wiki now offers an even smoother and more intuitive journey for users. From detailed project documentation to insights on the latest research, the Wiki continues to be the go-to resource for ATM professionals, students, and stakeholders.

      Our Matchmaking app, developed by Deep Blue, takes networking to a whole new level. Attendees at SESAR Innovation Days will have the exclusive opportunity to test this pioneering tool, which is set to revolutionize professional connections within the ATM sector. The app enables users to discover potential collaborators and like-minded peers, fostering impactful relationships through shared goals and expertise.

      Join us at our stand to experience these exciting new tools, see you in Rome!