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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.

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 Flasghip workshop in Rome to advace ATM collaboration

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

The SESAR Joint Undertaking, supported by Engage 2, announces the upcoming AI Flagship workshop, set for 11 November 2024 at Spazio Europa in Rome, Italy. This workshop aims to bring together key stakeholders, researchers, and industry experts to collaborate on advancing Artificial Intelligence in Air Traffic Management.

Building on the discussions from the AI Initial Coordination Workshop held in September, this session will focus on deepening our collective understanding of AI and advancing the regulatory debate in collaboration with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Key objectives of the workshop include:

  • Promoting interaction among SESAR projects working in AI
  • Encouraging dialogue with EASA on AI implementation and regulation
  • Shaping the future of AI in ATM through collective contributions

This event presents a valuable opportunity for participants to engage with fellow experts and stakeholders, sharing insights and contributing to the future of AI in the aviation sector.

Engage 2 presents the matchmaking app concept at EASN 2024

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

At the 14th EASN International Conference held in Thessaloniki, Greece, Engage 2 showcased the early stages of its innovative matchmaking app designed to bridge the gap between students, academia and the ATM industry. Tommaso Vendruscolo, Senior UX/UI Designer & Human Factors Consultant at Deep Blue, presented the concept, methodology and development steps of the tool, which is set to become a student-centric application for navigating the aviation industry.

The app, developed by Engage 2, aims to foster connections between students, universities, and companies, enabling users to create profiles, discover mutual opportunities, and participate in events such as hackathons and open days. It also offers a variety of job cards and videos to help students explore career paths in the ATM sector, supporting them in making informed decisions about their futures.

This matchmaking app represents Engage 2’s commitment to empowering the next generation of aviation professionals by creating a digital platform that responds to the evolving needs of the aviation industry.

Engage 2 at the European Researchers’ Night 2024

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

We are happy to announce that the Engage 2 project will participate in the upcoming edition of the European Researchers’ Night, taking place in the beautiful setting of Piazza Unità, Trieste. This event, a major celebration of science and research, will be held on the 27th of September 2024.

Organised by our partner, the University of Trieste with the contribution of the Coordinator Deep Blue, this engaging activity, titled “Uno sguardo al cielo: ma quanto è complesso il trasporto aereo europeo?” (A look at the sky: How complex is European air transport?), will bring the world of air traffic management closer to the public.

Through a fun and interactive map-based game, participants will understand the immense scale and complexity of European air transport, as well as the numerous challenges it faces, from environmental impact to connectivity, especially given the daily surge of aircraft across European skies.

This activity will demonstrate how research is essential in designing a more sustainable air traffic system, both environmentally and economically. The activity will be conducted in Italian, making it accessible to the local community and ensuring a broader engagement.

Join us in Trieste to explore the future of air transport and discover how research can pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient aviation system!

Fore more info (in italian): https://www.sharper-night.it/sharper-trieste/

Join Engage 2 at SESAR Innovation Days 2024!

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

We are excited to announce our participation in the SESAR Innovation Days 2024!

Come to visit at our stand, where you will have the opportunity to meet all our project partners and, most importantly, test the first prototype of our innovative matchmaking app. This app is designed to allow students, universities and companies to create profiles and search for joint opportunities, fostering new collaborations and accelerating innovation.

Don’t miss this chance to explore and connect with leading minds in the industry!

First plenary meeting of Engage 2 in Vienna

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

The Engage 2 project successfully held its first plenary meeting in Vienna on 4-5 June. Hosted by Frequentis, the meeting was fully attended by all consortium partners. This event provided an important opportunity to review the achievements of the first year of the project.

The meeting provided an opportunity to take stock of the project’s first year, highlighting the numerous initiatives that have been successfully completed. These include the launch of the first Call for Catalyst project funding and the PhD funding call. The partners also reviewed the results of various surveys conducted in recent months among industry stakeholders and academic representatives, expecially the insights gathered thanks to the open science survey in the ATM sector.

A key focus of the meeting was laying the groundwork for upcoming activities. The most imminent of these is the first Summer School, which will be held in Belgrade from September 9-13. Additionally, Engage 2’s involvement in the upcoming SESAR Innovation Days, which will take place in Rome from November 12-15, was discussed.

These discussions and planning sessions are crucial for ensuring the continued success and impact of the Engage 2 project as it moves into its next phases.

Engage 2 supports SESAR Young Scientist Award 2024

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

The ATM industry is facing a number of challenges, such as increasing traffic demand, environmental concerns, and the need for more efficient and safe operations. Young scientists are playing a key role in developing innovative solutions to these challenges and the SESAR Young Scientist Award is a great opportunity for them to showcase their work and receive recognition for their achievements. We encourage all eligible young scientists to apply.

The 2024 edition of the award has widened its scope from previous years and is now open to two categories: 

  • PhD scientists with the chance to receive a prize of EUR 10 000 
  • Undergraduate or Master students with the chance to win a prize of EUR 5 000 

How to apply

The deadline for applications is 21 August 2024. Visit the SESAR website to learn more and apply online.

About the SESAR Young Scientist Award

The SESAR Young Scientist Award is an annual award that is open to PhD students and Master’s students from around the world. The award recognizes outstanding research in the field of ATM. Winners receive a cash prize and the opportunity to present their work at a major ATM conference.