As climate change makes extreme rainfall more frequent and intense across Europe, public authorities need faster and clearer ways to understand risks, protect communities, and make evidence-based decisions. 

The European AI Challenge 2026: From Data to Policy, organised by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission and FARI – AI for the Common Good Institute Brussels, invites students to explore how artificial intelligence, data, and science-for-policy methods can support better preparedness for future floods. 

The challenge will take place in Brussels on 29 and 30 October 2026. 

Applications are now open. 

About the challenge

The European AI Challenge 2026 will bring together around 60 students from Belgian universities, with participation also open to students from other European institutions and high schools. Participants will work in multidisciplinary teams to analyse flood-related scenarios and transform data-driven insights into practical policy recommendations. 

During the challenge, students will use AI tools and European Commission’s geospatial datasets to identify risk patterns, exposed populations, and vulnerable infrastructure. They will then translate their findings into clear outputs for decision-makers, including a visualisation and a short policy brief. 

In addition, the teams will present their recommendations to a jury, and a prize will be awarded to the winning team. 

The challenge is designed for students interested in the role of AI and data in addressing real societal challenges, especially in the context of climate change, public decision-making, and crisis preparedness. 

Why flood risk?

Recent floods in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany have shown how important it is for public authorities to access reliable data, interpret it quickly, and act on it. When lives, infrastructure, and communities are at risk, decision-makers cannot rely on fragmented information or slow analysis. 

Therefore, this challenge asks a timely question: how can AI be used responsibly to help governments prepare for climate-related emergencies? 

By combining data analysis, policy communication, and critical reflection on AI, the initiative aims to train a new generation of professionals able to work across disciplines and support public decision-making under pressure

Who can apply?

Applications will be open to: 

— Master’s students  

— Bachelor’s students  

— Students from Belgian universities, hautes écoles and hogescholen  

— Students from other European institutions, where relevant  

We are looking for students from different fields, including: 

— Artificial intelligence  

— Data science  

— Computer science  

— Engineering  

— Environmental science  

— Urban studies  

— Political science  

— Public policy  

— International relations  

— Communication  

— Journalism  

— Linguistics  

— Media studies  

No single profile is expected to do everything. The challenge is built around teamwork, with students combining technical, policy, environmental, and communication skills.  

What will students do?

Over two days, students will work in teams to: 

— Analyse European Commission’s geospatial datasets  

— Explore risk scenarios affecting European regions  

— Identify exposed populations and infrastructure  

— Create a map, a dashboard or a data visualisation  

— Prepare a concise two-page policy brief  

— Reflect on the responsible use of AI in their workflow  

— Present their findings to a jury  

The challenge is not only technical analysis. It is also about making complex information understandable, useful, and actionable for public authorities. 

Practical information

Dates: Thursday 29 and Friday 30 October 2026
Location: Brussels
Day 1: FARI offices
Day 2: JRC premises
Participants: Around 60 students
Format: Two-day multidisciplinary challenge
Language: English
Participation fee: Free of charge
Applications: Opening soon 

Organisers

The challenge is organised by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission and FARI – AI for the Common Good Institute Brussels. 

Together, the two institutions aim to create a hands-on learning experience that connects AI, flood risk data, public policy, and science-for-policy communication. 

Call to action

Interested in using AI and data for the common good? Register your interest here.

Questions? Contact info@fari.brussels