News

Looking at the new year ahead at EURECOM

I am truly excited about the year ahead for EURECOM.

After an intense and rewarding 2025, we are entering a new phase, one where many of our ambitions are becoming tangible.
2026 will be a year of momentum, consolidation, and bold steps forward, reflecting the mindset of all our talented colleagues on campus!

Let me share a few key ideas that will define this new chapter.

This year marks a symbolic milestone with the graduation ceremony of our very first cohort of EURECOM Engineer Degree graduates on March 13. This moment will both be a source of pride and a strong validation of our academic vision. I am confident that the technical expertise, international exposure, and human values they have gained at EURECOM set them up optimally to build impactful careers, and, hopefully, to change the world even if just a little.

Second, our international and collaborative DNA continues to grow.

Over the past year, EURECOM has strengthened its academic and industrial partnerships worldwide, expanded student mobility opportunities, and welcomed talents from all continents.
In 2026, this openness will remain a strategic priority, because innovation rarely happens in silos (and never on one continent alone).

Third, research excellence and innovation are accelerating.

Our strong presence at major international events such as WAICF, MWC, and the AI Summit, combined with the many awards received in 2025, clearly demonstrates the impact and visibility of our research.

Perhaps one figure best illustrates the talent density among our Faculty, no fewer than 35% of our professors were listed in the 2025 Stanford World’s Top 2% Scientists ranking. Research activity was also impressive, with 2025 having the highest R&D project turnover since EURECOM’s founding 33 years ago, with many of these projects being carried out in collaboration with EURECOM’s consortium members. Among the collected excellence awards, perhaps a special mention to the European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award 2025, granted to the Odeuropa project in the Research category, a powerful reminder that cutting-edge research can also carry deep cultural and societal meaning.

Looking ahead, 2026 is poised to become another turning point for our school and shared campus. Many examples come to mind, but let us cite only a few here.

The launch of EURECOM’s AI Center, to be housed in the brand-new Alpha building will provide much more than additional space. It will be a strategic hub designed to strengthen interactions between researchers, students, and industry partners, and to accelerate AI innovation pertaining to all key EURECOM expertise domains in autonomous systems, future communication (6G) and transport networks, cybersecurity, life sciences and beyond. For infrastructure, the EURECOM AI Center will be supported by the newly deployed CIRCALIS computing center for AI experimentation and fueled in part by the SUNRECOM solar farm on campus. For the future networks area, the campus will accelerate the deployment of advanced experimentation tools via the EU-wide SLICES initiative where EURECOM is a key actor.

In parallel, we are launching a Joint Lab with EDHEC for Quantum in information and communications systems, further reinforcing our positioning at the intersection of engineering, management, and breakthrough technologies. This initiative responds directly to the expectations of new generations of students and partners, who increasingly seek hybrid skills and real-world impact.

Beyond buildings, joint labs initiatives, and projects, what truly makes EURECOM special is its people.

The strong sense of community, the engagement in wide-ranging initiatives (including non-tech related such as Pink October, the shared victories and defeats during the Sophia Games), and the national HappyAtSchool ranking where EURECOM once more appeared in the top 3 all remind us that excellence is strongest when it is built together, in a supportive and welcoming environment.

As we step into 2026, our ambition remains clear:

to continue building, with its consortium members, a truly unique international institution that combines scientific excellence, high-level education, values openness, and responsible innovation, in service of our students, partners, and society.

I wish you all a very happy, inspiring, and successful year ahead, filled with bold ideas, meaningful collaborations, and shared achievements.

Best wishes for 2026,

Prof. David Gesbert
Director of EURECOM

On November 13, 2025, EURECOM hosted a new edition of the EDHEC x EURECOM Entrepreneurship Festival, bringing together students, entrepreneurs, and researchers around technological innovation.

This afternoon event featured two parallel highlights: a "Tech meets Market Truth" conference with David Gesbert (EURECOM), Melpomeni Dimopoulou (PEARCODE), and David Carton (DeepCodIA), moderated by Yasmine Machwate (EDHEC Entrepreneurs), alongside a collaborative hackathon where EDHEC and EURECOM students worked on three cutting-edge technologies: EULER (an AI tutor based on the Socratic method), DeepFake detection, and high-precision 5G positioning.

The day concluded with a networking cocktail, allowing participants to connect with startups from TechForward as well as our faculty researchers and research engineers.

EURECOM would like to thank all participants and partners for making this edition such a success.

The Institut Mines-Télécom (IMT) announces the launch of a new edition of the Up To Start by IMT competition, dedicated to deeptech projects emerging from its schools. This competition is part of a strategic initiative aimed at supporting the creation of high-potential technology startups, building on IMT’s academic excellence and its network of incubators.

Financial support and tailored guidance

The 15 winning projects will receive a total of €100,000 to help them get started. The top four projects will be awarded grants ranging from €5,000 to €20,000, while ten others will benefit from tailored support services worth €5,000. In addition, the winners will gain access to an extensive network of technical experts, investors, and potential partners across France and Europe, as well as technological and scientific support, including access to resources and assistance with intellectual property matters.

An opportunity for project leaders

This competition represents a unique opportunity for innovators leading technological projects to benefit from an environment that fosters their growth. By joining one of the incubators within the IMT network, selected projects will have access to resources and personalized guidance adapted to their specific needs, enhancing their success and market impact.

Application details

Applications are open until November 16, 2025. Interested project leaders can submit their applications through the official competition website:  https://www.imt.fr/up-to-start-by-imt-revient-avec-une-edition-deeptech/

Mathieu Henry, a third-year engineering student at EURECOM specializing in cybersecurity, is currently studying in Italy for a double degree at Politecnico di Torino (PoliTO), a prestigious member of EURECOM’s GIE consortium.

At EURECOM, students have the flexibility to fulfill their international mobility requirement by pursuing a double degree with one of our partner universities, a unique opportunity to gain a deeper academic perspective while living a true international experience.

“I wanted to go to Italy because I love the country and already speak the language, but that’s absolutely not a requirement, even outside campus.”

Mathieu chose PoliTO to deepen his knowledge in telecommunications and gain a broader understanding of the systems behind cybersecurity.

“For me, security is one thing, but knowing what you’re securing is even better!”

This double degree program, lasting 12 months, allows students to stay aligned with their original graduation year while enjoying a rich academic and cultural experience abroad.

Life in Turin feels quite different from the French Riviera:

“Turin is a city full of history, with stunning buildings and all kinds of museums. It’s also a big city, so there’s always something to do. There are beautiful hiking trails nearby offering breathtaking views of the entire city. Thanks to the Erasmus association, many cultural, social, and sports events are organized throughout the year, such as weekend trips to Italian cities (Rome, Cinque Terre), themed parties, sport days, and museum visits.”

When it comes to academics, Mathieu appreciates the hands-on learning approach at Politecnico di Torino:

“Regarding the courses, they are perfectly suited to the level we have when leaving Eurecom and include a lot of practical work. For example, I’m taking a project-based course where we collaborate with PoliTO researchers to implement an alternative version of a code they’re working on, in order to compare the two approaches. It’s very stimulating!”

Why choose a double degree with a GIE member university?

EURECOM’s double degree opportunities with its GIE (Groupement d’Intérêt Économique) members, such as PoliTO, offer students:

1.    Mutual academic recognition between leading institutions,
2.    An integrated international experience within their curriculum,
3.    And a direct connection to the scientific and strategic priorities that guide EURECOM’s governance and research.

At Politecnico di Torino, students can choose between a 12-month Engineering Double Degree or an 18-month Master of Science Double Degree, while benefiting from a unique advantage because they pay tuition fees only to EURECOM. Depending on the program, courses are offered entirely in English or partly in Italian, with corresponding language requirements (English B2 minimum, and Italian A2 or B2 depending on the track).

This partnership reflect the GIE’s mission to bridge education, research, and industry, preparing engineers to meet the real-world challenges of the digital era.

Mathieu’s advice?

“Don’t hesitate for a second! It’s an incredible experience, both academically and personally. If you have any questions, I’d be happy to discuss this experience with you!”

Ciao a tutti!

On Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 2pm to 7pm, the EURECOM campus will host an afternoon dedicated to innovation, inspiration and networking.

The event is open to anyone interested in entrepreneuship, startups, and technology, offering a unique opportunity to explore the intersection between research and business creation.

Programme highlights:

• Deeptech entrepreneuship talk
• Startup and recruitment booths
• Guided visits of EURECOM’s cutting-edge laboratories
• EDHEC Entrepreneurs booths, showcasing incubation programmes

Participants will have the opportunity to discover innovative projects, engage with founders, researchers and industry experts and strengthen their professional network within the innovation ecosystem.

Come explore how tech meets business and connect with founders, innovators, and peers who share your passion for creating impact.

Register now: https://airtable.com/appFacJFHvoYUzjDq/shr30uGDd9uD7wFGE

Taking place from 27 to 29 October 2025 in Sophia Antipolis, France, the European Wireless 2025 conference will be at the heart of Europe’s digital innovation ecosystem.

This 30th edition comes at a time when digital sovereignty, sustainability, cybersecurity, and technological independence have become key priorities for European institutions and drivers of competitiveness.

With the overarching theme of 'Shaping Next-Generation Wireless with AI', the conference will delve into significant advancements and emerging trends in 5G/6G, the tactile internet, quantum networks, and the incorporation of AI into OpenRAN architectures.

Bringing together researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers, the event is united by the common goal of building a robust, secure, and ethical European digital infrastructure that combines AI, 6G, the Internet of Things (IoT), sustainability and open networking.

Hosted by EURECOM, the conference will feature special sessions, tutorials, and research presentations that highlight the technologies and methods that will shape tomorrow's wireless networks. Accepted papers will be published by VDE and made available on IEEE Xplore, ensuring international scientific visibility.

• Learn more about the conference and programme at: https://ew2025.european-wireless.org/home
• Join the conversation and contribute to the future of wireless networks: https://ew2025.european-wireless.org/registration

EURECOM is proud to announce that the Odeuropa project, a pioneering European research initiative in which EURECOM played a key technological role, has been named a winner of the 2025 European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award in the Research category. This distinction, considered the highest recognition in Europe for cultural heritage, celebrates the exceptional achievements of projects that preserve and promote Europe’s rich and diverse heritage.

Led by the Humanities Cluster of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Odeuropa brought together 35 researchers from six countries (France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom) to explore the cultural significance of smell in European history between 1600 and 1920. The project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme, marked the first large-scale initiative to place olfactory heritage at the center of historical research and museum interpretation.

Watch the video

At EURECOM, the project was driven by Prof. Raphaël Troncy, along with researchers Pasquale Lisena and Thibault Ehrhart, who led the development of cutting-edge AI technologies. Their tools made it possible to automatically extract and analyze more than 2.5 million olfactory experiences from historical texts and images in six European languages. These efforts powered key outputs such as the European Olfactory Knowledge Graph, the Smell Explorer database, and a suite of digital tools now used by museums and researchers across Europe to craft immersive, multisensory heritage narratives.

David Gesbert, EUREOM’s director add: "As a European engineering school and leading research lab pushing the frontiers of digital science, I think it is also our mission to educate the public on the costs and limitations of AI, but *also* on the many positives brought by AI, often in unexpected application domains. That's why it is so refreshing to see the value of AI for society being demonstrated so nicely, beyond the conventional borders of engineering and industry. Big kudos to the project team led Prof. Troncy!"

A second European Heritage Award for EURECOM!

This is not the first time EURECOM’s expertise in artificial intelligence and digital heritage has been recognized at the European level. In 2022, the SILKNOW project, also led by Prof. Troncy and his team, received the same award for its innovative use of AI to safeguard Europe’s silk heritage. Two European Heritage Awards in just three years is a rare and remarkable achievement, a testament to EURECOM’s continued commitment to applying advanced technology in the service of cultural preservation and innovation.

“Odeuropa’s interdisciplinary research in the emerging field of olfactory heritage fills a critical gap in our scientific understanding and creates new tools and data to support future research on historical scents and heritage,” noted the jury of the European Heritage Awards.

Key achievements of Odeuropa include:

• The AI-based identification of scent references in over 43,000 historical images and 167,000 books
• The creation of the first database to explore heritage through smell: Odeuropa Smell Explorer
• The development of a Storytelling Toolkit for Museums, co-created with perfumers and heritage scientists
• The training of over 760 students and the involvement of communities to collect “smell memories” and local knowledge
• The presentation of olfactory narratives in new museum exhibitions, educational tools, and even at the EU Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka

Congratulations to our partners across Europe, and thank you to the European Commission, Europa Nostra, the Creative Europe Programme for supporting this extraordinary project!

Are you passionate about open-source hardware, IoT security, and embedded systems? The ORSHIN Summer School 2025 offers a unique opportunity to delve into these topics alongside leading experts from academia and industry.

Dates : September 7–10, 2025
Location: Porto Platanias Beach Resort & Spa, Chania, Crete, Greece
Website : summer-school.info
Registration: Register via Eventleaf

Why Attend?

✔️ Expert-Led Sessions: Engage with renowned speakers from institutions like KU Leuven, EURECOM, NXP, Texplained, and Tropic Square. Topics include:
➡️ Trusted lifecycle methodologies for open-source hardware
➡️ Hardware masking techniques against side-channel attacks
➡️ Hands-on exploration of the Proteus RISC-V CPU
➡️ Bluetooth security testing with BlueToolkit
➡️ Application of ORSHIN research in industrial contexts

✔️ Networking Opportunities: Connect with Master’s and PhD students, researchers, and industry professionals from across Europe

✔️ Beautiful Venue: Experience the charm of Crete while staying at a 5-star resort. Special accommodation rates are available for participants

Registration Details

➡️ Early Bird Fee: €230 (until August 1, 2025)
➡️ Standard Fee: €330 (from August 2, 2025)
Fees cover lectures, welcome reception, lunches, banquet dinner, and coffee breaks. Travel and accommodation are not included. (summer-school.info)

Financial Assistance

Students seeking financial support can apply for stipends or fee waivers by contacting pela.noe@esat.kuleuven.be before June 28, 2025. (summer-school.info)

Don't Miss Out!

Secure your spot today and be part of shaping the future of secure open-source hardware and software for the Internet of Things. (horizon-orshin.eu)