AAORIA Summer school 2026 – Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
This year, the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) brought its activities in force to Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, where ocean professionals of all kinds came together to learn and collaborate with each other in the context of the AAORIA Forum, hosted by the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) and SENAI CIMATEC, where the event took place. The 2026 AAORIA Summer School marked the beginning of these activities, where INPO (Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Oceânicas/ Nacional Institute of oceanic research) and CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ National Council for Scientific and Technological Development) brought together 15 Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs), from 10 different nationalities to learn more on Autonomous Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for the ocean.
For 3 days, from 9 to 11 April 2026, ECOPs learned from a variety of mentors such as researchers, industry professionals and each other by participating in a programme combining presentations, roundtables and a practical challenge. This event was hosted by SENAI CIMATEC, whose interns and students supported this activity and presented their work to the international group, promoting Brazil as an emergent pole of ocean innovation.
The programme started with a full day of lectures and roundtables on the role of AI and autonomous robotics in the ocean. Professor Fabio Nascimento (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) / Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) moderated sessions on the challenges and opportunities of marine robotics and AI in the Atlantic, followed by a discussion on innovation and technological transfer towards the ocean sector.
‘It is a very special event due to its selected participants, allowing for a good exchange of knowledge between colleagues. Continents divide us but the ocean is common and it unites us.‘ stated researcher Rodrigo da Silva Guerra (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (Furg) /Federal University of Rio Grande).
Before diving into the practical activities, ECOPs immersed themselves on robotic fundamentals, and autonomous systems with a focus on ocean applications. To conclude the 2026 AAORIA Summer School, ECOPs and mentors moved to the SENAI CIMATEC Labmaker, a hands-on space dedicated to experimentation and innovation, where ECOPs split into five teams to create a simple device to monitor the ocean environment. For the remaining time, all teams worked collaboratively to overcome technical challenges and create a simple boat to achieve the given challenge. There was a competition element, as only one group won in the end.
‘This is an excellent space to learn, connect, and share ideas. Investing in the younger generation means investing in a better future.’ mentioned Dileine Cunha (Coordinator of International negotiations of CNPq).
For many participants, this was a unique opportunity to meet and collaborate with a diverse group of ocean researchers, with different backgrounds and experience levels. Above all, the group learnt more about the role robotics is playing and will play in the future of our oceans. The ECOPs selected for the 2026 AAORIA Summer School went on to participate in the 2026 AAORIA Forum and Intergenerational Hackathon, which also took place at SENAI CIMATEC.
Learn more about the 2026 AAORIA Summer School on the INPO website!
