Dive into the core of CAETS 2026. Explore our detailed agenda, including keynote themes, session formats, and the engineering challenges at the heart of this year’s discussions.
Today it begins – CAETS 2026 starts in Munich.
We are excited to welcome the global engineering community for an outstanding week of exchange and dialogue.
Day 2: Start of the Convocation
We look forward to the official Welcome Ceremony, the first session on Security and Earth Observation, and an evening of celebration at the grand Gala Dinner.
Working Groups and Committees meetings
Focusing on key global challenges, these groups analyze emerging trends and develop science-based recommendations in engineering and technology. They foster international collaboration, facilitate industry-academia networking, and provide strategic advice to policymakers to promote technological advancement and sustainability.
PUBLIC SYMPOSIUM
From a Distance – Earth Observation for Monitoring, Comprehension, and Change
SESSION 1
Welcome to the Convocation – Igniting Innovation from Above and Beyond
The Opening Ceremony will feature distinguished keynote speakers, an introduction to the conference themes, and a celebration of international collaboration in engineering and technological innovation.
Moderator: Frank Behrendt, CAETS president, acatech
SESSION 2
Bridging Perspectives – Earth Observation for Decision-Making, Security, and Resilience
How can Earth observation enhance security, defense readiness, and societal resilience in an age of hybrid threats?
In times of rising geopolitical tensions, Earth observation is becoming a key pillar of security, crisis prevention, and situational awareness. This high-level session brings together experts from science, policy, and industry to discuss how satellite systems, sensor networks, and secure data infrastructures can strengthen Europe’s security and resilience, while upholding transparency, ethical responsibility, and technological sovereignty.
The discussion will explore how trusted digital infrastructures, appropriate governance frameworks, and industrial innovation can jointly support defense, risk management, and mission-critical operations.
Moderator: tbc
Day 3: The Show Must Go On
The final day of the Convocation addresses critical environmental challenges, centering on sustainable soil management and strategies for mitigating natural hazards through engineering and innovation.
SESSION 3
SOIL – Perspectives through Remote Sensing and Global Insights
This session highlights soil as a foundation for life and examines how remote sensing supports soil analysis, protection, and sustainable management, bringing together interdisciplinary perspectives to foster dialogue and inform policy options.
Moderator: Reinhard Hüttl, Scientific Director and Managing Partner, EII Eco-Environment Innovation GmbH
SESSION 4
NATURAL HAZARDS – From Early Warning to Recovery
This session explores how Earth observation supports the full disaster management cycle – from detecting and forecasting extreme events with satellite data, AI, and modelling, to providing rapid situational awareness and damage assessment for emergency response and integrating Earth Oberservation insights into disaster risk reduction and management systems worldwide.
Day 4: Closing Session
Strategic direction setting and formal closing of the Annual Event by the Council members.
