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Breakthrough Robotics

Think as a robotics innovator and develop world-class solutions
duration2 weeks
languageEnglish
locationMadrid
intake13th of July - 24th of July, 2026
formatIn-person
For whoUndergraduate students & recent graduates

Turn your curiosity into innovation

Over two intensive weeks in Madrid, the Breakthrough Robotics Summer School takes students from idea to prototype, mastering the complete robotics development lifecycle. 

Through hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, you’ll explore intelligent systems at the intersection of mechanical engineering, computer science, design, and artificial intelligence.

With an interdisciplinary and accessible approach, the program welcomes students from all academic backgrounds—no prior technical experience required.

By collaborating across disciplines, you’ll develop creative solutions, build functional prototypes, and gain the confidence to think and act like a robotics innovator.

Held at IE University’s state-of-the-art Robotics & AI Lab in Madrid, the program combines technical training with real-world applications, empowering participants to explore the role of intelligent systems in shaping the future.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?

  • This program is right for you if…

    … you want to experience how design, technology, and innovation converge to create the robots of tomorrow.

  • Participant profile

    Undergraduate students from any field who are eager to experiment, collaborate, and innovate through robotics.

Days to start your best summer

264days
:
23hours
:
11minutes

Course Overview – Typical Day in the Breakthrough Robotics Program

We’ve structured your day-to-day to sharpen your skills and bring out your best ideas. Designed for an engaging and hands-on experience, here’s what a typical day in the Robotics program looks like:

  • A group of students in a university classroom engaging in discussion with a teacher.

    Week 1:

    • Four young adults enjoying a conversation at an outdoor table with coffee and water bottles.
  • A group of people engaging in a collaborative work session at a modern office space.

    Week 2:

    • Monday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • A speaker presents on stage at IE University, focusing on a mobile device.

    Last day

    • The last day is dedicated to reflection, group project presentations and a fun graduation ceremony.

Step inside our Robotics Lab

Play

Focus Areas

Develop practical skills and creative insight to thrive in the world of robotics and intelligent systems. From mechanical design to AI-driven interaction, each area equips you to build, program, and innovate with confidence and impact.

  • 01.

    1. Robotics Foundations

    Master the core principles of motion, mechanics, and design that power every intelligent system.

  • 02.

    1. Technology in Action

    Learn to program, prototype, and control robots using cutting-edge tools and platforms.

  • 03.

    1. Creative Innovation

    Combine design thinking with interdisciplinary teamwork to bring bold ideas to life.

  • 04.

    1. Showcase & Impact

    Present your robotic prototype in a professional setting and connect with the tech community.

Unique Value

Develop a fully functional robot prototype while gaining the skills and confidence to innovate across disciplines.

Learning Outcome

Graduate from the program with a fully functional robotic prototype, a portfolio-ready project, and the interdisciplinary skills to turn ideas into intelligent solutions.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

What You're going to do
4 Weeks
Week 1
    Week 2
      What You're going to do
      4 Weeks
      Faculty Spotlight: Robert Polding | IE School of Science and Technology

      OUR PROGRAM LEAD FACULTY

      Robert Polding - Assistant Vice Dean of Computing and Data Science at IE University.

      • Academic Director of the HealthCare Impact Xcelerator.
      • Training and Teaching of IT and Information Systems related subjects
      • Network Engineer
      • Journalist

      DISCOVER THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR YOU

      With flexible programs, you can mix and match the topics that interest you the most, giving you a taste of your future degree or career. Each program lasts two weeks and you can combine up to three programs to create a very personal learning journey.​

        DISCOVER THE SUMMER CALENDAR

        Take a look to see how you can structure your summer with our various combinations.​

        Abstract for Tuition | IE

        TUITION

        *Early bird

        •  Before March 30th

        2 WEEK PROGRAM

        • 3,500€
        • *5,900€ Bundle Price (2 weeks + 2 weeks)

        CREDIT RECOGNITION

        If you join IE University’s Summer Program for a two week module and opt in to the additional academic deliverable, you will receive a Certificate of Achievement indicating an academic workload equivalence of 3 ECTS credits. 

        Completing two modules with the deliverable corresponds to 6 ECTS, and three modules to 9 ECTS. 

        To qualify for credit recognition, you must fulfill all course requirements and submit the additional deliverable within two weeks of finishing your last module. Recognition of credits is always determined by your home institution.

        THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

        A graphic illustration of a woman interacting with a large, symbolic interface, handling documents and folders.

        1. Online Application

        You will need to complete the online application with the following documents: 

        1. Academic transcripts.  
        2. CV (cv template).
        3. Video Assessment: in this section you will complete two live video questions on general knowledge topics.

        *You must complete all sections of the application in order to submit it.

        A person working on a laptop at a standing desk.

        2. Submit your Application

        Once you complete all sections you may submit your online application to be evaluated by our team.

        *Interviews will be conducted with the IE team to explore entrepreneurship ideas and provide guidance

        A stylized illustration of a woman walking confidently with a large checklist and a check mark, symbolizing task completion or approval.

        3. Admissions Final Decision

        Within 2 weeks of submitting, the Summer School Team will contact you with the final resolution of your Admissions process. Should it be positive, you will be guided through the next steps for your enrollment.

        A man in a yellow cap is checking a large checklist on a blue document.

        START YOUR APPLICATION

        Spaces are limited, so enroll now to guarantee your place!