- Rolling application
Cybersecurity and AI Summer Bootcamp
19–23 July 2027
Location
Participants
Tuition
About the Program
The AI and Cybersecurity Summer Bootcamp is an intensive, interdisciplinary program for students who want to understand how artificial intelligence is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape.
The program begins with the broader threat environment: who conducts cyber operations, what motivates different actors, how their capabilities are evolving and how governments and organizations respond. Participants will then explore several of the most consequential areas of contemporary cybersecurity, including the challenge of attributing cyber operations, the proliferation of commercial spyware and the activities of nation-state hackers. Across these areas, the program will examine how artificial intelligence is changing – or could change – the behaviour and capabilities of cyber actors.
Participants will also be encouraged to distinguish demonstrated changes from speculation and hype, consider where AI may amplify existing capabilities rather than create entirely new ones, and identify the political, organisational and technical factors that continue to shape cyber operations.
Through expert-led lectures, discussions and applied group projects, the program will connect technical developments with questions of strategy, geopolitics, governance and public policy.
Curriculum and Format
Morning sessions
Afternoon sessions
During the afternoons, participants will work in interdisciplinary teams on an applied project connected to one of the program’s central themes.
Teams will receive guidance and feedback from program mentors throughout the week. Projects will require participants to combine evidence, technical understanding and strategic analysis while communicating uncertainty clearly.
For examples of projects developed during last year’s Ransomware Defence Summer Bootcamp, see here.
- Running phishing simulations to improve staff awareness;
- Conducting tabletop exercises to test incident-response readiness;
- Developing decryptor libraries and victim-support materials;
- Performing network scans to identify vulnerabilities
Lectures and workshops take place at the Amsterdam Business School, with additional optional evening activities – including informal discussion sessions, quiz nights, and community events.
Speakers
How to Apply
- Master's and PhD students enrolled at any recognized higher education institution worldwide.
- Final-year bachelor students who have been accepted into a graduate program (proof of acceptance required).
Students from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Those without prior cybersecurity experience should complete the Introductory Course on Cybersecurity, available online on VIRO Learning as a self-paced module before the start of the bootcamp.
Participants must be actively enrolled at a university and should register using their student email address.
Cybersecurity Seminars Program
The Cybersecurity and AI Summer Bootcamp has been made possible with support from Google.org. The Cybersecurity Seminars program, which has supported training programs across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and is now being launched in the Netherlands by Virtual Routes.
Student feedback for 2026
Partner Universities
The Bootcamp benefits from a number of university partnerships that help broaden participation and strengthen engagement with academic communities across different regions.
FAQ
When does the program take place?
The bootcamp runs for five days, Monday to Friday, from 9:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with optional evening sessions such as guest talks, quiz nights, and informal networking events.
Where is it held?
Lectures and afternoon group projects will take place at the Amsterdam Business School, University of Amsterdam.
Is the program really free?
Does Virtual Routes cover travel or accommodation?
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Students who complete the full program receive a Certificate of Completion issued by Virtual Routes.
Can I earn academic credit for this program?
Do I need a technical background?
No. The bootcamp welcomes students from all disciplines. Students without prior cybersecurity experience are recommended to complete the Virtual Routes Introductory Course on Cybersecurity, available online as a self-paced module before the start of the bootcamp.
How many students will be accepted?
Up to 40 students will be selected based on merit, motivation, and fit with the program.
