Program 2026
In cooperation with NUST, Pakistan since 2022
Since 2022, the Summer School Bootcamp and the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Pakistan have jointly offered this program for NUST's own incoming students.
Project Ariadne — a simulation with a real-world model
In 2026, the practice challenge for Rust Programming and Formal Methods is, for the first time, not a conventional exam but a simulation: an autonomous exploration vehicle for buildings collapsed in earthquakes. Waseem Ahmad of Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) supports the 2026 cohort as a guest lecturer, bringing real disaster-management practice into the mix. Should students master the simulation, parts of their work could feed into a real project.
Format
Courses run online — full-time, on a deliberately intensive schedule, not a casual side course. Participants work in small teams, in clearly defined roles, with regular presentation and explanation phases. All participants meet in person for the program's closing event.
What a day looks like
9:00 AM–5:00 PM: courses. From 6pm: the Lab — where participants build and learn on Project Ariadne, with tutors providing support. 2026 runs on a shorter overall timeframe, so Saturdays are part of the program. Weekend work has always been part of it for participants regardless.
It's not just the students who learn
Every cohort brings new insights — for students, for NUST, and for our own team alike. The program has kept evolving since 2022, from the first cooperation through to Project Ariadne.
2026 curriculum
Mathematics
Without mathematics, there's no AI, no cryptography, no physics engine. Every other subject in this program builds directly on it — a gap here is felt everywhere else first.
Formal Methods
Formal Methods proves correctness instead of just testing for it — the standard wherever failure isn't an option, from aviation to medical devices. Those who can do it are in demand: talent in this field is scarce.
Rust Programming
Rust shows up everywhere speed and robustness matter: safety-critical systems, blockchain, fintech. Solid Rust skills set applications apart in a field that often only knows C and Python.
Artificial Intelligence
AI now has a say in who gets hired, which diagnosis gets made, which car brakes in time. Understanding the fundamentals — not just writing prompts — is an edge that grows every year.
Personal Development & Leadership
The proof is on the Method page: since Personal Development became 50% of the schedule, every student has solved every task for the first time. Not a coincidence.
2026 guest lecturers
New for this cohort.
Waseem Ahmad
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Pakistan
Waseem Ahmad of Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) supports the 2026 cohort as a guest lecturer & supports Project Ariadne, bringing real disaster-management practice into the program.
ndma.gov.pkH.E. Andrea Wicke
Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Pakistan
Her Excellency Andrea Wicke represented Austria in Pakistan and embodies the intersection of diplomacy, education, and international cooperation. As a guest lecturer for the 2026 cohort, she gives participants a window into art of diplomacy & how exactly to win friends.
One more surprise guest is in the works.
Participation & Requirements
Invitation from the university
Participation is only possible with an invitation from NUST. Without that email, registration isn't possible.
Technical requirements
A laptop or computer with a working webcam and headset, a stable, fast internet connection for Zoom and Gather Town. A mobile connection as the only option isn't enough.
Cost
No conventional participation fee. The real cost is the most valuable thing incoming students can give: time — their last holiday before university.
The 2026 leadership team
It's more than four people carrying the 2026 program — this is our core team.
MIND
Society for the Promotion of STEM Subjects, Austria
Bibiana Ortner
Founder, Summer School Bootcamp
CEO of MIND (Austria) and founder of the Bootcamp. Specialty: early-stage development and feasibility — solving problems across industries. Developed the Magic50 Method and has spent years connecting people, institutions, and ideas across borders.
Mag. Sandra Schwaighofer
Cooperation partner, Personal Development & Leadership
International expert in leadership, relationship-building, and problem-solving. Helps students understand what drives them, where their patterns hold them back, and how to change them.
NUST
Prof. Dr. Osman Hasan
Pro Rector Academics, NUST
Represents NUST's academic leadership and its partnership with the Summer School Bootcamp — from admission through a successful start at university. Personal passion: Formal Methods.
Brigadier (Retd.) Dr. Fiaz Hussain Shah
Associate Professor of Practice, Department of Peace Operation Training (DPOT), Centre of International Peace and Stability (CIPS), NUST
Decades of experience in leadership and resilience at the highest level. Mentoring grounded in purpose, vision and values — and the conviction that good human beings make good citizens, and good citizens make good professionals.
Imran Haider
Addl. DD Program Coord (UG & PG), Programme Liaison & Student Affairs, NUST
Imran is the bridge between NUST and the Summer School Bootcamp. He accompanies the programme from its planning to the students themselves, bringing together people, responsibility and the many details that make the Bootcamp work.
And many more behind the scenes
Just as important as everyone out front — just less often seen.
Registrar's team
Responsible for admissions, administration, and keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
LMS / Moodle team
Keeps the learning platform running — from technical support to maintaining course content.
Tutors
Former participants who volunteer to come back and support the new cohort — in the evening Lab and with academic questions alike.
Participation is by invitation from your university only.
Questions about the cooperation? Contact for institutions →