Castello di Baccaresca, Gubbio (PG), Italy

August 31st –  September 4th, 2026

Artificial Intelligence has recently experienced remarkable progress, largely driven by deep learning and Big data. Systems based on Large Language Models and other foundation models have demonstrated impressive capabilities across a wide range of tasks. However, these approaches remain fundamentally limited forms of narrow intelligence, often lacking robustness, reasoning depth, long-term autonomy, and genuine understanding.

The goal of this workshop is to explore unconventional and forward-looking research directions that may contribute to the development of Strong AI or Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). We aim to create a forum for discussing ideas that go beyond current dominant paradigms and investigate alternative physical, computational, cognitive, and theoretical frameworks for machine intelligence.

The workshop welcomes contributions that challenge existing assumptions and propose novel architectures, learning principles, and interdisciplinary perspectives, including insights from physics, chemistry, neuroscience, cognitive science, and embodied intelligence. By bringing together researchers interested in bold and emerging ideas, the workshop aims to stimulate discussion on the foundations, limits, and future trajectories of AI.

Relevant deadlines:

  • June 15th – oral presentation abstract submission
  • June 25th – Notifications of acceptance
  • July 30th – Registration

Call for papers

We invite researchers to submit original papers or visionary perspectives, addressing unconventional approaches toward the development of Strong AI. Submissions that challenge prevailing assumptions and explore novel paradigms are particularly encouraged.

The workshop aims to foster open discussion and interdisciplinary exchange on emerging ideas that may shape the next generation of artificial intelligence.

Topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Novel architectures for general artificial intelligence
  • New theoretical foundations of machine intelligence
  • Limitations of current deep learning paradigms
  • Agent based distributed systems
  • Neuro-inspired and brain-inspired AI
  • Ambient aware and embodied and situated intelligence
  • Cognitive architectures and models of reasoning
  • Complex systems and emergent intelligence
  • AI and insights from neuroscience, psychology, and biology

Confirmed participants (in progress)

  • Nadia Berthouze, University College London
  • Paolo Bonifazi, Università di Bologna and Biobizkaia HRI
  • Ciro Cattuto, ISI Foundation
  • Dante Chialvo, Universidad de San Martín and Hong Kong Baptist University
  • Alessandro Chiolerio, IIT
  • Luigi Cimmino, Università di Perugia
  • Pierluigi Contucci, Università di Bologna
  • Ximena Cubillos, Opencadd Advanced Technology
  • Tina Eliassi-Rad, Northeastern University
  • Vincenzo Fano, Università di Urbino
  • Livio Fanò, Università di Perugia
  • Branden Fitelson, Northeastern University
  • Alberto Franzin, European Commission
  • Valentina Franzoni, Università di Perugia
  • Pierluigi Gentili, Università di Perugia
  • Balázs Kégl, Meta Paris
  • Alessandro Londei, Sony CSL Rome
  • Vittorio Loreto, Università di Roma La Sapienza
  • Flavia Marcacci, Università di Urbino
  • Igor Neri, NiPS Laboratory, Università di Perugia
  • Giuseppe Paolo, Cognizant AI Lab
  • Daniela Paolotti, ISI Foundation
  • Qian-Yuan Tang, Hong Kong Baptist University
  • Andrea Tomasi, Università di Pisa
  • Alessandro Vespignani, Northeastern University
  • Angelo Vulpiani, Università di Roma La Sapienza
  • Hiroshi Yamakawa, The University of Tokyo / The Whole Brain Architecture Initiative

Workshop program (in progress)

Aug. 31st Monday (Arrival)

  • 18:00 welcome cocktail
  • 20:00 dinner

Sept. 1st Tuesday

  • 9:00 communications & discussions
  • 13:00 lunch
  • 15:00 communications & discussions
  • 17:00 poolside aperitifs
  • 20:00 dinner

Sept. 2nd Wednesday

  • 9:00 communications & discussions
  • 13:00 lunch
  • 15:00 communications & discussions
  • 17:00 poolside aperitifs
  • 20:00 dinner

Sept. 3rd Thursday

  • 9:00 communications & discussions
  • 13:00 lunch
  • 15:00 communications & discussions
  • 17:00 excursion with bus
  • 20:00 social dinner

Sept. 4th Friday (Departure)

  • 9:00 departure

Venue

Castello di Baccaresca – Hotel & Spa Resort in Umbria

The Unconventional Pathways Toward Strong Artificial Intelligence will be held at Castello di Baccaresca Resort, a beautifully restored medieval fortress nestled in the Umbrian countryside near Gubbio. Surrounded by rolling hills and centuries of history, the castle offers a unique and inspiring setting that blends heritage, nature, and modern comfort.

Reservations will be handled by the organizers upon acceptance of participation (via the form).

More info here.

Partecipant fee: € 790

Accompanying person: € 495

*Partecipation fee includes: 4 nights, 6 meals, 3 coffee breaks, 3 aperitifs, excursion and social dinner.

Organising Committee and contacts (NiPS Laboratory – University of Perugia)

L. Gammaitoni
I. Neri
R. Pellegrini
D. Boccalini

contact: luca.gammaitoni@unipg.it