Summit Sessions

Built on Data: AI, Earth Intelligence and Europe’s Economic Edge in CRM

Moderated by
David Eades

As European institutions finalise the next Multiannual Financial Framework, a pivotal question is emerging from the critical raw materials debate: Europe has the regulatory ambition, but does it have the intelligence infrastructure to deliver it?

Building on the financing insights from the previous session, this fireside conversation with journalist David Eades moves from what Europe must build to how. Andrés Blanco, CEO of Xcalibur Smart Mapping, explores how AI-powered data platforms for Earth Intelligence can bridge the gap between the CRMA’s objectives and real-world execution, and what this means for Europe’s competitive position in the global race for critical resources.

The discussion will cover how integrated geoscientific data platforms are reducing uncertainty in early-stage exploration, enabling faster investment decisions, and why the pre-competitive phase of the value chain remains Europe’s most underfunded strategic priority.

Drawing on Xcalibur’s global operational experience, and including a live announcement at the Summit, the session offers a practical perspective on what it takes to turn Europe’s raw materials ambition into economic power.

20.05.26, 2:30pm - 2:45pm
Auditorium
Add to Calendar 2026-05-20 14:30:00 EIT RawMaterials Summit 2026: Built on Data: AI, Earth Intelligence and Europe’s Economic Edge in CRM As European institutions finalise the next Multiannual Financial Framework, a pivotal question is emerging from the critical raw materials debate: Europe has the regulatory ambition, but does it have the intelligence infrastructure to deliver it?Building on the financing insights from the previous session, this fireside conversation with journalist David Eades moves from what Europe must build to how. Andrés Blanco, CEO of Xcalibur Smart Mapping, explores how AI-powered data platforms for Earth Intelligence can bridge the gap between the CRMA’s objectives and real-world execution, and what this means for Europe’s competitive position in the global race for critical resources.The discussion will cover how integrated geoscientific data platforms are reducing uncertainty in early-stage exploration, enabling faster investment decisions, and why the pre-competitive phase of the value chain remains Europe’s most underfunded strategic priority.Drawing on Xcalibur’s global operational experience, and including a live announcement at the Summit, the session offers a practical perspective on what it takes to turn Europe’s raw materials ambition into economic power. Rue Bara 175, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium, The Egg, Auditorium RAW MATERIALS http://eitrmsummit.com/eit-rawmaterials-summit-2026/built-data-ai-earth-intelligence-and-europes-economic-edge-crm Europe/Brussels public

Session Speakers

Andrés Blanco

CEO, Xcalibur Smart Mapping
Session Sponsor