frequently asked questions 

What is FOUR?

FOUR is a healthcare technology startup building AI-enabled technical infrastructure supporting the healthcare systems across the globe.

What is Bumblekite?

Bumblekite is FOUR’s experimental collaboration space at the intersection of health, care, and technology. Bumblekite’s machine learning programme is designed with a non-profit, educational focus.

Why has FOUR created Bumblekite?

At FOUR, we aim to craft and nurture a space within the global healthcare-technology ecosystem where everyone, regardless of their background, feels their ideas and contributions are valued. Bumblekite is our contribution to creating and cultivating this inclusive culture.

How can I become a part of your experimental, collaboration space?

You can join us by applying to our Bumblekite machine learning programme, held in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

machine learning summer school

applications↓

If I attended a previous iteration of the summer school, can I apply for a second year?

Yes, we would be thrilled to welcome you back! While we aim to evolve the content each year, please note that some sessions, topics, or lecturers may overlap due to various reasons (for example, our lecturers may have enjoyed their experience so much the previous year, they are eager to return).

Is it possible to participate in the Bumblekite machine learning programme if I am outside of the age, academic, and/or other brackets given on your website under the description of your target audience, such as a person with more than 5 years of data science and AI experience?

Absolutely! We are excited to receive your application and welcome you to join us. Please do not hesitate to apply. If you would like a bit more encouragement, feel free to reach out and we will cheer you on during your application process! :)

What language are your programmes held in?

The working language of all Bumblekite programmes is English.

Are you pre-filtering the applications?

No, we do not use any automated pre-filtering for the applications. Every application is carefully reviewed by a human, as we deeply value the time, effort, and thought that each applicant puts into crafting their responses. We believe that every candidate deserves a fair and thorough evaluation, and we appreciate the opportunity to learn more about each individual’s unique experiences, background and perspectives.

Can I complete parts of my application in languages other than English?

No, the application should be fully in English. We want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in the summer school. We expect participants to have the English level necessary to conduct all machine learning programme-related communication only in English. That being written, at a point where your English level is sufficient to participate in the summer school, we would like to encourage you to be gentle and kind to yourself while writing up your application. Your current English level is your feature, not a bug. We do not have an expectation that an application written by a native English speaker will read the same as an application written by someone to whom English is the 2nd or the 3rd language. Expressing yourself creatively and verbalising your thoughts in a non-native language is by its nature a more challenging endeavour.

Will it be possible to obtain ECTS credits for the Bumblekite machine learning programme upon successful completion?

Participants who are accepted to the summer school and wish to be credited ECTS, are kindly asked to request them during our registration process.

We will provide you with a transcript stating the sessions attended and the number of hours completed. The requirements to be awarded this transcript are based on our community guidelines.

It will be the responsibility of each participant to contact the Academic Secretary or relevant department of their home institutions before coming to the summer school to begin this process and be aware of any further information required from us to validate the transcript. We suggest you request 2 ECTS credits, which is equal to 50 - 60 working hours, to be awarded for the attendance of the summer school.

Starting this process early will help you prepare beforehand how the hours and courses completed can be transferred into official credits at your institution and it will also help us in managing all the requests within this topic coming our way.

Are there any specific English proficiency requirements?

No, completing the application fully in English is sufficient for determining your proficiency.

What is your view on using large language models (LLMs) as assistive technology tools to the application writing process?

We would appreciate it if LLMs were not used as assistive tools in the process of generating your application. Your application is one of the key pieces of information we receive at the very beginning of your learning journey that aims to empower and propel you, a human, and not the LLM forward. There is no optimal or ideal application; there is only you, what you want to learn and what you stand for. Writing an application has to start with you believing there is something unique only you can contribute to our community and a goal so ambitious only this summer school can help you reach it. We look forward to getting to know more about you through your writing.

Is there an application fee?

No, the application process is free of charge for everyone applying.

registration fees↓

What is the cost of registration?

There is no application fee for potential participants. There is a registration fee that only accepted applicants are expected to cover in order to secure their spot. For more information, check the summer school section of the website, and stay tuned for updates by subscribing to our newsletter.

What will my registration include?

The registration fee covers access to all programme-based activities meticulously crafted by the school’s team (i.e., lectures, leadership conversations, tutorials, social programme). Additionally, lunch as well as a hot drink and a snack is included for each day of the school. It also grants access to our virtual follow-up programme, including an autumn review week focused on the engineering materials, as well as monthly virtual meet-ups in small groups or 1:1 with fellow Bumblekite 2026 participants.

Can you support me in seeking external funding?

We are happy to provide a letter of support for you. If you think it might aid in your external funding application, please contact us at bumblekite-team@four-corp.com.

Can you recommend any sources for additional funding?

If you are a student, we recommend asking your university for funding opportunities. Alternatively, local foundations providing travel grants can be a source of funding as well.

What is your registration fee refund policy?

You may cancel your registration at any time up to six weeks before our common week by contacting us at info@four-corp.com, in accordance with FOUR’s terms of service. No refunds or reimbursements will be allowed after this date.

How do you define your “students” category?

The spirit in which we are looking to define our “students” category is to acknowledge that the individuals at the start of their professional journeys have not yet had the opportunity to substantially participate in the economic sphere. We expect this definition to evolve through time and welcome feedback on it.

Our "students" category refers to individuals with less than 5 years of professional experience (PhD does not count towards professional experience) and people matriculated in their initial set of degrees, with an active student status at the time the summer school takes place. The initial set of degrees are defined as the first BSc, MSc, PhD/MBA, vocational training or similar that the person is attending, irrespective of their final graduation status. If a person has enrolled into their PhD or an equivalent advanced degree in their discipline, additional education after those advanced degrees (e.g. an MBA, a new MSc, further vocational training) does not fall under our definition of the initial set of degrees.

If you are unsure which category your current status belongs to, please send us a note to bumblekite-team@four-corp.com.

on-site logistics↓

Is it possible to attend the summer school remotely?

No, our summer school is an in-person gathering only.

Is there a vegan option available for lunch?

Yes, there will be a vegan option available for lunch. We will collect any specific dietary requirements you may have during your registration process and ensure they are available to you during our Bumblekite week.

What happens on the first and the last day of the summer school, arrival and departure day? Why are they designated as such and there is no formal programme on those days?

These days are intended to encourage participants not to arrive and depart on the days of the formal curriculum. Instead, the arrival day will include technical preparation and introductions, and both the arrival and departure day will include time dedicated to our social programme.

What are the main channels of communication shortly before and during the summer school? Will they be available after the summer school ends?

We will launch a Slack workspace two weeks before the start of the summer school. All the important information related to the summer school will be communicated through it.

How do you match the participants with the lecturers for the group dinners?

Our matching process is fully manual. The two most important factors are the time availability of our lecturers and the preferences of each participant. Our team is in contact with each participant to ensure that you get to ask the burning questions to the person most suitable to answer them in an intimate and personal atmosphere.

Other factors such as the career status of participants or lecturers are not used as matching criteria.

Do you have childcare services available?

If you have a child you would like to bring for the duration of or part of the school, we will have childcare available. Please reach out to us if you will require or would like to learn more about childcare services. We want to make sure that our plans for childcare work for you, so your child will be safe, happy, and nearby while you get the most out of the school.

technical setup↓

What are the air and temperature conditions and their respective technical setups in the lecture hall where the summer school is taking place?

The lecture hall is equipped with a ventilation system with cooling. With the ventilation system, the entire air volume is completely changed within one hour.

A temperature of approx. 24°C is aimed for on hot days.

What should I bring with me to the summer school?

You are expected to bring a laptop to the school each day, to complete your practical tutorial sessions. Additionally, we recommend bringing a writing pad and pens. Aside from this, you may want to bring a water bottle - to stay refreshed during the hot summer days - and any chargers needed for your devices. If you are travelling from outside of Switzerland, please note that you might need a travel adapter.

Will I be able to charge my laptop during the summer school sessions?

The lecture theatre is equipped with many plug points, and we will be providing extension leads in order to maximise the number of available charging points. However, the number of these plug points will be limited, so we would encourage you to charge your devices in advance of the day, where possible.

Are the summer school sessions recorded?

No. In our quest to foster an intimate atmosphere that is conducive of the type of candid conversations we would like to catalyse, we do not record the summer school sessions.

Will the lecture slides be available after the summer school?

Yes, we will ask our lecturers to share their slides and resources with you at the end of the week.

Do you provide a certificate of completion following the summer school?

Yes. Following completion of the summer school, you will receive a certificate of attendance, which includes details of the summer school content and hours, assuming the adherence to our community guidelines.

travelling to and staying in Cambridge ↓

Do you assist with travel arrangements?

Each participant is responsible for their own travel arrangements and associated costs. That being said, we aim to assist in finding comfortable and enjoyable travel options. Our accommodation partners offer exclusive reduced rates during the Bumblekite programme. Instructions on how to take advantage of these offers, including booking codes, will be sent to participants via email.

travel health and medical service access ↓

Where can I purchase a covid-19 test?

If you need the COVID-19 test, you can purchase one in a pharmacy store.