4–8 May 2026 | Centre de Convencions Internacional de Barcelona (CCIB), Barcelona, Spain

The IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing (ICASSP 2026), the flagship conference of the IEEE Signal Processing Society, will take place 4–8 May 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. Bringing together thousands of researchers, engineers, industry leaders, and students from around the world, ICASSP 2026 continues a proud tradition of advancing the theory, algorithms, and applications that define modern signal processing.

Hosted at the Centre de Convencions Internacional de Barcelona (CCIB), the conference theme: “Where Signals Meet Intelligence” reflects the field’s deepening integration with artificial intelligence, data-driven discovery, and impactful real-world applications. 

A Premier Academic & Technical Program

ICASSP 2026 will deliver a comprehensive technical program featuring over 4.500 peer-reviewed oral and poster sessions spanning the full breadth of signal processing, including speech and audio, image and video processing, machine learning, sensing systems, communications, biomedical applications, and emerging interdisciplinary domains.

The program is complemented by high-profile plenary talks by internationally renowned leaders in signal processing and related fields; among the confirmed plenary speakers are Emmanuel Candès, Shrikanth Narayanan, Lajos Hanzo, and Michael Unser, thought leaders and innovators shaping the future of signal science. Together, these sessions provide a global snapshot of the state of the art, and a roadmap for future innovation.

Industry Program & Technology Exchange

The Industry Program at ICASSP 2026 strengthens ties between research and deployment, featuring:

• Industry-led technical talks and panels on applied signal processing and AI.
• Interactive Show & Tell demonstrations, showcasing cutting-edge systems, tools, and prototypes.
• Networking opportunities connecting researchers, practitioners, entrepreneurs, and recruiters.

This program highlights how signal processing research translates into real-world impact across healthcare, communications, mobility, entertainment, and sustainability.

Student & Young Professional Engagement

Recognizing the next generation of signal professionals, ICASSP 2026 includes a vibrant Student & Young Professionals Program:

• Entrepreneurship Forum, mentorship sessions, and pitch competitions to cultivate startup mindsets and innovation skills. 
• Career development workshops such as “Developing Your Professional Value Proposition” and public speaking skills to help early-career researchers amplify their voices. 
• A Student Job Fair and Luncheon connecting student and new graduate attendees with recruiters and industry representatives. 
• Social events and networking opportunities tailored for student and young professionals to build community and professional networks. 

Integrated Educational & Outreach Activities

Education remains a cornerstone of ICASSP, and the 2026 edition brings together a rich ecosystem of learning, dialogue, and community engagement across all career stages:

• Educational Short Courses and Tutorials, offering in-depth instruction on emerging methods, tools, and application areas.
• AI Panel, designed to stimulate discussion on how signal processing and AI interwind, ethical considerations, and long-term research directions.
• ETON Talks, consisting of lectures that offer an overview of significant advancements and emerging topics in signal processing. The Expert-to-Non-Expert Talk (ETON) series is designed for both students and industry professionals to bridge knowledge gaps.
• Opportunities to host IEEE SPS-sponsored workshops, enabling focused exploration of specialized and interdisciplinary topics and collaborative learning.
• K-12 outreach activities, introducing younger students to the fundamentals and excitement of signal processing, data science, and engineering, helping inspire the next generation of innovators.

Together, these initiatives reinforce ICASSP’s role not only as a research conference, but as a global educational platform for lifelong learning.

Workshops, Challenges & Community-Driven Innovation

The conference opens with Satellite Workshops, providing highly focused forums on fast-moving research areas and interdisciplinary themes. These workshops encourage deep technical exchange and hands-on collaboration.

ICASSP 2026 also features Signal Processing Grand Challenges, which benchmark progress on real-world problems using shared datasets and evaluation frameworks, fostering transparency, reproducibility, and community engagement.

Strategic Direction & Community Impact

As the flagship conference of the IEEE Signal Processing Society, ICASSP shapes the trajectory of signal processing research and applications. It continues to:

• Foster cross-disciplinary dialogue across academia, industry, and global research institutions. 
• Highlight emerging technologies, including machine learning, AI, quantum computing, integrated sensing, and intelligent communication systems. 
• Support early-career professionals through dedicated programs that build skills, confidence, and professional connections. 

Attendees can expect an engaging conference experience that not only reflects the state of the art in signal processing but also sets the agenda for future breakthroughs.

Signals of Change: A Sustainable Legacy for Barcelona

A distinctive and forward-looking initiative at ICASSP 2026 is Signals of Change: A Sustainable Legacy for Barcelona, a program designed to raise awareness of air quality and acoustic pollution through active citizen engagement.

This initiative combines:

• Participatory data collection, where citizens engage in activities such as walking, running, skating, and biking while collecting environmental measurements.
• Signal processing algorithms and AI-based data integration to analyze air and acoustic pollution across space, time, and mobility patterns.
• Knowledge generation that supports evidence-based policymaking, contributing to improved urban sustainability and public health.

Signals of Change exemplifies ICASSP’s commitment to societal impact, demonstrating how signal processing and AI can directly contribute to environmental awareness, community engagement, and sustainable urban development.

Shaping the Future of Signal Processing

As the flagship conference of the IEEE Signal Processing Society, ICASSP 2026 continues to set strategic direction for the field by:

• Promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration between signal processing, AI, and data science.
• Supporting not only academic, but also education and professional development at all levels.
• Advancing responsible, human-centered, and sustainable technological innovation.

Join the Global Signal Processing Community in Barcelona

Whether you are presenting breakthrough research, exploring new technologies, engaging with industry, or expanding your professional network, ICASSP 2026 offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and shape the future of signal processing.

Mark your calendar: 4–8 May 2026, Barcelona, Spain.