About us
Beyond Weather:
Finding the oasis in the prediction desert
Extreme weather is now common weather. This is hurting economies, businesses, and real humans.
To become climate resilient, we require reliable information on imminent weather events, in time to take effective anticipatory action. This means we need weather forecasts weeks or even months in advance.
Due to the chaotic nature of the atmosphere, reliably forecasting the weather beyond 14 days is so difficult that climate scientists dubbed this period ‘the prediction desert’.
That doesn't stop us; we are weather nerds.
A team of climate scientists and AI engineers spun off from the Climate Extremes research group at the Institute for Environmental Studies of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. We know the weather is more predictable than commonly believed. We're doing it all the time.
The answer is in the ocean, in the soil, in snow cover, and in the air. By combining our academic expertise with the power of AI, we distill the hidden signal from climate data and translate it into actionable intelligence.
Our forecasts allow governments, NGOs, businesses, and people worldwide to strengthen their climate resilience, saving money, resources and lives.
We are Beyond Weather, the oasis in the prediction desert.
Our Values
What we stand for
At Beyond Weather, we stand for Sound Science, Moral Ambition, and Real-World Value.
Sound science
Academia is in our DNA. As a spin-off from the Climate Extremes research group at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, we specialize in sub-seasonal-to-seasonal predictability using AI. Our work is grounded in rigorous, peer-reviewed science.
Moral ambition
We aim to contribute to the greater good, on purpose. Our goal is to have a real and measurable positive impact on society through our work. By leveraging our expertise, we strive to address significant societal challenges and promote sustainable development.
Real-world value
We deliver practical, client-oriented solutions that create tangible value. Our weather information and services have a significant impact, helping clients make informed decisions and improving outcomes in various sectors.
Our Team
Beyond Weather is an Amsterdam-based Vrije Universiteit spin-off company
We are strongly grounded both in science (VU) and the entrepeneurial ecosystem of Amsterdam.
Photography: Jos Hummelen, ROM Utrecht Region
MSc. Jannes van Ingen
Jannes is an econometrician with an interest in sustainability, climate and weather systems. He loves to work with code and data and likes to put these skills to use to make our world a better place. After working in a consultancy firm and graduating from VU Amsterdam, he started this S2S-AI venture with Sem and Dim. As a fanatic sportsman, he spends his free time riding his racing bike and playing football.
Dr. Sem Vijverberg
Sem studied Climate Physics and is passionate to make a positive impact on society. During his Phd, he focussed on both method development, physical understanding, as well as entrepreneurial skills. His work lay the foundation of the S2S-AI venture. His free time is occupied with a wide variety of activities, including different types sports, hiking, theater and camping.
Prof. Dim Coumou
Dim is a climate scientist fascinated about extreme weather. He has a passion for fundamental science but is also eager to bring new insights to society by improving prediction and early warning and identifying key societal risks. He has worked in half a dozen countries and currently holds the professorship of Climate Extremes & Societal Risk at VU Amsterdam. Dim likes sports, reading, music, traveling, and cooking.
Steven van den Tol
Steven is an experienced founder (15+ years) with a passion for driving positive change in the world. Founder of Onderwijshelden and Nationale Examentraining (acquired by Lyceo). Decided to focus his efforts on businesses that are essential for the energy transition, such as Beyond Weather. Committed to building sustainable, scalable businesses that have a positive impact on the environment and society as a whole. Steven is a dad, capibara lover and your typical entrepeneur who made all the classic mistakes.
Alessia Hu
Alessia is a recent graduate in artificial intelligence from the University of Amsterdam, with a strong interest in sustainability and creating a positive impact through her work. While her master's focused on medical AI, she is now eager to explore weather forecasting and its potential to drive meaningful change. Outside of her professional pursuits, Alessia enjoys spending time in nature, particularly hiking and camping in the mountains.
Felix Wente
Felix is a dedicated individual with a talent for tackling data challenges that demand both predictive analysis and insightful interpretation. His academic journey sparked a keen interest in leveraging these skills for the betterment of the environment and society, a passion he eagerly channels at Beyond Weather through the application of explainable AI methods. During his free time, Felix enjoys swimming, cycling, and attending electronic music events.
Jikke van den Ende
After completing her bachelor's degree in Bata-Gamma, Jikke pursued a minor in programming, which sparked her interest in the intersection of technology and psychology. Her passion lies in using AI for positive purposes, which is why she dedicated her thesis research to seasonal drought forecasting, aiming to enhance anticipation in high-risk areas. Outside of academia, she enjoys playing soccer with her lively but not-so-competitive team, dancing, traveling, and soaking up the sun.
Nikolas Stavrou
Nikolas is currently pursuing an MSc in Artificial Intelligence and holds a BSc in Computer Science. With strong skills in problem-solving, algorithms, software development, and machine learning, he is passionate about research and development in the AI sector. Nikolas is particularly focused on contributing to innovative solutions in weather prediction. Outside of his academic work, he enjoys staying active through gym workouts, bouldering, running, and occasionally playing video games.
Eloi Lebrec
Eloi is a Master's student specializing in fluid mechanics and artificial intelligence, currently completing his end-of-study internship with us. His academic background equips him with strong analytical skills to tackle complex problems. Eloi is passionate about leveraging advanced technologies to solve real-world challenges. Through his studies, he has had the opportunity to explore different countries and cultures. In his free time, he enjoys sports, reading, and cooking.
CAREERS
Join our small but mighty team
We’re a young startup with big ambitions making waves.
Check out our open roles and learn more about building the future of long term weather predictions.
Published scientific research by us
Sem Vijverberg, Raed Hamed, Dim Coumou
July 14, 2023
American Meteorological Society
How reliable seasonal forecasts of misharvests will allow stakeholders to prepare and take appropriate early action.
Vijverberg, S. & Coumou D.
March 15, 2022
npj Climate and Atmospheric Science
The role of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and ocean-atmosphere interactions in driving US temperature variability.
Sem Vijverberg, Maurice Schmeits, Karin van de Wiel, Dim Coumou
December 2, 2020
American Meteorological Society
S2S statistical forecast of Eastern U.S. Hot Temperature Events