Machine surrounded by people

Addressing the major challenges of the future through interdisciplinary innovation.

The FOUNDING LAB is a collaborative effort between the Interdisciplinary Transformation University Austria (IT:U) and Ars Electronica. Its aim is to identify, develop, and present new areas, approaches, and formats that address the challenges of digital transformation. By overcoming disciplinary boundaries, it confronts the contradictory and conflicting realities of today and cultivates the skills to navigate an increasingly digital world.

Experts, leading thinkers, scientists and innovators from all disciplines convene to explore and define new pathways towards transformative digital change. The Forum at the Ars Electronica Festival serves as a public platform to showcase initial ideas and outcomes from the Summer School. The results are further explored during the Fall Term.

August 23 – September 13, 2023

… is designed for students who are enthusiastic about new forms of interplay between the natural sciences, humanities, cultural studies and the arts. On the platform of this year’s Ars Electronica Festival, participants will meet experts from all over the world and discuss the question of who owns the truth about the planet, technology and knowledge.

September 6 – 10, 2023

… is aimed at students as well as artists, scientists, entrepreneurs and activists who want to work on central issues of the digital transformation and discuss, design and test new forms of learning and teaching. Anchored as a discursive format in the midst of the 2023 Ars Electronica Festival, the forum is intended to provide essential impulses for shaping the IT:U.

October 2023 – January 2024

… is addressed to students as well as artists, scientists, entrepreneurs and activists who want to work together on aspects of the digital transformation at a pioneering university. The focus is on topics such as Infrastructure, Data & Code, Machines, Robots & Tangibles, Interfaces & Virtual Worlds, Media and Digital Society & Policy.

If you have questions or require support, reach out to our team: foundinglab@ars.electronica.art