Event
Open Call: Creativity meets robotics: cross-innovation journey to Ars Electronica 2026
9. September 2026 - 11. September 2026
09:00 - 18:00
iStock Piranka,
What happens when humanoid robots not only function, but also feel, play, perform and narrate? When technology is not just built, but designed? We invite CreativeTech actors from Bavaria to be part of a curated cross-innovation journey to Ars Electronica, one of the world's most important festivals for media art, technology and society.
Together with players from robotics, research and industry, we will explore how humanoid robotics is becoming a cultural, creative and social issue: from human-machine interaction to AI & personality, body & movement, experience design, performances, ethics and future scenarios.
Places are limited and will be awarded by an expert jury as part of a selection process. The application deadline is June 10, 2026.
The trip is organized by Bayern Innovativ Kreativwirtschaft in cooperation with Ars Electronica and the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy (StMWi).
Thematic focus
Robotics: AI & Humans - Machine Interaction & Humanoid Robotics & Animaloid Robotics & Hand-Face-Sound Design & Work 4.O
This trip is not a classic excursion, but a curated exploration and networking format for all those working at the interface of technology, design, art and innovation.
10 - 12 CreativeTech players from the 11 sub-sectors of the cultural and creative industries in Bavaria, e.g:
- Artists, tech artists, creative coders
- Designers (interaction, UX, speculative, experience, motion, ...)
- Studios, agencies, start-ups, prototypers
- Anyone who wants to experiment with technology and help shape the future
5 - 7 companies from the field of robotics
3 - 4 representatives from science
Participation for CreativeTech players is limited and will be awarded by an expert jury as part of a selection process.
Participants of the Cross-Innovation Journey will gain exclusive access to an interdisciplinary program at the interface of art, technology and robotics with the following offers:
- Insights into one of the most renowned festivals for art and technology Ars Electronica 2026 - Future Begins
- Curated program (guided tours, speed dating, artists' meeting, innovation workshop) by the curators of the Ars Electronica Festival on the topic of robotics: AI & humans - machine interaction & humanoid robotics & animaloid robotics & hand-face-sound design & work 4.0
- Organization of the trip by CreativeTechHUB of Bayern Innovativ GmbH
- Access to exclusive networking events, workshops and panels
- Presentation opportunities for your own projects
- Direct exchange with international artists, scientists and robotics companies
- Allowance for expenses, daily catering and dinner together
Preliminary program, subject to change!
The day aims to foster alliances between science, technology and artistic practice that effectively drive innovation. The second ideation session will help participants to understand common fields of exploration. The tour ends with a visit to the impressive, immersive world of Deep Space 8K at the Ars Electro-nica Center.
