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 1, 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 first day of the festival is dedicated to learning about best practices, getting to know each other and finding inspiration.
Opening: Additive Manufacturing - Powering the Future of German Industry
- "Political framework conditions for additive manufacturing in Bavaria as an industrial location"
Hubert Aiwanger
Bavarian State Minister for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, Deputy Bavarian Minister President
- "Cutting-edge research for next-gen manufacturing - High Tech Agenda Bavaria"
Markus Blume
Bavarian State Minister of Science and the Arts
- welcome adress
Dr. Silke Launert, MdB
Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space
"Fly me to the moon"
- Dr. Matthias Maurer
Astronaut, ESA
Strategy Insight: Bavarian Additive Manufacturing Industry
- "Next Generation Manufacturing with AI and Additive Manufacturing"
Dr. Karsten Heuser
Vice-President Additive Manufacturing, Siemens AG
- Panel Discussion moderated by: Dr. Karsten Heuser
Marie Niehaus-Langer
CEO, EOS GmbH
Achim Peltz
CEO Business Unit Motion Control and CEO Digital Industries Automation China, Siemens
Dr. Silke Maurer
COO, MTU Aero Engines AG
Prof. Dr. Michael Suess
Executive Chairman, OC Oerlikon Management AG
Alexander Weichsel
Plant Manager Commercial, Bosch Nuremberg
The second day of the program is dedicated to knowledge exchange and program launch. The group will have the opportunity to discuss ideas for Art-x-Tech programs, followed by discussions with people who are already successfully implementing programs.
Opening: Additive Manufacturing - Powering the Future of German Industry
- "Political framework conditions for additive manufacturing in Bavaria as an industrial location"
Hubert Aiwanger
Bavarian State Minister for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, Deputy Bavarian Minister President
- "Cutting-edge research for next-gen manufacturing - High Tech Agenda Bavaria"
Markus Blume
Bavarian State Minister of Science and the Arts
- welcome adress
Dr. Silke Launert, MdB
Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space
"Fly me to the moon"
- Dr. Matthias Maurer
Astronaut, ESA
Strategy Insight: Bavarian Additive Manufacturing Industry
- "Next Generation Manufacturing with AI and Additive Manufacturing"
Dr. Karsten Heuser
Vice-President Additive Manufacturing, Siemens AG
- Panel Discussion moderated by: Dr. Karsten Heuser
Marie Niehaus-Langer
CEO, EOS GmbH
Achim Peltz
CEO Business Unit Motion Control and CEO Digital Industries Automation China, Siemens
Dr. Silke Maurer
COO, MTU Aero Engines AG
Prof. Dr. Michael Suess
Executive Chairman, OC Oerlikon Management AG
Alexander Weichsel
Plant Manager Commercial, Bosch Nuremberg
The day aims to foster alliances between science, technology and artistic practice that effectively drive innovation. The second ideation session will help participants 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.
Opening: Additive Manufacturing - Powering the Future of German Industry
- "Political framework conditions for additive manufacturing in Bavaria as an industrial location"
Hubert Aiwanger
Bavarian State Minister for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, Deputy Bavarian Minister President
- "Cutting-edge research for next-gen manufacturing - High Tech Agenda Bavaria"
Markus Blume
Bavarian State Minister of Science and the Arts
- welcome adress
Dr. Silke Launert, MdB
Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space
"Fly me to the moon"
- Dr. Matthias Maurer
Astronaut, ESA
Strategy Insight: Bavarian Additive Manufacturing Industry
- "Next Generation Manufacturing with AI and Additive Manufacturing"
Dr. Karsten Heuser
Vice-President Additive Manufacturing, Siemens AG
- Panel Discussion moderated by: Dr. Karsten Heuser
Marie Niehaus-Langer
CEO, EOS GmbH
Achim Peltz
CEO Business Unit Motion Control and CEO Digital Industries Automation China, Siemens
Dr. Silke Maurer
COO, MTU Aero Engines AG
Prof. Dr. Michael Suess
Executive Chairman, OC Oerlikon Management AG
Alexander Weichsel
Plant Manager Commercial, Bosch Nuremberg
