Join the Lab — two tracks open
Apply: 9 March – 9 April 2026
Track 1
Contemporary Classical Music. Understanding Through Gamification
Contemporary Classical Music. Understanding Through Gamification
- Focus: Gamifying the Experience of Contemporary Classical MusicContemporary classical music challenges listening habits through new sounds, structures, and technologies.
This track invites participants to design interactive, game-based experiences that make complex music engaging and accessible.
Possible Project Outcomes:
-
WEB3 game - Boardgame
- Escape room
- Social Media game
- Artwork
Track 2
Memory and Identity. Reconnection Through AI
Memory and Identity. Reconnection Through AI
- Focus: Artistic Research on Reconnecting Memory and Cultural Identity through AIMigration and cultural displacement reshape how memory and identity are carried across languages, geographies, and digital environments.
This track invites participants to use AI as a tool for artistic research, developing performative, spatial, and digital works that reactivate memory as a living, evolving process.
Possible Project Outcomes:
- Performative works
- Immersive installations
- AI-driven films
- Participatory digital archives
- Generative memory systems
Fees & Grants
School Participation
- Participation in the School phase requires a fee of €450.
- Grants covering up to 100% of the participation fee are available, provided by the CultTech Association and Track Partners.
Studio Participation
- Participation in the Studio phase is free of charge for teams selected to continue.
- Studio teams receive production grants, tailored to the needs of each project.
Program Benefits
CultTech Weekly
public short-form series following Lab projects from concept to prototype
public short-form series following Lab projects from concept to prototype
-
Sustained public visibility throughout the program - Early audience building around your project
- Audience feedback to test ideas in real time
- Expanded professional network and collaboration opportunities
- A strong public narrative to position your work
- Media-ready documentation for future grants, partners, and showcases
School Phase
Online development phase refining ideas into clear project plans with mentors and peer exchange
Online development phase refining ideas into clear project plans with mentors and peer exchange
- A two-month guided program with art and tech curators
- Dedicated support from the Lab’s learning team and invited experts
- A vibrant interdisciplinary network fostering dialogue and collaborative problem-solving
- Development of the concept into a production-ready project plan
- One-year membership in the CultTech Association
- Certificate of completion
- CultTech Summit pass
Studio Phase
Production phase turning validated concepts into showcase-ready prototypes
Production phase turning validated concepts into showcase-ready prototypes
-
A 3-day Studio Camp (travel and accommodation covered) - Dedicated producer support
- Presentation at the CultTech Summit (travel and accommodation covered)
- Additional presentation opportunities at partner platforms
- Production grants
Program Structure
School Stage
Duration: 25 April – 20 June 2026
Format: Online
The School is the learning phase of CultTech Lab. Project proposals are refined into clear production plans through structured work with art and technology curators, invited experts, and group discussions.
The program includes:
All School participants receive:
Duration: 25 April – 20 June 2026
Format: Online
The School is the learning phase of CultTech Lab. Project proposals are refined into clear production plans through structured work with art and technology curators, invited experts, and group discussions.
The program includes:
- Interactive sessions with distinct themes and practical takeaways
- Practice-oriented formats supporting the development of project ideas and prototypes
- Ongoing exchange in a virtual space for peer feedback and networking
All School participants receive:
- Certificate of completion
- One-year membership in the CultTech Association
- Free pass to CultTech Summit 2026
Studio Stage
Duration: 26 June – 1 November 2026
Format: Hybrid (including onsite Camp)
The Studio is the production phase of the Lab. Selected projects are developed into finished works under the guidance of dedicated producers.
Focus:
The Studio begins with a 4-day onsite CultTech Lab Camp (26–29 June 2026) for focused creative work and mentorship.
All Studio participants receive:
Duration: 26 June – 1 November 2026
Format: Hybrid (including onsite Camp)
The Studio is the production phase of the Lab. Selected projects are developed into finished works under the guidance of dedicated producers.
Focus:
- Artistic and technical refinement
- Production planning and execution
- Preparation for public presentation and international showcasing
The Studio begins with a 4-day onsite CultTech Lab Camp (26–29 June 2026) for focused creative work and mentorship.
All Studio participants receive:
- Production grants (up to €2500)
- Travel and accommodation covered for the 4-day onsite Lab Camp
- Dedicated producer support throughout the production period
- Presentation at the CultTech Summit 2026 (travel and accommodation covered)
- Additional showcase opportunities at partner platforms
Showcase Stage
Projects are presented at CultTech Summit 2026 and may be showcased at additional international partner platforms.
Projects are presented at CultTech Summit 2026 and may be showcased at additional international partner platforms.
Program Timeline
9 March – 9 April 2026
9 March – 9 April 2026
Open Call
Open Call for participation in CultTech Lab, we accept the submission of the projects based on the Industrial Challenge Statement.
20 April 2026
20 April 2026
Selection & Admission
The Lab team (curators and track leads) reviews applications and selects teams to join CultTech Lab.
25 April – 20 June 2026
25 April – 20 June 2026
School
A structured online module of 9 interactive sessions with experts in music and game creation. Each session offers a distinct theme, clear takeaways, and hands-on practice, supporting the development of project ideas and prototypes.
An ongoing virtual space enables peer feedback, exchange, and community building beyond the sessions.
An ongoing virtual space enables peer feedback, exchange, and community building beyond the sessions.
20 June 2026
20 June 2026
Project Pitches & Studio Selection
The project pitch must present a clear picture of the project plus production plan: defining the final format and audience experience, explaining the artistic and technological solution and its relevance to the challenge, outlining key resources and budget, describing the Summit presentation, and demonstrating readiness through validation or prototypes.
The pitches will be evaluated by a jury, and the strongest projects receive production grants to continue in the Studio with a mentoring producer.
The pitches will be evaluated by a jury, and the strongest projects receive production grants to continue in the Studio with a mentoring producer.
26–29 June 2026
26–29 June 2026
CultTech Lab Camp (onsite)
Teams, selected for production stage are invited to a 4 days in-person CultTech Lab Camp to experience focused creative work, personalized technical mentorship sessions and collaborative exchanges with fellow artists.
1 July – 1 November 2026
1 July – 1 November 2026
Studio
The teams lead the production process of their projects over a four-month period, supported by a producer and additional consultants engaged when needed.
4–5 November 2026
4–5 November 2026
CultTech Summit 2026
The teams present their projects as part of the artistic program of CultTech Summit 2026. Additional showcase collaborations with other platforms may also take place.
How to Apply
CultTech Lab is open to individuals and teams worldwide, with no restrictions regarding age, gender, education, or professional status. Applications are submitted via Google Form. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a short online interview.
Applications should include:
Applications should include:
- Project Description
- A project proposal responding to the selected industry challenge, outlining the concept and intended format
- A brief description of the technical approach
- A short roadmap for the project’s development
- A short motivation statement from each team member
- Team Background
- Roles within the project and relevant experience
- Links to previous work (portfolio, projects, websites)
- Links to online profiles (e.g., LinkedIn)
Have a question?
You may find the answer in our FAQ page. If not, feel free to contact us at lab@culttech.at
You may find the answer in our FAQ page. If not, feel free to contact us at lab@culttech.at