We are happy to be partners of such a great new open call:

Applications are now open for CultTech Lab 2026, an international program exploring the intersection of art, technology, music, and cultural research.

The Lab invites artists, musicians, designers, technologists, researchers, and interdisciplinary teams to develop new works and prototypes addressing two open industry challenges.

🎵 Contemporary Classical Music: Understanding Through Gamification
In collaboration with Zafraan Ensemble

This track focuses on designing interactive, game-based experiences that make contemporary classical music more engaging and accessible. The goal is not to use music as a soundtrack for games, but to explore how listening, understanding, and participation can become playable experiences.

Program structure

School (online) → Studio (hybrid) → Showcase at the CultTech Summit in Vienna and on partner platforms.

Unlike a typical online course, the Lab supports projects from early concepts through to production-ready prototypes presented on a public stage.

What participants receive

School Phase (all selected teams)

• CultTech Weekly — a public short-form series following Lab projects from concept to prototype, helping build early audiences and visibility
• A two-month guided online program with art and technology curators, mentors, and interdisciplinary peer exchange
• Support in developing the concept into a production-ready project plan
• Access to an international network of artists, researchers, technologists, and cultural organizations
• CultTech Summit pass and one-year membership in the CultTech Association

Studio Phase (competitive selection)

Teams selected for the Studio phase receive additional support:

• Participation in a 4-day Studio Camp (travel and accommodation covered)
  • Producer support and production grants to develop a working prototype
  • Presentation at the CultTech Summit in Vienna
  • Additional presentation opportunities on partner platforms

Eligibility

CultTech Lab is open to individuals and teams worldwide. There are no restrictions regarding age, gender, education, or professional status.
The application process is free of charge.

Participation in the School phase costs €450 per team (with grants available covering up to 100% of the fee).
Selection for the Studio phase is competitive, and participation in this phase is fully funded.

Applications are open until April 9, 2026.

More information and application: culttech.at/lab