Blended Intensive Programmes

Intensive I Living Labs 2026

Speculative spaces for performative futures

This Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) focuses on using AI to support cultural heritage, particularly in the context of opera. Working in international, interdisciplinary teams, students will gain hands-on insights into how AI drives innovation in the cultural sector, streamlines organizational processes, and creates richer, more engaging visitor experiences. Through a Design Thinking approach, they will collaboratively develop AI-driven solutions that contribute to an opera's long-term growth and adaptability. 

The on-site week will take place during 14-18 September 2026, followed by an online collaboration phase until 15 October 2026. We invite Bachelor and Master students of all study programmes from our E³UDRES² partner universities.

Programme

During the programme students will get equipped with the Design Thinking method to make their way from challenges to solutions.

  1. The on-site week will begin with getting to know the teams, field professionals and challenges which are to be addressed. In the “Emphasize” phase students will dive into their topic and investigate different facets of it. At this stage, the goal is to get a full picture of the given problem and various needs behind it.
  2. The next step is to organize all insights and define the problem more thoroughly. Here participants will apply a human-centered approach, which means putting oneself into the shoes of a target group and adapting their perspective on the issue.
  3. After defining the problem, it will be high time to start brainstorming possible solutions. An open mindset is the key to exploring as many opportunities as possible.
  4. Finally, the teams will reach the prototype phase, where they should bring their best idea into life. Students will have to create a basic version of their solution and present it to the audience. In the follow-up online phase, they will have time to test their creation.

Along the way, the participants will develop essential future skills and competencies such as analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, show creativity in dealing with obstacles and learn to tackle uncertainties.

Aside from a hands-on learning process, this programme offers a great chance to build a social and professional network and to explore Austrian culture by visiting the cities of St. Pölten and Vienna.

To learn more about the event, visit the E³UDRES² webpage.

BIP Partners