The Faculty of Art and Design at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is a partner in the project consortium and is actively involved in shaping the transfer of results at the interface of art, design and technology. Following initial pilot projects in Weimar, Mendrisio, Barcelona and other European cities, this open call will fund further experiments that apply the model developed by LAUDS in new contexts.

The funded projects are intended to transfer the model of collaboration between art, technology and society tested in LAUDS to new contexts. The aim is to tackle specific challenges from three subject areas with innovative approaches, for example through the creative use of digital technologies, artistic research or new forms of citizen participation.

Challenges and topics
The funded teams should work together to develop solutions that address one or more of these three topics:

• Mobility (e.g. active and non-motorized transportation; inclusive access; CO₂ reduction; data-based user information)
• Energy (e.g. autonomous energy systems; DIY renewables; biomaterials for interiors)
• Agriculture and food (e.g. recycling food waste; urban vertical farming solutions; sustainable materials for urban cultivation)

In particular, collaborations that creatively address socially relevant issues using technological means are in demand - for example through new forms of participation, artistic research or experimental approaches in public spaces.

Funding and participation
At least eight projects will be funded with up to 27,000 euros each. Teams from at least two organizations (one artistic/creative, one technological) based in an EU member state or associated country are eligible to apply.

Submission is in English and the deadline is Wednesday, September 4, 2025, at 5 p.m. (CET).

All information on the Open Call and the application documents can be found here: https://lauds.eu/open-calls/2?mtm_campaign=sharedby&mtm_kwd=Uni%20Weimar

LAUDS factories is supported by the HORIZON program of the European Union, coordinated by the Technische Universität Berlin. HORIZON is the EU's main funding program for research and innovation. It aims to tackle climate change and contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The presentation of the results is planned for 2026 at Ars Electronica in Linz.