The Immersive Network Research & Development Program

The Immersive Network Research & Development Program explores how immersive media—such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI—can be used ethically, accessibly, and impactfully for interactive storytelling and artistic expression. The program functions as an international living lab for creators, researchers, tech partners, and audiences.

From 2023 to 2027, the program builds on five years of experience, during which more than 175 projects were presented and public experiments were staged at major platforms such as SXSW, Sundance, MoMA, and STRP. In annual research cycles, new formats are developed and tested using technologies like VR, AI, and deepfake. Central questions address audience engagement, ethics, authorship, and the development of a sustainable immersive media ecosystem.

In collaboration with partners such as the MIT Open Documentary Lab and a wide network of creative and technological stakeholders, the program contributes to knowledge sharing, artistic innovation, and cross-sector collaboration. It focuses particularly on the documentary and non-fiction domain as fertile ground for experimentation and development.

€200,000 will be used as a PPP program grant.