Abbildung © Jonas Pahl, 2025

The IUNO – Innovation Centre for Intelligent and Immersive Technologies in the Independent Cultural Scene at HTW Berlin focuses on artificial intelligence (AI), extended reality (augmented, mixed, and virtual reality – XR for short), and, in particular, the connection between the two technologies, which has been little explored in art & culture to date.

The target group includes the independent arts and cultural scene in Berlin as well as small enterprises in the German capital’s creative industries.

IUNO equips Berlin’s independent cultural scene and creative industries with forward-looking skills to understand and explore the use of AI and XR in their creative practice. At the same time, the project fosters active engagement of cultural and creative professionals in the broader societal discourse on AI.

Particular attention is given to a reflective and experimental approach to AI and XR technologies. Key questions include, for example:

– How are artistic processes changing?
– What new forms of access to cultural offerings are emerging?
– How do we address ethical challenges?
– What could business models involving XR and/or AI look like?

IUNO offers:

– a wide range of tailored tutorials & workshops,
– public events with talks, hands-on demos & networking opportunities,
– regular consultation hours,
– annual Artistic Fellowships and Open Calls.

Artistic Fellows explore the immersive potential of XR together with the IUNO team — creating innovative artistic formats that actively contribute to societal discourse on AI.

The IUNO project is supported by a high-profile expert board, interdisciplinary research, and the freely accessible publication of code and research results.

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is co-financing IUNO from 2026 to 2028 as part of its program »Strengthening the Innovation Potential in Culture III« (INP-III).