More than 100 students from across Europe came to USTP - University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten from 14 to 18 September 2026 to join the E³UDRES² Intensive I Living Labs 2026. This year's theme of the challenge-based was “How AI is Influencing Our Cultural Heritage.” Working in interdisciplinary and international teams, participants explored how digital tools and artificial intelligence can support cultural institutions in reaching new audiences, enhancing visitor experiences, and preserving cultural heritage in innovative ways.
At the heart of the Intensive I Living Labs were five real-world challenges presented by cultural organisations and industry partners from Austria. Student teams collaborated with challenge owners to develop creative and practical solutions that address current issues faced by museums, theatres, and cultural venues.
The challenges included supporting Festspielhaus St. Pölten in engaging more male and non-academic audiences through diverse formats and activities, developing strategies to attract younger visitors to Cinema Paradiso St. Pölten, and finding new ways to connect the Vienna State Opera with spaces and platforms already used by young people. Together with Agrana Zucker Hohenau/March, the student teams were exploring how to communicate the historical and economic impact of the sugar industry on the city of Hohenau to future generations. Designing concepts for a more interactive and contemporary museum experience was the core challenge posed by the Museum Walzengravieranstalt in Guntramsdorf.
From first ideas to implementation-ready solutions
Throughout the week, students combined design thinking, innovation methods, and AI-supported approaches to analyse challenges and develop solutions. The programme encouraged participants to work across disciplines and cultures while engaging directly with stakeholders from the cultural sector. Beyond the project work, the Intensive I Living Labs offered participants an immersive experience in Austrian culture and civic life. Students visited the challenge owners on site to gain first-hand insights into their organisations and audiences. The programme also included a reception with the Deputy Mayor at St. Pölten City Hall, as well as guided tours through St. Pölten and Vienna, providing opportunities for cultural exchange and networking.
The event concluded on Friday with final presentations at USTP, where the international teams showcased their concepts and recommendations. The presentations highlighted the potential of combining human creativity, technological innovation, and cultural understanding to address pressing challenges in the heritage and cultural sectors. As part of the E³UDRES² Alliance's commitment to challenge-based and entrepreneurial learning, the Intensive I Living Lab demonstrated how collaboration between higher education institutions, students, businesses, and public organisations can generate innovative solutions with real societal impact.
