MIT-LUMA Lab Innovation Week
Arles, France
The DesignX Innovation Week is part of the MIT-LUMA Lab, a landmark collaboration between the MIT School of Architecture and Planning and the LUMA Foundation, operating at the nexus of climate science, technology, art, ecology, and design to address regional and global climate challenges through research, creative practice, and pedagogy.
The program offers a dynamic, fast-paced week in which participants work in transdisciplinary teams to assess and advance projects related to MIT and Atelier LUMA bioregional design research. Using DesignX tools and methods — including needs analysis, stakeholder mapping, user engagement, prototyping, and business model design — teams explore and iterate innovative ideas to transform them into scalable, impactful solutions.
Admission Process
Partners
Atleier LUMA
Location
LUMA Arles
Arles, France
Date
January 2027
Open to
MIT Graduate Students
MIT graduate students may apply to take part in the Innovation Week in Arles by completing an application and interview, highlighting the connection of their portfolio to design, sustainability and the human environment.
We are looking for those who are passionate about designing, making and deploying sustainable solutions for critical social and environmental challenges.
Timeline
- Applications Open SepT
- Interviews Oct
- Acceptances Nov
Applications for Innovation Week 2027 will open in late September. A selection committee will review all applications and 6-10 students to participate.
- IAP Innovation Week JAN
The program takes place over a week in January at Atelier LUMA, located at LUMA Arles in Arles, France.
- Extended Opportunities
Opportunities may exist to extend the collaboration with Atelier LUMA.
FAQs
Travel and housing is covered for this program. Housing is located on the Atelier LUMA campus.
You will be working with DesignX instructors and entrepreneurs-in-residence, as well as specialists from Atelier LUMA. You will be joined by up to 10 MIT graduate students from across the Institute.
Any MIT graduate student is eligible to apply and no prior enrollment in DesignX courses is necessary.