MIT-LUMA Lab Creative Intelligence Studio
Arles, France
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Imagine what becomes possible when different worlds come together and unexpected connections spark extraordinary ideas. Join LUMA Arles and MIT-LUMA Lab for a unique five-day venture development experience at LUMA Arles’ creative campus, combining MIT DesignX’s venture design methodology and MIT-LUMA Lab’s research-driven approach to developing high-impact solutions.
The program welcomes innovators and entrepreneurs from diverse fields, including art, design, architecture, science, technology and beyond, who are interested in challenging conventional approaches and developing new products, services or ventures.
Admission Process
Partners
LUMA Arles / MIT-LUMA Lab
Location
LUMA Arles
Arles, France
Date
January 11-15, 2027
Open to
Entrepreneurs and innovators
from diverse fields
Work alongside MIT researchers, graduate students, and fellow innovators to advance your venture, challenge assumptions, explore new commercial opportunities, and launch paths. Experience the creative energy of LUMA Arles, access MIT DesignX’s venture development methodology, and connect with an international network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors.
Join the Creative Intelligence Studio to:
Accelerate your solution development: Apply the MIT DesignX venture design methodology to refine your concept. DesignX was named One of America’s Best Accelerators 2026 and ranks highest among design-based innovation programs (TIME 2026).
Connect to a dynamic ecosystem: Build relationships within the MIT–LUMA network of innovators, founders, industry partners, and investors.
Access expertise: Engage and co-create with MIT researchers, graduate students, experienced entrepreneurs, mentors, and innovators.
Unlock new resources: Participating projects may be considered for up to €30,000 in total funding through LUMA Innovation Backing, potentially shared across one or more projects. Support may take different forms, including investment or project development agreements.
Experience a unique creative environment: Immerse yourself in LUMA Arles and Atelier LUMA, where pioneering research in materials, circular systems, and regenerative design challenges conventional approaches to innovation.
“The LUMA Foundation is committed to finding ways to address the current climate emergencies we are facing, focusing on exploring the potentials that can be found in diversity and engagement in every possible form.”
Maja Hoffmann
Founder and President, LUMA Foundation
Timeline
- Applications Open OCT 22
- Applications Due Nov 15
- Acceptances Dec 4
Applications will open in late October. A selection committee will review all applications and invite 6-10 teams to participate.
- Creative Intelligence Lab 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
Participation is free of charge. Accommodation, breakfasts, lunches, and welcome and farewell dinners are provided. Travel and other dinners are not included.
You will be working with your own team, supported by DesignX instructors, as well as specialists from Atelier LUMA. 10 MIT graduate students will also attend and will be assigned to teams as collaborators throughout the program.
Fill out the form provided on this page. The application also requires a one-minute video outlining the problem you’re solving and a potential solution you’re working on.
Participating projects may be considered for up to €30,000 in total funding from LUMA, potentially shared across one or more projects. Support may take different forms, including investment or project development agreements, subject to mutually agreed terms and conditions. This is not an unconditional cash award.
No. Teams may be based anywhere as long as at least 2 team members are able to attend in person.
Yes, you can have funding for your startup or project already, however, most participants will be pre-seed ranging up to Series A.
Participants are not required to give up any equity or intellectual property right to take part in the Creative Intelligence Studio.
LUMA Innovation Backing is a separate opportunity. Support may take different forms, including investment or project development agreements, with terms to be agreed separately with selected projects.
Yes. All workshops will be in English.
There is no official trip to MIT, but we would be happy to welcome you on campus!
Yes, non-profits and for-profits are equal in our belief. Both can apply.
No, you do not have to be incorporated.
No. individuals cannot apply with multiple teams. You must be dedicated to only one idea and team.
Yes. All applications must have teams with at least 2 and up to 5 members.
