UNTERNEHMENSGRUPPE DER STADT LINZ HOLDING GMBH

Their core work

This is the municipal holding of the City of Linz that operates Ars Electronica Center — one of Europe's most recognized institutions at the intersection of art, technology, and society. In H2020 projects, they contribute expertise in public engagement, science communication, and immersive media experiences, turning complex research topics into accessible exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs. They serve as a bridge between scientific communities and the general public, with particular strength in designing interactive formats like science cafés, museum exhibitions, and open schooling activities that make research tangible for diverse audiences.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015–2017), the organization focused on broad public engagement formats — pan-European exhibitions, science cafés, science centres, and science shops — with thematic coverage spanning health technology and frugal innovation. From 2018 onward, their focus sharpened toward structured educational programs: open schooling, STEAM education, and space outreach targeting specific underserved communities including youth and gender-diverse groups. This shift signals a move from general science communication toward more targeted, inclusive, and education-system-integrated engagement models.

Moving from broad public science communication toward structured, inclusive education programs integrated with formal schooling — a strong fit for future Responsible Research and Innovation or Widening Participation calls.

How they like to work

Always a participant, never a coordinator — they contribute specialized public engagement and exhibition design capabilities to larger consortia rather than leading project management. With 66 unique partners across 31 countries from just 6 projects, they consistently join large, pan-European consortia averaging 11+ partners. This makes them an experienced, low-friction collaboration partner who knows how to deliver within complex multi-country setups.

Remarkably broad network for their project count: 66 unique partners across 31 countries, indicating they work almost exclusively in large pan-European consortia. No visible geographic concentration — they are a truly continental collaborator.

What sets them apart

Ars Electronica is globally recognized as a pioneer in connecting art with technology and science — few organizations in Europe can match their 40+ year track record in this space. For consortium builders, they offer an unmatched capability in translating complex research into compelling public experiences, exhibitions, and educational programs. Their municipal backing provides institutional stability, while their brand brings immediate credibility to any dissemination or public engagement work package.

Highlights from their portfolio

• STARTS Prize
  Operates the European Commission's flagship prize recognizing innovation at the intersection of science, technology, and the arts — directly tied to Ars Electronica's core identity.
• SPARKS
  Largest funded project (EUR 226,701) involving pan-European exhibitions and science cafés across science centres, showcasing their public engagement reach.
• spaceEU
  Unusual combination of space sector with social inclusion themes (youth, gender, underprivileged communities), showing ability to connect hard science with societal engagement.