S+T+ARTS Prize
Grand prize of the European Commission honoring Innovation in Technology, Industry and Society stimulated by the Arts
A yearly competition is held to single out for recognition innovative projects at the nexus of science, technology and the arts that have what it takes to make a significant impact on economic and social innovation.
The two STARTS Prize winners each receive €20,000 and are prominently featured at Ars Electronica and other events of the consortium partners INOVA+, French Tech Grand Provence, Media Solutions Center Baden-Württemberg, Salzburg Festival, Sonar, T6Ecosystems and Kustodie at TUD Dresden University of Technology.
Grand prize of the European Union promoting
a S+T+ARTS approach to digital innovation in South America
The S+T+ARTS Prize Buen-TEK honours artistic projects that merge Indigenous technology, Lo-TEK, and the philosophy of Buen Vivir, recognising creative practices rooted in harmony with nature, community, and cultural resilience.
A total of €30,000 in prize money will be awarded to two to six projects that bridge art, science, and technology to propose regenerative, inclusive, and ecologically grounded visions for the future. Selected projects will be presented at the IMPAKT Festival 2026 and gain international visibility through the S+T+ARTS networks.
S+T+ARTS Prize Africa
Grand prize of the European Union promoting
a S+T+ARTS approach to digital innovation in Africa
The STARTS Prize Africa highlights and awards regional best practices in the field through the African edition of the well-known STARTS Prize.
The awarded Grand Prize, with €15,000 in prize money, along with five Awards of Distinction, each worth €3,000, honor initiatives that strive towards a positive social, humanitarian, economic, environmental, or political impact, foster digital transformation within the creative sector, and exemplify visionary pathways toward a diverse and sustainable society.