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Our Work

Applications are open!

Looking to join us next fall? You have until Jan. 1, 2026 to apply!

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Bold ideas. Real projects. Impact that lasts.

At the ETC, we don’t just talk about innovation — we make it.

Every semester, our students and faculty roll up their sleeves and dive into hands-on projects that blend art, technology and storytelling in unexpected ways. It’s where research becomes play, experiments become experiences and ideas take shape through collaboration.

From rapid prototypes and immersive experiences to educational tools and community programs, our work is as diverse as the people behind it. Some projects are playful, some are deeply practical — but all of them are grounded in curiosity, creativity and the drive to make something that matters.

Learning Through Doing

Every semester, ETC students collaborate in small teams to create something new — including games, interactive experiences, and themed installations. Often, they're the result of a student idea or a partnership with an external client.

Explore All ETC Projects

CMU ETC student adjusting a colorful projector.

Projects Per Year

Over the course of their two years here, our students see multiple projects through start to finish.

Technology Without Borders

At the ETC, our work doesn’t stop at the edge of campus. That’s why we invest in initiatives that bring creative technology to local school districts, community-oriented nonprofits, and museums and cultural organizations.

Discover Initiatives

CMU ETC student showing a young K–12 student how to do something on an iPad.

K-12 Students Impacted

We're introducing K-12 students across the country to new ways of thinking and learning.

Experience Meets Education

Our faculty come from fields as diverse as game design, robotics, human-computer interaction, animation, and themed entertainment. And lucky for our students, they bring their wealth of experience with them into the classroom.

Discover Research

ETC faculty Jonathan Walton gives feedback to students

Student to Faculty Ratio

: 1

Our faculty support students every step of the way by providing hands-on instruction, advising projects, or establishing industry connections.

Physical Presence Pet

Designed using Apple Vision Pro, Physical Presence Pet creates a digital companion that could live with you in XR.

Depero Futuristi

A creative re-interpretation of ballet-inspired, avant-garde performance art that fused performance, interactivity, and digital media.

Quasi

An expressive, animatronic character designed not to follow commands but to create shared moments with guests.

Sponsor an ETC Project

Bring an idea to one of our student teams, and you’ll get the chance to watch them build it for you — all in just 14 weeks.

Work with Us