Navigating and Creating Value in Creative Tech:
An applied introduction to strategic navigation, value creation, and emerging technologies in Creative Tech
ZCCE, Arcual, and Fuelarts are pleased to present a new summer course at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK).
After more than a year of development, the new academic module “Navigating and Creating Value in Creative Tech” launches in August 2026, exploring the intersection of art, technology, and entrepreneurship through applied strategic thinking and real-world challenges.
The course also marks an important step for the Creative Tech ecosystem, establishing one of the first academic modules in the field to award ECTS credits within the Bologna system.
Content
This module introduces participants to strategic thinking and value creation within the rapidly evolving Creative Tech ecosystem, with a primary focus on Art+Tech.
As new technologies, platforms, and business models continue to emerge, the interaction between creativity, technology, and value creation is becoming increasingly complex. Using real-world cases and applied exercises, participants learn how these elements interact and how strategic opportunities can be identified, analysed, and developed in this dynamic context. Selected guest contributors from the Creative Tech ecosystem will provide additional insights, share practical perspectives, and open access to their networks.
Instead of focusing on startup creation alone, the course is built around the concept of a Strategic Challenge. Participants apply course methods to a real, job-relevant context, working on a Strategic Challenge adapted to the scope of the module, and develop a structured Strategic Roadmap as their main output.
This course corresponds to two modules in terms of scope and price. Participants complete a performance assessment and earn a microcredential certificate worth 4 ECTS credits.
Target audience
Creative professionals, entrepreneurs, innovation managers, cultural practitioners, and other professionals interested in understanding and applying strategic, technological, and creative approaches within the Creative Tech ecosystem.
Participants may come from different professional backgrounds and levels of experience — from early-stage exploration to advanced practice. The course is designed to accommodate this diversity through applied frameworks, selected real-world cases, and individual Strategic Challenges adapted to each participant’s context.
No specific prior knowledge is required, but an active interest in the intersection of creativity, technology, and strategy is expected.
Director / Lecturers
Co-Directors:
• Christoph Weckerle, Director of ZCCE at ZHdK
• Rodrigo Esmela, Tech Executive, CEO at Arcual
• Denis Belkevich, art economist, CEO at Fuelarts
Additional guest contributors from the Creative Tech ecosystem — including startups, platforms, investors, and cultural or academic institutions — will be involved through case studies, lectures, and discussions, reflecting current developments in the field.
Programme
Friday, 28 August
• 9:00–12:30
Deconstructing Value in Creative Tech
Exploring cultural, technological, and financial dimensions of value creation
• 13:30–17:00
Creativity and Innovation: Strategic Perspectives
Frameworks for analysing innovation at the intersection of art and technology
New Business Models and Value Chains
Understanding emerging Creative Tech ecosystems
Saturday, 29 August
Museum tour in Zurich with the course curators
Monday, 31 August
• 9:00–12:30
Legal and Structural Considerations in Art+Tech
IP rights in the era of AI
Tuesday, 1 September
• 9:00–12:30
Building Communities in Niche Markets
From customer discovery to community building
• 13:30–17:00
Independent Work + Office Hours
Strategic Roadmap development with mentoring support
Wednesday, 2 September
• 9:00–12:30
From Web2 to Web3: Practical Toolkit
Hands-on introduction to AI and Web3 tools in Creative Tech
• 13:30–17:00
Phygital Lab Session
Applied workshop linking digital tools with a physical creative environment at ZHdK
Thursday, 3 September
• 9:00–12:30
Communicating Radical Ideas
Developing narratives for investors, boards, and decision-makers
• 13:30–17:00
Finalisation and Preparation of Presentations
Friday, 4 September
• 9:00–12:30
Final Presentations of Strategic Roadmaps & Feedback
Friday, 11 September
Submission of Strategic Roadmap, Reflection Report, and Learning Diary
Further information
Please bring your own laptop with an up-to-date browser.
A reader with selected materials and case studies will be sent out in advance.
The course will be held in English. Some tools or materials may be in English.
Optional online information sessions will be offered prior to the course, providing an introduction to the programme and an opportunity to ask questions.
The first session will take place on [date] — more information and registration via [link].
Structure and workload
Total workload: 124 hours (4 ECTS)
Contact teaching: approx. 40 hours
Independent work: approx. 84 hours (pre- and post-course assignments)
Proof of performance / assessment
Participants provide proof of performance through:
• Strategic Roadmap (document or presentation format)
• Strategic Roadmap Presentation with feedback
• Learning diary documenting the individual learning process (submitted, not graded)
Application
This course comprises two modules in terms of both scope and price.
To learn more about the course structure, content, and approach, you can download the extended programme description (PDF)
If you have any questions or encounter technical difficulties, please contact the Centre for Continuing Education
Before the course begins
To better understand the broader context of Creative Tech in Switzerland, participants and applicants are invited to explore the Swiss Creative Tech Report, developed by the Zurich Centre for Creative Economies (ZCCE) in collaboration with Fuelarts.
This 100-page study provides an overview of Switzerland’s evolving Creative Tech landscape, including educational initiatives, startup ecosystems, venture support structures, and partnership opportunities across different Swiss cantons.
Beyond its research value, the report also serves as a practical resource for founders, professionals, and organisations interested in building and scaling Creative Tech initiatives in Switzerland.
