Every powerful idea gains traction through bold imagination, focused energy, fresh perspectives, and momentum that doesn’t let up.

At a moment of vertiginous change in the world, New Beginnings marks the Media Lab’s bold commitment to exciting new ideas, transformational projects, and accelerated momentum—across disciplines, across generations, and across the ever-changing boundary of what’s possible. 

At the heart of everything we do is one purpose: to invent technologies that help people flourish—by exploring new ideas, expressing themselves more fully, and creating more boldly.

Tuesday, October 21

Wednesday, October 22

Thursday, October 23

The Event

Over two days, we gather to share not just progress, but process: the raw, essential phases of innovation—from early-stage exploration to tangible breakthroughs to scalable impact.

You’ll hear from new faculty with uniquely radical research agendas, dive into updates from across the Lab, walk through ideas that live between concept and prototype, data and design, and get a glimpse of some exciting new alliances across MIT (MIT MAD, MIT Executive Education, and more.) This is all part of a renewed vision energized by brand new leadership at the Lab—committed to expanding what’s possible through curiosity, collaboration, and courageous thinking. It is also part of the Media Lab’s 40th Anniversary year which culminates in a must-attend community celebration in October 2026!

Through open houses and working demos, you’ll step into experiments still unfolding. And throughout the event, we’ll explore how real innovation happens: beginning with the impossible—the early phase of fundamental research, where radical ideas are born long before they’re viable or understood; moving into the improbable—where those ideas are built, broken, tested, and rebuilt through iteration and creative friction; and culminating in the inevitable—when solutions are ready to scale, and must prove themselves in the real world.

That’s what this moment is. And that’s what we build on.

The agenda is subject to change. New information will be updated regularly. Bookmark this page to stay up-to-date.

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Please contact your Member Manager or external-relations@media.mit.edu for registration details.

What to expect

This fall’s member event offers an inside look at bold ideas in motion—across research, experimentation, and collaboration.

• Concurrent sessions: Hands-on and discussion-based sessions led by Media Lab faculty, researchers, and students.
• Networking: Connect with peers and Lab members to exchange ideas and spark new collaborations.
• Open lab exploration: Experience projects at every stage—from early experiments to emerging breakthroughs.

Join us as we explore the impossible, the improbable, and the inevitable—and celebrate curiosity as a catalyst for invention.