Brief History

Emerging from the Carnegie Mellon International Partnership, the Interactive Technologies Institute is a research institution dedicated to advancing digital technology and its applications across various fields. Established in 2010 in Madeira Islands, Portugal, the Interactive Technologies Institute later relocated to Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, where it has since become a hub for interdisciplinary research, attracting experts from engineering, design, social sciences, arts, and humanities.

The institute’s founding vision was to create a unique environment fostering innovation and collaboration in interactive technologies. Since its inception, the Interactive Technologies Institute has concentrated on understanding the intricate relationships between humans, the environment, and technology to shape a sustainable and inclusive future for all. Over the years, we have undertaken numerous research projects, leading to the development of innovative tools and design methods. These projects have often been supported by prestigious funding bodies such as European Commission and the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, resulting in numerous publications, patents, and spin-offs.
Our commitment to interdisciplinary research has facilitated the creation of robust partnerships with leading academic institutions, industry, and government agencies worldwide. Moreover, the institute’s educational programs have played a crucial role in training the next generation of researchers, equipping them to address the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Bringing together faculty members from Instituto Superior Técnico, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Architecture of the University of Lisbon and the University of Madeira, our labs are situated in the Beato Innovation District (in Lisbon) and at the Centro Cultural de Investigação do Funchal in Madeira. The Foundation for Science and Technology, the European Commission, and benefactors such as Fundação Santander, Feedzai, WYGroup, and the Municipalities of Lisbon and Funchal generously support the research at Interactive Technologies Institute.