Hiroshi Ishii and the Tangible Media Group at the MIT Media Lab have pioneered new ways for people to interact with computers, with the invention of the “tangible user interface.”It began with a vision of "Tangible Bits," where users can manipulate ordinary physical objects to access digital information. It evolved into a bolder vision of "Radical Atoms," where materials can change form and reconfigure themselves just as pixels can on a screen. This experimental exhibit of three iconic works — SandScape, inFORM, and TRANSFORM — is part of the MIT Museum's ongoing efforts to collect the physical machines as well as preserve the user experience of, in Ishii's words, making atoms dance.Learn more about the exhibits here, or watch the YouTube video of Hiroshi Ishii's talk at the MIT Museum below.This is an ongoing exhibition in our MIT Collects exhibition.

Janet Echelman's Remembering the Future widens our perspective in time, giving sculptural form to the history of the Earth's climate from the last ice age to the present moment, and then branching out to visualize multiple potential futures.Constructed from colored twines and ropes that are braided, knotted and hand-spliced to create a three-dimensional form, the immersive artwork greets you with its grand scale presiding over the MIT Museum lobby.This large-scale installation by 2022-2024 MIT Distinguished Visiting Artist Janet Echelman, was developed during her residency at the MIT Center for Art, Science & Technology (CAST). Architect, engineer and MIT Associate Professor Caitlin Mueller collaborated on the development of the piece.The title, Remembering the Future was inspired by the writings commonly attributed to Søren Kierkegaard: "The most painful state of being is remembering the future, particularly the one you'll never have."As the culmination of three years of dedicated research and collaboration, this site-specific installation explores Earth's climate timeline, translating historical records and possible futures into sculptural form.Echelman's climate research for this project was guided by Professor Raffaele Ferrari and the MIT Lorenz Center, creators of En-ROADS simulator which uses current climate data and modeling to visualize the impact of environmental policies and actions on energy systems.Learn more about Janet Echelman and the MIT Museum x CAST Collaboration.Learn more about the exhibition at the MIT Museum.

Ever wondered how radar really works? In this hands-on IAP course, you’ll design, build, and test your own laptop-based radar system—capable of measuring range, Doppler, and even creating synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images! Work alongside peers to debug, innovate, and refine a brand-new radar design, bringing cutting-edge tech to life. No experience needed—just curiosity, creativity, and a love of building things that see the unseen!Dates: Jan 26th, 28th, 30thTime: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM ESTLocation: 33-419Registration Opens: October 3, 2025To register email: kenneth.koloddziej@ll.mit.edu

Autonomous RACECAR IAP CourseRev up your curiosity and get hands-on with the future of robotics! In this fast-paced two-week course, you’ll dive into the world of autonomous vehicles by programming a 1:14 scale RACECAR to speed through obstacle courses—all on its own. You’ll learn the fundamentals of autonomy, sensors, and control systems while working in teams to make your car faster, smarter, and more agile.The course wraps up with an epic hackathon and tunnel race in the legendary MIT tunnels—complete with prizes, bragging rights, and high-octane fun. 🏁Come build, code, and compete your way to the finish line!Instructor Name: Chris LaiRegistration Opens: November 3, 2025During IAP would it be possible to use the Bldg. 17 hangar/garage (not sure what to call it) space during the below times for RACECAR IAP?Week 1: January 19th, 21st, 23rd, 2026 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), 1pm – 5pmWeek 2: January 26th, 28th, 2026 (Monday, Wednesday), 1pm – 5pmFinal Event: January 30th, 2026 (Friday), 1pm – 5pmLocation: 17-130Registration Link: hhttps://mit-bwsi.formstack.com/forms/racecar_neo_iap_2026Website link: https://sites.mit.edu/mit-racecar/

Hosted by E14 Fund and Media Lab MAS, this engaging workshop will bring together MIT founders to share their experiences and insights on transitioning from scientists and engineers to entrepreneurs. The workshop is designed to guide you through the entrepreneurial process, encourage meaningful connections with both experienced and budding founders, and build a supportive community of peers at various stages of their startup journey. This workshop will also include a field trip to the headquarters of Maven AGI and a fireside chat with the founders.Space is limited, and applications to join are due by November 21.Apply: https://beyondthelab.mit.edu/iapAbout the E14 Fund: The E14 Fund is an MIT-affiliated early-stage venture fund. Born at the MIT Media Lab, E14’s mission is to serve the MIT community and invest in scalable, deep tech startups. E14 donates a significant portion of profits to MIT. Read more about E14 Fund.

Engage with MIT’s innovation ecosystem at the 2026 MIT Korea Conference, exploring the next frontiers in science, technology, and business transformation.This year’s program features Professors Mark Bathe, Juejun Hu, Steven Spear, and Kevin Chen, highlighting breakthroughs in:Programmable biology and molecular engineeringRobotics, soft machines, and autonomous systemsSystems thinking, leadership, and organizational innovationSilicon photonics and opticsTen MIT-connected deep tech startups will present lightning pitches showcasing cutting-edge innovations across AI systems, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, sustainable chemistry, autonomous vehicles, and smart infrastructure.Attendees will have opportunities to engage in in-depth discussions with MIT faculty and startups through interactive sessions, a networking lunch, and a dedicated networking break. The 2026 event will spotlight emerging technologies shaping the next decade and strengthen collaboration between MIT and Korea’s research and innovation ecosystems.