Van generatieve naar regeneratieve technologie | Warming Up Festival
Discover a new way of thinking about technology and our future in this workshop on permacomputing and other regenerative technologies. The workshop is part of the two-part program “(De)Growing Infrastructures”, presented by Waag Futurelab and FIBER. Step into this emerging permacomputing community and join the movement.
So far, most research and science have focused on sustainability. But the real question is: What exactly are we trying to sustain? Many initiatives overlook the reality that resources have already been depleted and damage has already been done. To truly think and act differently, we need new ideas and experiments that push us out of our comfort zone.
In the workshop From Generative to Regenerative Technology, Ola Bonati and Judith Veenkamp (Waag Futurelab) invite you to explore alternatives to the endless cycle of natural resource exploitation and the hidden costs of digital systems.
We’ll dive into Permacomputing: a radically different perspective on how we design, deploy, and repair technology—beyond the familiar principles of circularity.
Through practical exercises and space for your own experiments, you’ll learn a new way of approaching technology that is not just circular, but regenerative and healing. Together, we’ll imagine and test ideas for technologies that can truly restore our world.
Language of the workshop: English
In addition to the workshop, a panel discussion on these themes will take place on 27 November.
This program is part of Warming Up Festival 2025: a month of art, culture, and science about living together in a warming world. Discover the full festival program at wearewarmingup.nl.
Ola Bonati is a concept developer at Waag Futurelab’s Life research group. She works on projects such as Designing Regenerative Technologies, in which Waag explores the relationship between technology and our planet. In her work, Ola investigates alternatives to technological dystopias, seeking kinder and more sustainable practices for both people and the planet. Previously, she worked as a researcher, storyteller, and designer, creating critical media works about the role of technology in everyday life. Since 2021, Ola has been part of the permacomputing community, actively contributing to workshops and lectures that introduce both creative professionals and the wider public to this regenerative approach to technology.
Judith Veenkamp is Head of Programme for the Life and Make research groups at Waag Futurelab. She has a strong vision on the relationship between technology and climate and advocates for regenerative technology. In her role, she designs concepts and shapes projects to co-create innovative solutions to societal challenges together with citizens and stakeholders.
Alongside her work at Waag, Judith is training as a future supervisor at Public Spirit and is a trainee on the supervisory board of DRIFT (Dutch Research Institute for Transitions).
Waag Futurelab is a research institute that strengthens critical reflection on technology, develops technological and societal design skills, and stimulates social innovation. Waag works with a team of designers, artists, and scientists applying public research methods to technology and society. In doing so, Waag empowers as many people as possible to co-create an open, fair, and inclusive future.
Through this approach, we shift our perspective into unfamiliar frameworks that allow for fresh, provocative insights, helping us uncover new solutions. And that is precisely what we need in these changing times!
