We test and scale creative projects with high impact potential.

10 Hackathons // 100+ Prototypes // 1000+ Participants

How We Work

Experimental Initiatives

We develop program models which
are often the first of their kind.

Gray Area Research Initiatives are large-scale experiments which create and showcase new projects in art, technology, and design.

We design our programs from the ground up to bring diverse people together and focus them on specific challenges.

See our Initiatives →

Selected Initiatives

- The first mayoral debate where citizens presented their own solutions to candidates

- The first hackathon supported by months of community research

- The first street festival dedicated to tech-driven urban interventions

Rapid Prototyping

We use collaborative prototyping to find creative solutions, faster.

All of our Initiatives utilize prototyping – rapidly creating test projects, demos, and working models – as a central component of their success.

Every year, our Research generates a huge number of new prototypes – or “Hacks” – that explore how technology can shape society.

See our Hacks →

Selected Hacks

- A projection mapping project that revitalizes dark alleys by illuminating and animating street art

- A web platform for connecting underused spaces with pop-up businesses and activities

- An interactive visualizer that allows for real-time coding of audio-responsive generative art

Impactful Outcomes

We support projects as they grow to achieve their full potential.

After prototypes are created, we support the most promising projects with long-term support that helps them grow and scale their impact.

Gray Area Projects take advantage of the latest tools in art and technology to create positive social impact in creative new ways.

See our Projects →

Selected Projects

- A living, growing ecosystem of musical lifeforms that anyone can explore, see and hear

- A global platform for sharing and highlighting commonalities across cultures and geographies

- A pilot project for the SFMTA utilizing real-time data to improve system management