ursprung
["OOR-shrpung"]
ursprung
["OOR-shrpung"]
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ursprung
["OOR-shrpung"]
Menu
Close
Gathering the curious, the creative, the collaborative.
Gathering the curious, the creative, the collaborative.
Talent across Europe remains fragmented by discipline, culture, and geography. The arts and sciences often speak different languages. ursprung bridges these divides, sparking conversations, ideas, and projects that wouldn't emerge otherwise—creating intentional spaces for cross-pollinating breakthroughs.
We organize small, intimate gatherings set in stunning natural landscapes near Munich, Germany. Each retreat blends three ingredients: a Renaissance-inspired focus topic, participant-led workshops, and plenty of time outdoors.
Retreats
UPCOMING
III
Tyrol, Austria
Nov 14th–17th 2025
Focus Topic: Tools for Thought
Mathematics, writing, language—all are inventions, tools designed to augment human intellect. This November, ursprung explores how we might invent new tools for thought, bridging historical perspectives with contemporary AI (e.g., LLMs).
Through interdisciplinary dialogue among artists, mathematicians, and technologists, we’ll examine how these tools shape creativity today and uncover opportunities for future innovations.
Applications open soon.
PREVIOUS
II
Tyrol, Austria
May 23rd–26th 2025
Focus Topic: Salon Culture
We gathered 18 interdisciplinary creators for a weekend inspired by 17th-century salon culture—intimate spaces for exploratory conversations driven by intellect rather than status.
Highlights included a cross-pollination studio pairing diverse participants for spontaneous stage creations, discussions on interdisciplinarity’s hidden costs, a filmmaker’s introduction to cinedelics, and a deep-dive session on deriving everything from first principles.
Located at 1735m in a remote Alpine village, we also enjoyed inspiring hikes and meaningful one-on-one conversations.
I
Allgäu, Germany
Jan 3rd–6th 2025
We spent three incredible days indulging each other’s curiosity while hiking through wintry vistas, enjoying late-night hot tub sessions, and cooking over the wood stove.
Participants-run sessions included lightning talks, origami workshops, discussions on the nature of art, how to live, AI progress, and the European innovation system.
UPCOMING
III
Tyrol, Austria
Nov 14th–17th 2025
Focus Topic: Tools for Thought
Mathematics, writing, language—all are inventions, tools designed to augment human intellect. This November, ursprung explores how we might invent new tools for thought, bridging historical perspectives with contemporary AI (e.g., LLMs).
Through interdisciplinary dialogue among artists, mathematicians, and technologists, we’ll examine how these tools shape creativity today and uncover opportunities for future innovations.
Applications open soon.
PREVIOUS
II
Tyrol, Austria
May 23rd–26th 2025
Focus Topic: Salon Culture
We gathered 18 interdisciplinary creators for a weekend inspired by 17th-century salon culture—intimate spaces for exploratory conversations driven by intellect rather than status.
Highlights included a cross-pollination studio pairing diverse participants for spontaneous stage creations, discussions on interdisciplinarity’s hidden costs, a filmmaker’s introduction to cinedelics, and a deep-dive session on deriving everything from first principles.
Located at 1735m in a remote Alpine village, we also enjoyed inspiring hikes and meaningful one-on-one conversations.
I
Allgäu, Germany
Jan 3rd–6th 2025
We spent three incredible days indulging each other’s curiosity while hiking through wintry vistas, enjoying late-night hot tub sessions, and cooking over the wood stove.
Participants-run sessions included lightning talks, origami workshops, discussions on the nature of art, how to live, AI progress, and the European innovation system.
UPCOMING
III
Tyrol, Austria
Nov 14th–17th 2025
Focus Topic: Tools for Thought
Mathematics, writing, language—all are inventions, tools designed to augment human intellect. This November, ursprung explores how we might invent new tools for thought, bridging historical perspectives with contemporary AI (e.g., LLMs).
Through interdisciplinary dialogue among artists, mathematicians, and technologists, we’ll examine how these tools shape creativity today and uncover opportunities for future innovations.
Applications open soon.
PREVIOUS
II
Tyrol, Austria
May 23rd–26th 2025
Focus Topic: Salon Culture
We gathered 18 interdisciplinary creators for a weekend inspired by 17th-century salon culture—intimate spaces for exploratory conversations driven by intellect rather than status.
Highlights included a cross-pollination studio pairing diverse participants for spontaneous stage creations, discussions on interdisciplinarity’s hidden costs, a filmmaker’s introduction to cinedelics, and a deep-dive session on deriving everything from first principles.
Located at 1735m in a remote Alpine village, we also enjoyed inspiring hikes and meaningful one-on-one conversations.
I
Allgäu, Germany
Jan 3rd–6th 2025
We spent three incredible days indulging each other’s curiosity while hiking through wintry vistas, enjoying late-night hot tub sessions, and cooking over the wood stove.
Participants-run sessions included lightning talks, origami workshops, discussions on the nature of art, how to live, AI progress, and the European innovation system.
ursprung
ursprung (German for "origin"; pronounced "OOR-shproong") is a group of interdisciplinary doers, startup founders, researchers and artists who envision a Europe where interdisciplinary collaboration between arts, sciences, and technology is the norm, not the exception.
Ventures
We bring together curious, driven, and open-minded people to build a close-knit community of thoughtful doers. Beyond our retreats, our community members host ongoing ventures such as the Silicon Valley Canon Reading Club and an intimate dinner series (recent guests include Sebastian Thrun, Co-founder of Google X, and Kitty Mayo, CEO of Project Europe).
Have an idea for your own ursprung venture? Write us a love letter at hi@ursprung.community.
Meet The Organizers
Adrian Cipriani
Adrian Cipriani
Adrian Cipriani
Adrian studies engineering science at TU Munich and creates across painting, film, and music. Having founded a young composers community, he launched ursprung to bridge arts and sciences from personal experience. He deeply enjoys sailing, hiking, and jazz.
Betsy Herbert
Betsy Herbert
Betsy Herbert
Betsy is a doctoral researcher in computational neuroscience at TU Munich, modeling developing brain circuits. She facilitates courses in AI safety and is broadly interested in minds, existential risk, and eccentric social movements.
Marius Jacobs
Marius Jacobs
Marius Jacobs
Marius studies CS at LMU Munich, focusing on ML, neuroscience, and design. His designs shape ursprung’s visual identity. When no one is watching, he deeply enjoys meditation, jazz and exercise.
Marius is studying Computer Science at LMU Munich, with a focus on Machine Learning, Neuroscience and Design. His designs shape ursprung’s visual identity. When he has some time to himself, he enjoys meditation, jazz and exercise.
Hugo Berg
Hugo Berg
Hugo Berg
Hugo studied CS and math at Oxford, later co-founding a cybersecurity startup. With a background in music and science olympiads, he now fosters interdisciplinary collaboration through Ursprung in Munich.
Max Lutz
Max Lutz
Max Lutz
Max is a doctoral researcher in quantum algorithms at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics. He previously studied CS and Physics in Oxford and Munich, exploring tools for thinking and better scientific institutions—usually with too many Wikipedia tabs open.
Marius is studying Computer Science at LMU Munich, with a focus on Machine Learning, Neuroscience and Design. His designs shape ursprung’s visual identity. When he has some time to himself, he enjoys meditation, jazz and exercise.
FAQ
Who should apply?
Anyone who has worked on self-driven projects before, is curious, kind and wants to grow
What's the age limit?
18 years and over.
What's included in the price?
Lodging for 3 nights in shared rooms with 2-4 beds each, large buffet-style daily meals, well-stocked snacks and activities. Also included are two taxi shuttles from Reutte train station to the venue in Boden, Tirol and back again.
Can I get a refund if I don’t make it to the retreat?
We unfortunately can’t offer refunds.
Can I do work during the retreat?
We expect participants to be fully present throughout the weekend. This will also maximize the value you get out of it.
What does a day look like?
No two days are the same, but for example: we start the day with a short morning run,then a hearty breakfast together with everyone in the living room. We hike until early afternoon, with lots of 1-on-1 conversation time, then launch into workshops revolving around our focus topic or a participant-led activity. A subgroup of people go on to prepare dinner, after which the evening is again free for participant activities, freeform discussions and adventure!
What is participant driven content?
Participant-driven content means attendees initiate sessions like lightning talks, creative workshops (e.g. origami folding or writing letters to your future self), or impromptu discussions. We welcome spontaneous ideas while maintaining a logical, energy-sustaining daily structure that balances participant-led activities with our planned whole-group activities.
Who can apply for a reduced ticket?
Everyone, but there is only a very limited amount of reduced tickets available currently. Just let us know in the application form!
Why is the ticket expensive?
We believe that a whole house for ourselves in beautiful nature and great food is important for the quality of the retreat.
Do I need to know German to join?
No! Our primary language is English :)
Why do you choose locations like the Alps?
We value pristine nature to help participants unwind and have fresher thoughts and for the hiking opportunities.
Who should apply?
Anyone who has worked on self-driven projects before, is curious, kind and wants to grow
What's the age limit?
18 years and over.
What's included in the price?
Lodging for 3 nights in shared rooms with 2-4 beds each, large buffet-style daily meals, well-stocked snacks and activities. Also included are two taxi shuttles from Reutte train station to the venue in Boden, Tirol and back again.
Can I get a refund if I don’t make it to the retreat?
We unfortunately can’t offer refunds.
Can I do work during the retreat?
We expect participants to be fully present throughout the weekend. This will also maximize the value you get out of it.
What does a day look like?
No two days are the same, but for example: we start the day with a short morning run,then a hearty breakfast together with everyone in the living room. We hike until early afternoon, with lots of 1-on-1 conversation time, then launch into workshops revolving around our focus topic or a participant-led activity. A subgroup of people go on to prepare dinner, after which the evening is again free for participant activities, freeform discussions and adventure!
What is participant driven content?
Participant-driven content means attendees initiate sessions like lightning talks, creative workshops (e.g. origami folding or writing letters to your future self), or impromptu discussions. We welcome spontaneous ideas while maintaining a logical, energy-sustaining daily structure that balances participant-led activities with our planned whole-group activities.
Who can apply for a reduced ticket?
Everyone, but there is only a very limited amount of reduced tickets available currently. Just let us know in the application form!
Why is the ticket expensive?
We believe that a whole house for ourselves in beautiful nature and great food is important for the quality of the retreat.
Do I need to know German to join?
No! Our primary language is English :)
Why do you choose locations like the Alps?
We value pristine nature to help participants unwind and have fresher thoughts and for the hiking opportunities.
Who should apply?
Anyone who has worked on self-driven projects before, is curious, kind and wants to grow
What's the age limit?
18 years and over.
What's included in the price?
Lodging for 3 nights in shared rooms with 2-4 beds each, large buffet-style daily meals, well-stocked snacks and activities. Also included are two taxi shuttles from Reutte train station to the venue in Boden, Tirol and back again.
Can I get a refund if I don’t make it to the retreat?
We unfortunately can’t offer refunds.
Can I do work during the retreat?
We expect participants to be fully present throughout the weekend. This will also maximize the value you get out of it.
What does a day look like?
No two days are the same, but for example: we start the day with a short morning run,then a hearty breakfast together with everyone in the living room. We hike until early afternoon, with lots of 1-on-1 conversation time, then launch into workshops revolving around our focus topic or a participant-led activity. A subgroup of people go on to prepare dinner, after which the evening is again free for participant activities, freeform discussions and adventure!
What is participant driven content?
Participant-driven content means attendees initiate sessions like lightning talks, creative workshops (e.g. origami folding or writing letters to your future self), or impromptu discussions. We welcome spontaneous ideas while maintaining a logical, energy-sustaining daily structure that balances participant-led activities with our planned whole-group activities.
Who can apply for a reduced ticket?
Everyone, but there is only a very limited amount of reduced tickets available currently. Just let us know in the application form!
Why is the ticket expensive?
We believe that a whole house for ourselves in beautiful nature and great food is important for the quality of the retreat.
Do I need to know German to join?
No! Our primary language is English :)
Why do you choose locations like the Alps?
We value pristine nature to help participants unwind and have fresher thoughts and for the hiking opportunities.
Contact us
hi@ursprung.community
hi@ursprung.community
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