Cosm, a global technology company that builds end-to-end solutions for immersive experiences, has shared insights from two key conferences, the International Planetarium Society (IPS) in Fukuoka, Japan, and Ecsite in Gothenburg, Sweden, both held in June.
At both events, top-tier immersive technology was shown to unlock potential for new programming genres, broader audiences, and sustainable income growth.
Organisations adopting these systems are expanding programming across science, nature, and creative storytelling while upholding their core missions.
Cosm is supporting this development with its CX System LED dome and new capabilities in its Digistar software, expanding the possibilities for planetariums and dome theatres worldwide.
STEAM and multidisciplinary engagement
At IPS 2026, Cosm revealed an array of advances that broaden the offerings available to domes and position them as platforms for scientific discovery and collaboration.
These included enhanced live Domecasting functionality, which allows group video interactivity among multiple domes and presenters.
By connecting Digistar domes worldwide and the scientific community in real time, this unlocks global collaboration and immersive experiences for timely science, lectures, and livestreams.
Additionally, the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) dataset is now fully integrated into Digistar. This more than doubles the observable map of the universe, strengthening astronomy education with cutting-edge data and giving visitors an unparalleled view of the cosmos.
Driven by Cosm’s state-of-the-art CX System, Prague Planetarium is the most technologically advanced planetarium in the worldImage courtesy of Cosm
The Premium Media Program has also expanded to include eight new fulldome shows from Reef Distribution. These original titles, covering science, nature, and storytelling, offer domes the potential to drive attendance and differentiate their offerings.
At Ecsite 2026, Cosm's chief operations officer, Kirk Johnson, moderated a panel discussion on how institutions are rethinking economics through immersive technology.
This session featured speakers from Prague Planetarium, Mediendom Kiel, and Stiftung Planetarium Berlin. These Digistar dome venues all demonstrate how adaptable, high-resolution facilities have become multi-functional storytelling platforms spanning astronomy, science, entertainment, and more.
For example, Prague Planetarium has sold out 2,000 consecutive shows. Using Cosm's CX System LED dome and Digistar, the centre has delivered a robust programme of educational astronomy and creative entertainment experiences, attracting new audiences.
This approach reflects a wider industry shift toward STEAM and multidisciplinary engagement.
Ecsite highlighted how organisations are bringing science together with the arts, design, and immersive storytelling to reach new audiences and enhance their impact.
Prague Planetarium, which opened in 2025, utilises Cosm's CX System LED dome and DigistarImage courtesy of Cosm
This is fostered by best-in-class immersive domes, which enable organisations to offer engaging experiences that captivate diverse audiences, minimise barriers to science learning, and promote sustainable revenue models.
"Both conferences made the path forward unmistakable. Institutions that invest in best-in-class immersive technology see immediate payoff in attendance, retention, and audience reach," says a spokesperson from Cosm.
"Prague Planetarium exemplifies the impact immersive technology can deliver, demonstrating both audience demand and operational viability with 2,000 consecutive sold-out shows.
"Cosm's role is to accelerate that shift, providing the integrated technology, content, and customer support that empowers institutions to push boundaries, compete, and thrive in this evolving sector."
Recently, Sony Pictures Entertainment announced a $100 million strategic investment in Cosm, which will use the capital to support its next phase of growth. The company is set to expand its location-based entertainment (LBE) experiences and enhance its technology across sports and entertainment.
