The Bay Area is renowned for its innovative storytelling amid an AI boom and advances in virtual/augmented reality, crowdsourcing, open access, and data-driven reporting. Swissnex San Francisco is located in close proximity to organizations such as San Francisco Chronicle, OpenAI, Google, Meta, Adobe, UC Berkeley, and Stanford University. In this dynamic ecosystem, we explore how journalists can harness cutting-edge technology while maintaining a balanced, critical perspective that drives rigorous, ethical reporting and responds to the evolving challenges confronting journalism today.

This year’s program coincides with two major journalism events – the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference and the World Journalism Education Congress – further enhancing opportunities for participants to engage with global experts and expand their professional networks.

Our mission is to inspire novel approaches in communication and journalism that drive public dialogue, promote new ways of thinking, and empower citizens to make informed decisions. Supported by the Gebert Rüf Stiftung (GRS), we aim to create an exchange platform between local experts and Swiss communicators and ignite conversations among different audiences.

A 2-week Multimedia & AI Lab from August 4 to August 15, which includes the following support:

• A 2-week intensive curriculum with local experts in journalism and multimedia storytelling.
• Daily group workshops where participants will experience new technologies like generative AI firsthand and learn how to apply them to their projects.
• Public events, expert talks and site visits. Participants will also gain insights into the latest advancements, and engage in discussions on topics relevant to the future of journalism.
• Individual support from Swissnex staff to set program goals and facilitate introductions to relevant contacts, as well as with external local mentors, before and during the Multimedia & AI Lab.
• Visibility: Opportunity to participate in public events and activities to showcase projects and interact with the local community of journalists. In addition, you’ll be featured on Swissnex SF’s social media platforms and website.
• Desk space within Swissnex in San Francisco, access to meeting rooms and shared resources.
• Financial Support: Selected applicants may receive funding from the Gebert Rüf Stiftung, providing CHF 1,000 to partly cover travel and accommodation expenses for a 2-week stay.

We are looking for individuals with an innovative, bold, and inspiring vision for journalism. Candidates should preferably be currently working on a specific multimedia project that they want to develop throughout the program. The ideal participant will have a cross-disciplinary approach to their work, leverage innovative technology to reach new audiences, and show the willingness to create engaging and impactful experiences and multimedia productions. Candidates should also be ready to take part in public events.

The 2025 Multimedia Lab for Journalists is designed for:

• Journalists.
• Web designers or web developers.
• Multimedia storytellers.
• Journalism students and PhD in Journalism and Communication students.

To be eligible for the program:

• Applicants must be affiliated with a Swiss print or online editorial office, or a comparable institution – based in Switzerland or abroad.
• Preference for permanent staff over contract-based freelancers.
• Candidates must apply with a well-defined and concrete project they would like to further develop.

Tuition for the 2-week program is CHF 5,000. Gebert Rüf Stiftung (GRS) provides financial support for selected participants.

GRS-Supported Participants:

• GRS covers CHF 2,500 of the tuition fee.
• Selected participants pay the remaining CHF 2,500.
• They also receive a CHF 1,000 stipend to help cover travel and accommodation costs.

Self-Funded Participants:

• Full tuition of CHF 5,000 applies.
• Travel and accommodation expenses must be covered independently.

• Submit your application via this LINK. If suitable, we’ll ask you to interview, and request additional information.
• Applications are accepted and reviewed until April 27, 2025.

Send any inquiries to:

Lucas Hagin
Creative Industries Program Manager
Swissnex San Francisco

March 24, 2025: Application opens.
April 27, 2025: Application closes.
Mid May: Selected applicants notified.
August 4, 2025 to August 15, 2025: 2025 Multimedia Lab for Journalists