“I went in as a heavy AI user but uncertain about what it meant for the future of journalism, and walked out optimistic about where we're headed. What became clear is that AI doesn't diminish journalism—it refocuses it. [...] For Swiss journalists with an idea and a willingness to learn: the program gives you the knowledge and the connections to make things happen, I can't recommend it enough."
August 10–21, 2026
An Immersive Journey in Multimedia Journalism
The 2026 Multimedia Lab for Journalists is a two week intensive program designed for established and emerging professionals in journalism and multimedia storytelling, taking place for the 4th time.
Participants will enhance their journalistic projects by exploring innovative storytelling techniques and cutting-edge technologies, with a special focus on generative AI. By program completion, fellows will have produced an original multimedia project and developed valuable AI skills to elevate their future work.
During this time, fellows will be exposed to the Bay Area’s thriving journalism community, network with industry mentors and partners, and receive visibility and financial support.
Check out our last year’s edition in the highlight video and read more about it here.
Why the Bay Area
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, UC Berkeley, and Stanford University as well as various AI & tech companies. 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.
Our Program Goal / Mission
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.
Testimonials from Participants
“You really took our initial goals and feedbacks into consideration and created a schedule that respected the different needs of the participants. The communication from the first application to the end of the workshop was amazing. [...] obviously the entire Swissnex team was super helpful, nice and just fun to be around. It was an amazing experience. Thank you for everything.”
What We Offer / Program Highlights
The Multimedia Lab for Journalists 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.
Who Should Apply
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.
Eligibility Criteria
The 2026 Multimedia Lab for Journalists is designed for:
- Journalists
- Multimedia storytellers
- Web designers or web developers
- 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
Costs
Tuition for the 2-week program is CHF 5,000.
Participants typically join the program as self-funded fellows, either independently or with support from their newsroom.
Through the support of the Gebert Rüf Stiftung (GRS), a small number of participants will receive a contribution of CHF 1,000 toward travel and accommodation.
Please note that tuition does not cover travel, accommodation, or meals.
How to Apply
- 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 26, 2026
Contact Information
Send any inquiries to Lucas Hagin, Creative Industries Program Manager at Swissnex in San Francisco,
Key Dates
- March 27, 2026: Application opens
- April 26, 2026: Application closes
- Mid May: Selected applicants notified
- August 10, 2026 to August 21, 2026: 2026 Multimedia Lab for Journalists
