Belgrade – As part of USAID’s BMAP, “Internews” in Bosnia and Herzegovina is releasing an open call for applications for participation in the first Media Innovation Lab, slated for October 29-31, 2018.

The purpose of the Innovation Lab is to spark cross-sectoral thinking and provide an opportunity for participants to form face-to-face connections with professionals they wouldn’t normally have an opportunity to meet and solve real problems in the regional media community.

The Innovation Lab, which will take place in Sarajevo, will assemble creative, innovative people of varying skills to collaborate on developing online solutions to concrete problems or needs and will provide a creative, collaborative space where media professionals, designers, technologists, and others can come together to develop localized tools that will help tackle challenges facing digital media across the Balkan region. This year’s Innovation Lab main theme will be: Information Security and Secure Communications

Selected applicants will have the opportunity to develop prototypes of their ideas at the Media Innovation Lab, which will then be eligible for seed funding up to $5,000 USD for further development after the event into full-fledged tools that can be rolled out for use by media across the region.

Individuals, freelancers, professionals passionate about media, such as journalists, editors, CSOs representatives, IT developers and designers, are encouraged to think about innovative ideas and to approach media outlets or media organizations for joint applications! Also, organizations and media outlets are encouraged to reach out for young and creative professionals and offer them a chance as part of their Team!

All travel and accommodation costs for the selected teams will be fully covered by the USAID’s BMAP. 

The working language for all documents and the Media Innovation Lab is English.

Deadline for applications is September 28, 2018.

Eligible for applicants from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo and Metohija and Macedonia.

All details about the call (eligibility, procedure) and application form are available on

https://bmapmediainnovationlab.wordpress.com/

All questions and applications should be submitted to Armina Mujanovic at amujanovic@internews.org    

Source: USAID and Coordination Body