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Saudi Media Innovation Bootcamp extends sign-ups to 15 October, with tracks on AI-assisted journalism, smart content and AI virtual presenters
The third edition of the Saudi Media Forum's bootcamp has pushed its registration deadline to 15 October, citing growing interest. Its three tracks are aimed at newsrooms and creators building AI tools, and the programme is part of preparations for the 2027 Saudi Media Forum.
Applicants now have until 15 October to enter the third Saudi Media Innovation Bootcamp (Saudi MIB), after the Saudi Media Forum initiative pushed back its deadline, citing growing interest from innovators and people working in media, the Saudi Press Agency reported on 29 September.
The three tracks this year are AI-Augmented Journalism, Smart Content Creation and AI Virtual Presenters. According to the organisers, participants get workshops led by media, technology and start-up specialists, plus coaching, with the aim of turning an early idea into a project that can scale.
The judging panel named so far includes Scott Livingston, chief executive and founder of Tekken Media Arts; Simon Thethi, founder of Enseom Media Ventures; Douglas Scott, co-founder of UNKNOWN and CINEMALISTICS; and Majed bin Anzan, president of the Saudi Innovation Club, alongside executives from international media organisations.
The bootcamp is part of preparations for the third Saudi Media Forum in 2027, which the organisers say will expand its international presence through innovation and talent programmes.
What the official programme page sets out: registration is open to innovators from any country aged 18 to 40, in teams of two to six, with at least one member who has basic media, technology, marketing or design experience. Teams must commit to attend all training sessions and workshops, in person or online, and apply with a pitch deck of 6–12 slides, each slide in both Arabic and English. Selected projects are due to be announced on 24 October, final presentations to the judges are set for 1–3 February, and winners will be announced on 3 February. Prize money has not been published. Apply at saudimf.sa/web/initiatives/saudi-mib/apply before 15 October.
Why it matters: few programmes in the region focus specifically on AI in journalism and on-screen AI presenters, two areas where Arabic-language tools still lag English ones. For small newsrooms, podcast teams and creator studios, mentoring and a route to the 2027 forum could be a low-cost way to test a product idea in front of potential partners.
Sources: Saudi Press Agency, 29 Sep 2026 (also carried by BroadcastPro Middle East, 2 Oct); Saudi Media Forum programme page.
Watch next: the 24 October list of selected projects and the 1–3 February final presentations.