Riyadh: The second international edition of the Media Innovation Bootcamp (Saudi MIB) launched at the Saudi Media Forum 2026, held from February 2 to 4 in Riyadh. The event featured finalists showcasing AI-driven media projects. On the first day, 21 qualifying projects were presented, resulting in the selection of five finalists competing for the grand prize, to be announced on the forum's closing day. Other nominated teams presented their work on the second day.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the bootcamp targets participants aged 18 to 40, including individuals and teams of three to six members, with registration opening on October 16, 2025. A panel of nine experts evaluated the innovations advancing to the finals.
Supporting media innovation, the bootcamp empowers Saudi and international talent to create AI-based solutions in three key areas: AI-enhanced journalism, which uses smart technologies for investigative reporting; smart content creation, focused on producing high-quality videos, podcasts, and interactive designs; and smart virtual anchors, developing virtual presenters that deliver news from reliable sources.
This edition reinforces the Kingdom's position as a global media hub, targeting local and international tech startups, media institutions, and digital media enthusiasts. The Saudi MIB serves as a platform for talent and experts, backed by partnerships with leading technology entities, particularly the Saudi Data and AI Authority.