Apply Now: Magic Grants 2026–2027 Offering Up to $300,000 for Media Innovation Projects

Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Magic Grants offered by the Brown Institute for Media Innovation—a collaboration between Stanford School of Engineering and the Columbia Journalism School.

Each year, the institute awards over $1 million in grants to support groundbreaking projects that combine technology and storytelling. The Magic Grant program encourages innovators to experiment with new tools, new stories, and new forms of media, helping shape the future of journalism and digital storytelling.

Successful projects often bring together journalists, engineers, computer scientists, designers, and digital humanities scholars to develop creative solutions that improve how stories are discovered, produced, and shared.

Grant Benefits

Selected teams will receive a comprehensive package designed to support both the development and impact of their projects:

• Funding up to $150,000 for one year

• Up to $300,000 for “bicoastal” teams with members from both Stanford and Columbia

• Salaries and fellowships for team members

• Funding for software, hardware, prototyping, production, and services

• Professional development opportunities, including entrepreneurship training

• Access to expert mentors and advisors

• Membership in a global alumni network of innovators

Since its launch, the program has supported 150+ projects and nearly 400 innovators working at the intersection of media and technology.

Types of Projects Supported

Magic Grants support a wide range of innovative initiatives, including:

• New journalism storytelling formats

• AI tools for audio and video editing

• Data visualization and immersive storytelling

• Machine learning applications in media

• New software platforms and database tools for journalism

• Speech analysis and data-sharing technologies

Projects can range from software platforms and research initiatives to multimedia storytelling and hardware prototypes.

Eligibility

The Magic Grant program welcomes proposals from:

• Students

• Faculty

• Alumni

• Practitioners working in media and technology

Applicants must have connections to either Stanford University or Columbia University.

The program especially encourages “bicoastal” collaborations involving team members from both institutions.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on four main factors:

1. Originality and innovation of the project

2. Potential impact

3. Strength and expertise of the team

4. Feasibility and timeline for completion

Applicants should clearly outline their project concept, timeline, expected outcomes, and potential challenges.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the Submittable platform and typically include:

• Project summary and detailed description

• Timeline and milestones

• Explanation of innovation and impact

• Discussion of potential challenges and risks

• Team member details and CVs

• Budget (up to $150,000 for 12 months)

• Optional supporting documents and letters of support

Finalists will be invited to submit a 5-minute presentation video and participate in a virtual Q&A session before the final selection.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 (11:59 PM PT)

• Finalists Announced: April 10, 2026

• Stanford Finalist Presentations: April 24, 2026

• Columbia Finalist Presentations: April 27, 2026

• Winners Announced: April 30, 2026

• Project Start Date: September 2026 (or Summer 2026 by arrangement)

Information Sessions

Interested applicants can attend information sessions hosted at Stanford and Columbia, including virtual sessions to learn more about the program and application process.

Discover more Grant Opportunities Here.