Hibrid: Pioneering Innovation and Collaboration for a Dynamic Future
In an era where innovation dictates the pace of progress, Hibrid has emerged as a transformative force. Based in Kosovo, Hibrid is a platform for production, education, and innovation—focused on strengthening digital resilience and media literacy.
Origins: A Mission Shaped by Urgency
Founded by Shkelzen Osmani, Hibrid was born out of the need to go beyond surface-level cooperation with tech giants. “Even though we cooperated with big tech companies, the impact was good but not sufficient. There was still a gap to fill with complementary initiatives,” he explains.
With over 15 years in journalism and an MBA focused on media transformation, Shkelzen envisioned a project that could adapt to digital threats while educating the next generation of media professionals. “It was a risk. We identified it as an experimental approach, and we faced obstacles. But we succeeded. And now, we are here.”
Three Pillars: Production, Education, Innovation
Hibrid’s strength lies in its three interconnected areas of work:
Production: Through Hibrid.info, Hibrid publishes over 800 fact-checks per year—about 3–4 articles daily—focused on disinformation narratives. It also produces the monthly show “Behind the Screens” and the podcast “Hibrid Talks.”
Education: Hibrid trains students and journalists in media literacy and explores the impact of AI in journalism. Workshops regularly cover topics like open-source intelligence (OSINT) tools and disinformation techniques.
Innovation via HibridLab: The Lab functions as an incubator where students and developers co-create tools to counter digital threats. Five applications have been developed so far, including Clickbait Checker, Claim Identifier, Media Transparency, Information Credibility, and a Media Literacy Game.
“Students are aware of new innovations, but they rarely experience them firsthand. What I wanted to do was to get them involved in the process,” says Shkelzen.
Tools and Advocacy for a Safer Infosphere
Beyond its apps, Hibrid also launched Kosovofacts.com, a platform for fact-based narratives about Kosovo. Through its advocacy work, Hibrid contributes to conversations on potential digital regulation and policy in Kosovo and beyond.
Hibrid also partners with international organizations to ensure broader impact. “People now see that these changes are possible. We broke down walls and proved that innovation is achievable anywhere,” Shkelzen emphasizes.
Despite funding challenges, especially with shifting financial support from traditional donors, Hibrid remains steadfast. “We are building networks in Poland and Nordic countries to explore replication opportunities. The fact that our apps are attracting interest shows we are on the right path,” says Shkelzen.
The Future of Media Innovation
The landscape of media and digital technology is rapidly evolving, and Hibrid is at the forefront of this transformation. While many established media entities struggle to adapt, Hibrid embraces change as a fundamental principle. As Shkelzen aptly puts it: “We are trying not because it’s part of a national strategy, but because there is no other option.”
To learn more about Hibrid, visit https://hibrid.info/