Innovation Lab

Embracing continuous evolution

In a world of accelerating change, open-mindedness, flexibility, creativity and proactivity are the keys to success. Established in 2022, the Innovation Lab is a space for experimenting with innovative ideas, tools and models in various areas of focus (e.g. climate change, education and GLAM). This concept aligns with the broader strategy of the Wikimedia Movement.

Innovation strategy

Background

Switzerland is a global leader in tech, while Wikipedia and its sister projects have had a revolutionary impact on the internet. Within this context and in line with the aims of the global Wikimedia Movement, Wikimedia CH aims to play an important role in technological innovation and topics of open source, open software, and tools in general. Our Innovation programme will act as an enabler for all other programmes.

WSCwinner 1080px-Baffled_LIGO_Scientists

Our objectives

1

Create space and a framework to anticipate societal changes

2

Give room for experimentation and innovation

3

Ensure support to innovation in Wikimedia CH's programmes

4

Improve the experience of the Wikimedia ecosystem

5

Advance learning for people of all ages

6

Offer free learning platforms for building digital skills

7

Position Wikimedia CH as a partner in technology

8

Develop and implement an IT strategy for Wikimedia CH

Our innovation services

Incubator

Where new technical projects, methodologies and processes are selected and accelerated

Pit-stop

Where existing products or solutions are updated, re-engineered or substituted by fresh solutions.

Factory

The area for specific innovation fields like the climate change project, as well as tech support to other programmes

Tech community

Where computer or data scientists and engineers become key actors to transform inspiration into opportunities

Partner support

The safe space for programmes and partnerships to experiment new ideas and define the strategic alignment and IT infrastructure

Projects of the Innovation Programme

Climate Change Project

This project intends to improve content on Wikimedia platforms related to climate change. It will provide information and solutions to people looking for reliable sources of neutral information. It will also provide information about how to get involved.

Wiki Loves Switzerland

Wiki Loves Switzerland is a photo contest by Wikimedia CH to promote and to enrich free images of Switzerland in Wikimedia projects. The contest proposes a different topic every year.

Wiki Science Competition

Wiki Science Competition is a biannual photo contest by Wikimedia CH to promote scientific images in Wikimedia Commons and other Wikimedia projects.

The Dapples Archive

What began as research to improve the descriptions of photos in the Wikimedia Commons category 'Dapples Archive' revealed more and more exciting details, demonstrating how research can turn into an adventure.

GLAM Statistical Tool (Cassandra)

This project intends to provide a tool for cultural partners. It helps either to monitor the statistical result of the content that has been uploaded to Wikimedia projects or to evaluate further activities. The project has been developed in collaboration with the GLAM programme.

WMCH Map Service

The goal of the Wikimedia CH Map Service is to provide interactive maps to show the impact generated by partners in Wikimedia projects. With these maps and using the georeference in Wikidata, it is possible to create a geographical visualisation of the content. The project has been developed in collaboration with our GLAM programme.

Argo Tool

The Argo tool helps community members who are planning campaigns or other activities around specific topics to identify, meet and collaborate with users who are experts or have interest in those fields. The project has been developed in collaboration with our Education programme.

Dicoado Tool

The Dicoado tool provides an educational resource to write collaborative content about dictionaries and grammar. Through the tool, students can enrich content connected to words and improve their knowledge. Teachers can use it to teach students about language in an easy way. The project has been developed in collaboration with the Education programme.

Wikimini

The Wikimini project provides an educational resource to write collaborative content using the model of Wikipedia. Through this tool, students can create content or read content in a simple language. Teachers can use the tool to assign tasks and activities to their students. The project has been developed in collaboration with our Education programme.