Validation Booster: Funding and Mentorship for European Media Innovators

Applications are open for the second cycle of the Validation Booster programme, offering European media outlets, networks, and content creators the opportunity to test and refine their business ideas with expert support.

Successful applicants will receive up to €5,000 in grant funding and tailored mentorship to develop sustainable, digital-first media ventures.

Who can apply?

The programme is open to:

• Independent media outlets and networks
• Individual content creators and journalists
• Media-focused civil society organisations (CSOs)
• Niche platforms, particularly those covering climate, renewable energy, and the green transition

Applicants must be based in one of the following eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Ukraine.

How it works

Over six months, participants will take part in:

• Twelve online workshops over 4 months (each workshop lasts 4 hours)
• A two-month practical phase where participants test their ideas, conduct market research, and refine their business model
• One-on-one mentorship from media industry experts
• The creation of a pitch deck to present their validated concept to investors, funders, and potential partners

By the end of the programme, participants will have a clear business case, tested in real-world conditions, and the confidence to seek further funding.

Key dates

Application deadline: 1 April 2025 (23:59 CET)
Programme duration: June 2025 – November 2025

For full details on eligibility, selection criteria, and how to apply, click here. 

For the application form, please click here. 

The initiative, part of Media Innovation Europe 2.0 project, is led by the International Press Institute (IPI) alongside Thomson Media, The Fix Foundation, and the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN). It is co-funded by the European Union.