Open Call for JournalismAI Innovation Challenge

JournalismAI, a collaboration between LSE and Google News Initiative, offers grants to small and medium-sized news publishers to explore AI applications for audience intelligence, business innovation, and revenue generation. Selected teams receive mentorship, funding, and access to a global learning network to implement AI solutions that strengthen journalism’s sustainability.

Overview

JournalismAI Innovation Challenge supports small and medium-sized news publishers in experimenting with artificial intelligence to enhance business strategies and audience engagement. The initiative focuses exclusively on AI-driven tools for organizational growth, not on reporting, storytelling, or fact-checking technologies.

The programme combines financial grants, mentorship, and collaborative learning over nine months to accelerate innovation in journalism. Participants design, implement, and evaluate AI solutions while sharing insights with peers globally.

Funding Details

• Grants Available:

  • 8 projects × US $50,000

  • 4 projects × US $100,000

• Purpose: Support early-stage and advanced AI applications for business and audience insights.

• Duration: 9 months

Who is Eligible?

• Eligible Organizations:

  • Small and medium-sized news publishers (10–200 staff)

  • Must have been fully operational with active content for at least 12 months

  • Must have a verifiable digital presence (e.g., website)

  • Must already be exploring AI technologies

• Ineligible Organizations:

  • Government-owned or politically affiliated entities

  • Publishers previously funded in the first JournalismAI Innovation Challenge

  • Organizations not primarily focused on news

Focus Areas

Eligible AI applications include:

• Audience Intelligence: Tools that analyze engagement, retention, and behavior

• Business Innovation: AI solutions that optimize workflow, operations, or strategy

• Revenue Generation: Technology to explore new revenue streams or monetization models

Not eligible: reporting projects, storytelling initiatives, fact-checking tools, or newsgathering technologies.

How to Apply / How it Works

1. Prepare Proposal: Clearly define AI concept, objectives, target outcomes, and implementation plan.

2. Submission: Submit through JournalismAI’s official application portal within the designated period.

3. Selection: Projects evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, impact potential, and alignment with focus areas.

4. Implementation: Selected teams receive grants, mentorship, and access to peer learning network for nine months.

5. Evaluation: Track project progress, measure impact, and submit a final report detailing outcomes and lessons learned.

Expectations & Requirements

• Commit to openly sharing business insights and lessons with other participants

• Engage in collaborative learning sessions and peer mentorship

• Complete project implementation and evaluation within nine months

• Provide final impact report to JournalismAI

Tips for a Successful Application

• Focus on measurable business or audience outcomes

• Ensure AI solution is feasible within nine months

• Highlight previous experience with AI or data-driven projects

• Emphasize potential for broader learning and industry impact

FAQ

Q1: Can large news publishers apply?
A: No, only small and medium-sized publishers with 10–200 staff are eligible.

Q2: Are reporting or storytelling projects funded?
A: No, the challenge funds AI solutions for audience intelligence, business innovation, and revenue generation only.

Q3: How long is the grant period?
A: 9 months from project start to final evaluation.

Q4: Can international publishers apply?
A: Yes, as long as they meet staff size and operational requirements, and their primary focus is news.

Q5: What is required in the final report?
A: A detailed impact assessment, project outcomes, lessons learned, and data on business or audience improvements.

Q6: Are collaborations encouraged?
A: Yes, participants must share insights, collaborate with peers, and participate in network learning sessions.

Q7: Is prior AI experience mandatory?
A: Yes, applicants must already be exploring AI technologies within their organization.

Conclusion

The JournalismAI Innovation Challenge is a unique opportunity for small and medium-sized news publishers to harness AI for sustainable business growth. Through grants, mentorship, and collaborative learning, the initiative accelerates innovation while strengthening journalism globally, empowering news organizations to adapt to evolving audience and market demands.