Thomson Media will outline the success of its six-month Validation Booster programme at the upcoming International Press Institute (IPI) World Congress, showing how rigorous idea testing can turn creative concepts into sustainable media ventures. Validation Booster helps journalists, media organisations and independent creators trial their ideas with real audiences, refine their approach and stress-test revenue models before launch. The session at the Congress in Vienna will bring together media innovators, journalists, editors and decision-makers to share knowledge and spark collaborations by connecting promising projects with potential supporters.
Leading the session is Thomson expert Vladimir Trkulja, the programme’s business lead and media-innovation mentor, who will set out the method and the results achieved to date. He draws on extensive experience helping media teams translate early concepts into products with a clear audience and a credible path to revenue, having previously collaborated with UNICEF, UNDP, USAID and others on innovation and development initiatives.
Following Vladimir’s introduction, four Validation Booster participants from Greece, Slovakia, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina will present their projects. The event will conclude with a panel where mentors and grantees explain how validation shaped their strategies and attracted investment and partnerships
Titled “Navigating Success Stories: Why Validation of Ideas Matters for Media Innovation and Monetisation,” the session takes place on 24 October 2025, 09:30–12:00, in the Maximilian Room at the historic Schönbrunn Orangery and Apothekertrakt in Vienna.
The session is open to all those attending the IPI World Congress including funders and donors keen to support proven, innovative media projects. You can register for the Congress by 1st October 2025 via this link.
For further details about this and other Thomson programmes in Central Europe and the Western Balkans, contact Nermina Sadiković, Programme Coordinator at Thomson Media and event moderator, at nerminas[at]thomsonfoundation.org.
