Applications are now open for the Validation Booster, a six-month acceleration programme supporting journalists, media organisations, content creators, media initiatives and media tech developers with ideas for new digital products, services or formats.
The programme is part of the third edition of Media Innovation Europe (MIE), a consortium dedicated to strengthening independent journalism across Europe. Since 2022, Media Innovation Europe has distributed more than €1.2 million in grants to more than 100 independent media organisations, along with advisory support, networking opportunities and practical expertise.
Led by the Vienna-based International Press Institute (IPI), the consortium brings together Thomson Media, the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) and The Fix Foundation.
The Validation Booster is designed to help participants test, refine and validate innovative business ideas for the media sector. It supports projects that contribute to digital transformation, stronger audience engagement, new production methods and formats and improved financial sustainability.
If you’re successful, you’ll receive tailored support through expert mentoring, online workshops, practical assignments, pitch training and hands-on validation of your proposed product or service. Grants of up to EUR 3,000 are available for media outlets and organisations, while individuals and informal initiatives can receive up to EUR 2,000.
“For Thomson, the continuation is exciting because it puts even more focus on talent by finding promising innovators and helping them shape their ideas,” says Davor Marko, Thomson’s Central and Southeast Europe programme manager. He explains that the media landscape in Europe is “changing fast”, forcing the sector to think differently and test new products, engagement approaches and revenue models. “MIE creates exactly that kind of space: flexible, practical and open to learning, testing and even failing. That is often where the best ideas start,” he adds.
You can apply if you’re from the 27 EU member states, as well as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Ukraine.
You must have a good command of spoken English and submit the application form in English. You can submit up to two applications, provided each proposal is for a distinct idea or project. Funding is available for one proposal per applicant.
The deadline for applications is 2 September 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Read the full details of the call
Click here to apply
For questions and clarifications, you can contact NerminaS@thomsonfoundation.org no later than 1 August 2026.
The Media Innovation Europe programme (MIE) is made possible with the support of the European Union.
