Validation Booster: Funding and Mentorship for European Media Innovators

19/03/2025

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.

-- Explore our projects across the globe

LINK:	http://www.thomsonfoundation.org/latest/validation-booster-funding-and...
	See more stories from thompsonfoundation

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

04/08/2026

Dalet Announces Commercial Availability of Dalia, Bringing Media-Aware Agentic AI to Enterprise Productions

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

04/07/2026

Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in Dolby Cinemas Across Japan, Presented in Dolby Atmos and Dolby ...

April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...

01/06/2026

Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026

January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026 Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...

02/05/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Search, Faster Editing, and an AI-Ready Foundation for Modern Media

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

01/05/2026