MediaFutures support programme: 19 projects selected!

Start of MediaFutures support programme –  the first 19 projects receive funding, mentoring and training to develop innovative ideas to tackle misinformation using data.

MediaFutures, the new data-driven innovation hub bringing together startups, SMEs and artists to solve challenges in the media industry, has started its startup and artist support programme at the beginning of April 2021. The first cohort consists of 19 projects and will receive funding, mentoring as well as training to develop innovative ideas to tackle misinformation using data.

The MediaFutures programme covers three sub-programmes: ‘Artists for Media’, an artist residency, ‘Startups for Citizens’, a startup accelerator, and ‘Startup meets Artist’, an unique and collaborative programme that invited startups and artists to propose a joint project.

The 19 projects were selected out of 133 applications from 32 countries submitted during the 1st Open Call (see results).

• 5 projects joined the artist residency programme, receiving up to €30,000.
• 7 startups and 7 collaborative projects between startups and artists will receive €5,000 and one month to develop their idea. They will then have the opportunity to pitch and win one of seven places for the next phase (BUILD) of the programme, receiving up to €80,000.

The selected projects cover topics from coronavirus to climate change. If you are curious to read more about the projects go here.

News from the projects and the programme will be regularly published through the MediaFutures social media channels (Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram) and our website.

Alexandra Garatzogianni, Coordinator of MediaFutures, Head of Knowledge and Technology Transfer at TIB and Coordinator of EU Projects at Leibniz University of Hannover, said:

“The infodemic that has accompanied the coronavirus pandemic over the last year has demonstrated the urgent need to tackle misinformation. In MediaFutures we are establishing a multidisciplinary data innovation hub for Europe where startups, SMEs and artists receive the necessary multifaceted support to further develop their ideas and solutions, thus strengthening the media industry in new and exciting ways. We are delighted to welcome the first startups, SMEs and artists to the MediaFutures programme and to see them growing during the next six months.”

Our next Open Call will open later this year in October 2021. The Challenges may change, but what won’t is the overarching mission of MediaFutures: to support startups, SMEs and artists to nurture and grow responsible and innovative uses of data in the media industry.

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