Media Innovation Europe 3.0 has opened applications for the Business Innovation Synergizer, a programme supporting established media organisations in turning validated business ideas into sustainable products, services and revenue models. The application deadline is 20 September 2026 at 23:59 CET.
The Business Innovation Synergizer, or BIS, is designed for professional media organisations that have already developed or validated a business idea, plan or strategy and are ready to move into implementation and growth.
Through a combination of financial support, expert mentoring and practical implementation guidance, the programme will help participating organisations improve their long-term sustainability, strengthen their operational capacity and integrate innovation into their everyday work.
Selected beneficiaries may receive grants of up to €30,000, with no mandatory co-financing required. They will also receive dedicated one-to-one mentoring, regular online or in-person support and opportunities to exchange knowledge and collaborate with other media organisations.
The programme may support the development and implementation of new revenue models, including subscriptions, membership schemes, premium content, events and other audience-supported initiatives.
Eligible activities may also include improving websites, mobile applications and newsletters; introducing digital tools for content production, audience analytics or customer relationship management; developing new products, services and content formats; strengthening marketing and audience acquisition; and acquiring equipment, software, licences or digital infrastructure necessary to implement the proposed business innovation.
All proposed activities must be clearly connected to the applicant’s existing business plan, development strategy or validated business idea and must contribute to measurable business and organisational results. Preference will be given to ideas that have undergone a structured validation programme or an independently conducted systematic validation process supported by evidence and findings.
Applicants must be legally registered media organisations with annual revenue of more than €80,000 and at least five full-time employees. Media outlets must have been established before 1 January 2025.
The call is open to organisations from all 27 European Union member states, as well as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Ukraine.
Applications must be submitted in English through the designated application platform and must include the completed application form and budget, registration documents, proof that the media outlet was established before 1 January 2025 where applicable, financial statements for 2025, a recent tax compliance certificate and the organisation’s structural chart.
An online information session will take place on 27 August 2026 at 11:00 CET. Please register HERE.
Questions and requests for clarification may be submitted in English to [email protected] by 1 September 2026.
The deadline for submitting applications and all supporting documents is 20 September 2026 at 23:59 CET. Supported projects may last up to 12 months and will be implemented between January and December 2027.
Full text of the call is available HERE, and the application form HERE.
Media Innovation Europe 3.0 is a two-year programme co-funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium led by the International Press Institute, together with Thomson Media, The Fix Foundation and the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network. The programme supports local, investigative and community-focused media in adapting to digital transformation, diversifying revenue, improving audience engagement and developing sustainable business models.
