Applicants interested in the Media Innovation Europe 3.0 Validation Booster call can now consult a new FAQ document addressing practical questions raised during the programme’s information session.
The Validation Booster call is currently open to journalists, media organisations, content creators, media initiatives and media technology developers seeking support to test and validate new ideas for the media sector.
The application deadline is 2 September 2026 at 23:59 CET.
The newly published FAQ provides additional clarification on eligibility, the types of projects that can be supported, eligible costs, programme participation and funding arrangements.
Technology projects and existing products can be eligible
Software and technology-based projects can apply as long as they address a clear media-related need and demonstrate potential value for media organisations, audiences, content or the information sector. A product does not have to be exclusively designed for media users, but its proposed application within the media sector needs to be clear.
Projects that have already been commercially launched are not automatically excluded either. Applicants can use the Validation Booster to test a new audience segment, format, feature or other significant innovation, provided the project is focused on validating something that has not yet been sufficiently tested rather than simply financing the expansion or routine operation of an existing product.
For-profit media technology companies are also eligible to apply.
Salaries, content production and promotion may be included
Grant funding may cover staff salaries and other personnel costs when team members are directly involved in testing the proposed idea and carrying out the validation process. Compensation for producing content can also be eligible when the content is part of testing a new format or concept.
Individuals applying independently may also budget compensation for their own time spent working on the project, provided the cost is reasonable and directly connected with validating the idea.
Social media promotion can be included where applicants can demonstrate how increasing reach or engagement contributes directly to testing the proposed idea and measuring its results. Similarly, website modernisation should go beyond a purely technical upgrade and be connected to testing an idea, improving audience engagement or generating measurable validation results.
Additional eligibility and application clarifications
Applicants do not necessarily need to be currently employed in the media sector. People with previous relevant experience as media developers may apply if they can demonstrate how their background and expertise relate to the proposed project. Recommendation letters, contracts and other supporting materials can be used to demonstrate experience that may not be publicly visible.
Applicants must, however, be based in one of the countries eligible under the call. These include all 27 EU member states as well as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Ukraine. The FAQ confirms that this geographical requirement cannot be waived on the basis of professional connections with European media networks.
A good command of English is also required, since programme sessions, communication and mentoring will be conducted in English.
Participation, payments and future opportunities
The FAQ states that the grant will be paid in two instalments, one during the project and the second following completion and approval of the narrative and financial reports. Beneficiaries themselves are responsible for determining any tax or social security obligations applicable in their country.
More than one person from the same organisation may participate in online activities, although only one representative can normally attend in-person programme components.
The programme may also create opportunities beyond the initial grant. The strongest teams will have an opportunity to pitch their ideas to donors, investors and other potential funders, with additional support to prepare their pitch and a professional portfolio presenting their idea.
Applicants can find these and further clarifications in the new Validation Booster FAQ, alongside the full Call for Applications and application materials.
MIE 3.0 is a two-year programme co-funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium led by the Vienna-based International Press Institute (IPI), together with Thomson Media, The Fix Foundation and the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN). The programme supports local, investigative and community-focused media in adapting to digital transformation, diversifying revenue, improving audience engagement and building sustainable business models.
