Media Innovation Europe 3.0 (MIE 3.0) has opened two funding calls this summer, aimed at different stages of the same journey — turning a media idea into a validated concept, and turning a validated concept into a sustainable business. Together, the calls form a pipeline for media professionals across Europe: the Validation Booster helps innovators test and refine new ideas, while the Business Innovation Synergizer (BIS) helps established organisations scale ideas that have already proven their worth.
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.
Validation Booster: Test and refine a new media idea
The Validation Booster is a six-month acceleration programme designed for anyone with an idea for a new digital product, service or format for the media sector. It’s aimed at journalists, media outlets and organisations, networks, media initiatives, freelance and entry-level journalists, students, content creators, producers and developers building products or services for the media industry.
Selected participants get tailored support through expert mentoring, online workshops, practical assignments, pitch training and hands-on validation of their proposed idea. On top of that, grants are available: up to €3,000 for media outlets and organisations, and up to €2,000 for individuals and informal initiatives.
Applicants may submit up to two applications, as long as each relates to a distinct idea or project — though only one proposal per applicant can ultimately receive funding.
Key dates:
Online information session: 21 August 2026, 11:00 CET, register HERE.
Deadline for questions: extended to 20 August 2026 at [email protected].
Application deadline: 2 September 2026, 23:59 CET, apply HERE.
Business Innovation Synergizer: Turn a validated idea into sustainable growth
The Business Innovation Synergizer (BIS) is the next step for organisations that have already developed or validated a business idea, plan or strategy and are ready to move into implementation. It’s aimed at professional, established media organisations rather than individuals.
Through financial support, one-to-one mentoring and practical implementation guidance, BIS helps organisations strengthen their long-term sustainability, build operational capacity and embed innovation into everyday work. Eligible activities include developing new revenue models (subscriptions, memberships, premium content, events), improving websites, apps and newsletters, introducing digital tools for content production, analytics or CRM, developing new products and formats, strengthening marketing and audience acquisition, and acquiring the equipment, software or infrastructure needed to implement the innovation. Preference goes to ideas that have already been through a structured or independently conducted validation process.
Selected organisations can receive grants of up to €30,000, with no mandatory co-financing.
Who can apply: Legally registered media organisations with annual revenue above €80,000, at least five full-time employees, and established before 1 January 2025. Applications must include the completed form and budget, registration documents, proof of establishment date, 2025 financial statements, a recent tax compliance certificate and the organisation’s structural chart.
Key dates:
Online Info session: 27 August at 11:00 CET, register HERE
Deadline for questions: 1 September 2026 at [email protected].
Application deadline: 20 September 2026, 23:59 CET, apply HERE.
Supported projects run up to 12 months, implemented between January and December 2027.
Who can apply, and from where
Both calls are open to applicants from all 27 EU member states, as well as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Ukraine. Applications and all communication must be in English.
Which call is right for you?
- If you have a new idea you haven’t tested yet — whether you’re an individual journalist, freelancer, student or small media initiative — the Validation Booster is the entry point.
- If you’re part of an established media organisation with a business idea that’s already been validated and you’re ready to implement and grow it, BIS is the fit.
Full text of Validation Booster call is available HERE, and Business Innovation Synergizer HERE.
