Applications open for MediaFutures, the European data-driven innovation hub for the media value chain

Startups and artists can now apply for equity free funding of up to €80,000 to tackle misinformation about COVID-19 using data

MediaFutures will support innovative solutions that help people engage with quality journalism, science education and democratic processes

Successful startups, SMEs and artists will also receive expert mentoring and investment opportunities during the six month accelerator and residency programmes

MediaFutures, the new data innovation hub bringing together startups, SMEs and artists to solve challenges in the media industry, has today announced that applications are open for its first accelerator and residency programmes. Startups, SMEs and artists can now apply to become part of the European-funded project.

Over the next three years, MediaFutures will support 51 startups and SMEs, and 43 artists across three Open Calls for applications, distributing a total amount of €2.5 million. Successful applicants will receive funding, mentoring and training.

The three-year project is delivered by a consortium of 10 organisations from six European countries:  Leibniz University Hannover (Coordinator), King’s College London, Institute for Research and Coordination in Acoustics/Music (IRCAM) Centre Pompidou, LUISS University, Zabala Innovation Consulting, Next Media Accelerator, Eurecat Technology Centre of Catalonia, Open Data Institute, DEN Institute and KU Leuven. It is funded by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 framework, Big Data Innovation Hubs programme. MediaFutures is part of the S+T+ARTS ecosystem.

Applications are opening for its first cohort, which will begin the programme in April 2021. Startups, SMEs and artists have until 28 January 2021 to submit an application.

MediaFutures has three programme tracks open for applications: 

• Artists for Media - a six month Residency programme for artists with an innovative concept to explore data and technology, and its impact on individuals and society
• Startups for Citizens - a six month Accelerator programme for startups to build a product or service that encourages novel, meaningful ways to engage with media content
• Startup meets Artist - a six month mixed Residency and Accelerator support programme for teams of startups and artists to collaboratively develop new ideas around data technology and the arts

Startups, SMEs and artists are invited to apply with solutions to one of four Challenges, three of which focus on respond to misinformation around the coronavirus pandemic:

• Viral Complexity - accounting for the complexity of coronavirus through data literacy
• Building Bridges - reintegrating society by bridging communities that have been fragmented by responses to coronavirus
• The New Media-tors - reimagining and rebuilding the role of mediators to tackle misinformation around coronavirus
• Open Challenge - for projects that address issues around misinformation 

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

“We want to demonstrate how developing a multidisciplinary data innovation hub like MediaFutures can reshape the media value chain across Europe. We are looking forward to receiving applications from startups, SMEs and artists with products, services, artworks and experiences that have the potential to transform how citizens engage with quality journalism, science education and democratic processes.”

Elena Simperl, Professor of Computer Science at King’s College London, said: 

“The coronavirus pandemic highlights the urgent need to tackle misinformation. MediaFutures takes a unique approach by supporting both startups and artists, which will help bridge the gap between technological innovation and the media industry. I'm looking forward to seeing the response to the first Open Call, which I’m confident will once again show how the data economy in Europe is flourishing.”

For more information on how to apply, visit: https://mediafutures.eu/opencall/ or participate in our webinars on December 17th, 2020 and January 13th, 2021 at 1:00 PM (CET) to find out more.

We are looking forward to receiving your applications and we wish you the best of success!

Please make sure to follow our project on Linkedin, Twitter and of course via our website.