Sustainable paths to media viability

Overview

Supports innovation in the news media sector to develop sustainable business models, enhance digital transformation, and strengthen democratic resilience by improving access to trustworthy journalism. Targets consortia involving news media organizations, tech companies, and research institutions.

Who Can Apply

Consortia must include at least one news media organization (public, private, or sectoral) as a beneficiary or affiliated entity. Eligible applicants include SMEs, universities, research institutions, tech companies, and other entities from eligible countries. Collaboration across borders and media segments is encouraged.

Funding Details

Maximum funding per project: €6,000,000. Funding is provided as a lump sum under Horizon Europe’s Innovation Action (IA) rules.

What Is Funded

Projects must focus on:

• Development of methods to recognize, categorize, and promote content produced under journalistic standards (e.g., trust indicators, metadata standards, inclusive algorithms).
• AI models to enhance media services (e.g., chatbots, search tools, dynamic paywalls, advertising systems).
• User-centric design and engagement strategies compliant with journalistic standards.
• Pan-European platforms or interoperable standards for media innovation.
• Behavioral research on news consumption, trust dynamics, and interventions to counter misinformation.
• Transparency and accountability mechanisms for influencers and content creators.
• Business case studies and prototypes for revenue-generating systems (e.g., recommender systems, crawlers, paywalls).

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must target Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7 to 9, focusing on demonstration, piloting, and deployment of mature solutions.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-05-11
• Deadline: 2026-09-22

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Horizon Europe Submission System. Proposals must include a 50-page Part B (Innovation Action) and a detailed budget table. Evaluation follows standard Horizon Europe criteria.

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting and dissemination requirements as per Horizon Europe’s lump sum grant agreement.
• The granting authority may object to transfers of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to four years post-project.
• Clustering and cooperation with other selected projects are strongly encouraged.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland. Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must demonstrate collaboration with news media organizations from the outset.
• Projects should leverage data and services from European Research Infrastructures (e.g., EOSC) and relevant Data Spaces where applicable.
• Restrictions apply for the protection of European communication networks.