JournalismAI Innovation Challenge 2025 Opens with $1.2 Million Fund

The Google News Initiative has launched the second JournalismAI Innovation Challenge. Applications are now open for small and medium-sized news publishers worldwide. The deadline for submissions is December 3, 2025.This global program offers significant grant funding to foster AI implementation in newsrooms. It is managed by the JournalismAI team at the London School of Economics.

Substantial Grants for Audience and Revenue Projects

The challenge will distribute a total of $1.2 million in grants. Selected news organizations can receive either $50,000 or $100,000. According to the official announcement, twelve projects will be funded.The funding is specifically for using AI to improve audience intelligence and drive revenue growth. This is not a grant for reporting or content creation. Projects must be completed within a nine-month timeframe.

Targeted Support for a Sustainable News Ecosystem

This initiative directly addresses the financial pressures facing the news industry. By empowering publishers with AI tools for business growth, the program aims to build a more resilient media landscape. The focus is on practical, scalable solutions.Eligible publishers must have between 10 and 200 staff. They must be based in and primarily serve countries across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the United States. This targeted approach ensures support reaches a diverse range of news organizations.

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The JournalismAI Innovation Challenge represents a major investment in the future of journalism. This funding empowers publishers to harness AI for sustainability and growth. The December 3rd deadline offers a critical opportunity for newsrooms to secure support.

Info at your fingertips

Who is eligible to apply for this challenge?

Small and medium-sized news publishers with 10 to 200 personnel are eligible. The organization must have been actively publishing for at least 12 months. Government-owned or politically affiliated entities cannot apply.

What can the grant money be used for?

Grants must fund projects that use AI for audience intelligence or revenue growth. The funds cannot be used primarily for reporting, storytelling, or fact-checking tools. The goal is to improve business operations, not content production.

How many grants are being awarded?

A total of twelve grants will be awarded. Eight ideas will receive $50,000 each. Four ideas will receive a larger grant of $100,000 each.

Which countries are included in the program?

The program includes numerous countries across Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. A full list of eligible geographies is available in the official guidelines. Publishers must be owned and operating in these regions.

What is the duration of the program?

Selected grantees have a maximum of nine months to implement their projects. This timeline starts from the official commencement of the program. All work and impact measurement must fit within this period.