JournalismAI Innovation Challenge Opens with $1.2 Million Fund for News Publishers

The Google News Initiative has launched the 2025 JournalismAI Innovation Challenge. This global program offers significant grants to small and medium-sized news publishers. The application deadline is December 3, 2025.

Managed by the London School of Economics, the challenge aims to boost AI adoption in newsrooms. It specifically targets projects that enhance audience understanding and drive revenue growth.

Substantial Grants for AI-Driven Audience and Revenue Projects

The program will distribute $1.2 million in total funding. Eight selected organizations will receive $50,000 each. Four other projects will be awarded larger grants of $100,000 each.

This initiative supports practical AI implementation. Funded projects must focus on audience intelligence or revenue streams. According to the official guidelines, grants cannot be used for standard reporting or fact-checking tools.

Eligibility Focuses on Small to Midsize, Active News Outlets

The challenge is open to publishers with 10 to 200 employees. Applicants must have a verifiable digital presence and have been actively publishing for at least 12 months. News organizations from the first cohort are not eligible to apply.

Eligible publishers must be based in specific regions across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the United States. The program requires grantees to collaborate and share their results openly.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the goal of the JournalismAI Innovation Challenge?

The program aims to foster AI literacy and implementation in newsrooms. It specifically funds projects that use artificial intelligence to improve audience intelligence and grow revenue for publishers.

Who can apply for this challenge?

Small and medium-sized news publishers with 10 to 200 staff members are eligible. They must have been in full operation for at least one year and be based in one of the listed countries.

How much funding is available?

A total of $1.2 million is available. The program will award eight $50,000 grants and four $100,000 grants to the most promising project ideas.

What types of projects are not eligible?

Funding cannot be used for standard reporting, storytelling, or fact-checking tools. The focus is strictly on AI applications for audience insight and financial sustainability.

When is the application deadline?

News organizations must submit their applications by December 3, 2025. The selected grantees will then have nine months to implement and measure their projects.