Google launches second News Initiative Innovation Challenge, calls for entries
Google has announced the launch of the second edition of its Google News Initiative Innovation Challenge (GNI) in Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey, aimed at giving everyone an opportunity to inject new ideas and innovation in the news ecosystem, supporting the development of new business models, elevating quality journalism, empowering newsrooms with technology, and increasing reader and user engagement with content on the website.
Google CEO, Sundar Pichar stated: Google cares deeply about journalism. We believe deeply in spreading knowledge to make life better for everyone. It is at the heart of Google’s mission. It is the mission of publishers and journalists.
During a live presentation with the GNI Team which includes Harith Mokhlif—Google’ Publisher Solutions Consultant, Ludovic Blecher— Head of Google News Initiative Innovation, and Program manager, Google News Initiative—Sarah Hartley, it was disclosed that projects limited to content creation, training or education programs, pure research, upgrades to a legacy publishing system, and projects which also lack monetization plans are not eligible. Applications should be based on specific projects around news online, with digital components, and must focus on the organization or collaborative effort.
According to Google, selected applicants will receive funding of up to $150 000 for selected projects and up to 70% of the overall costs will be financed including personnel, engineering, equipment costs, and other marketing expenses except editorial; a maximum of 3 projects allowed per group, and 1 project per brand. The selection criteria includes feasibility, the impact of the projects on the ecosystem, innovation and the use of technology, inspiration, and the commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Ludovic Blecher, head of innovation, GNI expressed: “Not everyone will be selected; the real value is in the process. Funding is not available for editorial projects, but should instead be focused on reader engagement and exploring new business models. Google does not take any equity or IP in any projects or submissions. We are looking forward to seeing new ideas, projects and big bets come out of the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa.”
The application is open to news innovators, news startups, and publishers. Applications for the challenge closes 12th April, 2021.
The first GNI Innovation Challenge resulted in 21 projects in 13 countries receiving funding in 2020. Participants were from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Turkey, and the UAE.
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