Google News Initiative Opens Projects’ Application For Innovation Challenge Across Middle East, Turkey, Africa

Google News Initiative, GNI has called for applications for its 2022 Innovation Challenge edition for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa.

GNI made the call on its official website whereby applicants would register through.

Investors King reports that the GNI Innovation Challenge is a global programme that empowers news organizations from around the world to demonstrate new thinking in digital journalism.

Innovative projects are to be submitted by applicants and incorporated news organisations based in eligible countries of the Middle East, Turkey and Africa. 

Meanwhile, interested unincorporated organisations must be registered in the aforementioned regions or, if unregistered, have their principal place of business there.

Investors King gathered that the application window which opened on 22 February 22, 2022 will close on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 23:59 GMT. 

Google News Initiative noted that only online applications in English or French languages will be considered.

Further application requirements for the GNI innovation challenge include: provision of descriptions, budget information by applicants and a slidedeck via GNI online application form. 

“All ideas are welcome but we require all projects to have clear indicators showing the potential impact of the project from a user perspective and/or from a business perspective. Selected projects will also need to be delivered within one year.

“We encourage innovative projects focused on, but not limited to these areas: Ways to increase reader engagement and/or reader revenue; Developing and diversifying business models; New methods of distribution; Combating misinformation; Increasing trust in journalism; Reaching new audiences; Improving the efficiency of workflows and Exploring new technologies.

“We encourage applicants to clearly underline the potential opportunities of the project by providing clear indicators (eg: audience metrics, subscriptions growth or financial expected impact etc),” the application guidelines read.

However, innovation, impact on the news ecosystem, feasibility, diversity and inspiration were listed as the five main criterias to be used for the evaluation of the submitted projects.

Details on the project funding states that, “Google will fund up to $150,000 for the selected projects. Out of the total project budget, Google will finance up to 70% while the remaining at least 30% must be provided by the applicant. The self-funded portion may include operational costs. 

“Eligible expenses include personnel costs, engineering costs and the purchase or licensing of any equipment, tools, hardware, software and other assets or materials needed for the project. Marketing expenses should not exceed 20% of the total amount of Google funding requested. Editorial expenses are not part of the eligible costs and will not be covered. Funding may not be spent on general and overhead costs.”