The MediaFutures, Data-driven innovation hub for the media value chain project was co-funded by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 framework, Big Data Innovation Hubs programme and started on 1st September 2020.

MediaFutures is a transnational European data innovation hub that brought together startups, SMEs and artists in the media value chain to expand on standard models and comes up with unconventional ways for people to engage with quality journalism, science education and democratic processes. It aimed to create products, services, digital artworks and experiences that will reshape the media value chain through innovative, inclusive and participatory applications of data and user-generated content.

Considering data as a common good and a public infrastructure, MediaFutures aimed at breaking data silos and facilitating access to data. MediaFutures worked on the assumption that a society that informs its decisions and policies with data is more likely to be healthy, productive and sustainable. The development of information and communication technologies in political and governance processes are more likely to be successful following a bottom-up approach, including citizens and diverse groups in its creation. As a result, MediaFutures encouraged participation and inclusivity, including underrepresented audiences and communities affected by the digital divide.

In an age of polarisation and misinformation, MediaFutures has been an instrumental in helping Europe lead the way in establishing a new, inclusive brand of innovation, fueled by seamless access to data and multidisciplinary expertise. MediaFutures funded and supported products, services, artworks and experiences that transform for the better the ways people consume news and engage with facts, and the ways experts make decisions and contribute to society.

MediaFutures supported 51 startups or SMEs and 43 artists through a total of three Open Calls in three years, distributing a total amount of €2.5M. It will support the selected applicants through a 6-month acceleration (startups & SMEs)/ residency (artists) programme including funding, mentoring and training.

MediaFutures has been part of the S+T+ARTS ecosystem. S+T+ARTS is an initiative of the European Commission to foster alliances of science, technology, and the arts, that effectively implement a European approach to technological innovation centered on human needs and values.