Open Calls
Open Calls
MediaFutures Open Calls:
more than 250 ideas to tackle misinformation around the World
MediaFutures runs a support programme for startups, SMEs and artists, selected through a total of three Open Calls.
We asked startups, SMEs and artists to join us to create a transnational, European data hub to tackle challenges in the media industry. We were seeking novel, unconventional products, services and artworks that engage people with quality journalism, science education and democratic processes.
Anyone with an innovative idea could apply to join one of the three tracks
Track 1
ARTISTS FOR MEDIA
An artist residency programme
Track 2
STARTUPS FOR CITIZENS
A startup accelerator programme
Track 3
STARTUP MEETS ARTIST
A collaborative programme that invited startups and artists to propose a joint project
ABOUT THE OPEN CALLS
23 November 2020 – 28 January 2021
1st OPEN CALL
In autumn 2020, we launched the 1st MediaFutures Open Call and we identified four Challenges.
Our 1st Open Call focused on tackling misinformation, particularly in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. The call addresses four challenges:
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- VIRAL COMPLEXITY
- BUILDING BRIDGES
- THE NEW MEDIA-TORS
- OPEN CHALLENGE
We were blown away by the response, with over 350 people registering to attend our webinars about the Open Call, which led to over 100 applications. The high level of interest and engagement in the Open Call highlights not only how misinformation is a pressing and global issue, but also the important role data, technology and the arts have to play to create healthy and prosperous societies.
To have a look at the content and application process of the 1st Open Call: CLICK HERE
25 November 2021 – 27 January 2022
2nd OPEN CALL
In autumn 2021, we launched the 2nd MediaFutures Open Call which addressed the challenge of MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION.
To have a look at the content and application process of the 2st Open Call: CLICK HERE
28 June 2022 – 30 August 2022
3rd OPEN CALL
To have a look at the content and application process of the 3rd Open Call: CLICK HERE
Response to the Open Calls
We invited startups and SMEs from across the European Union and H2020 Associated Countries, and artists from around the world, to share their ideas with us. When launching an Open Call for the first time, there can be a lot of unknowns, but we were delighted by the interest and the quality of applications we received.
In total, we received 270 complete applications from more than 35 different countries, ranging from Armenia to Italy to the United States of America: 114 applied for the Startups for Citizens track, 100 for the Artists for Media track, and 56 for the Startup meets Artist track.
What next?
Since the first two Open Calls closed, we’ve brought together experts in art, business and technology from within the MediaFutures consortium and beyond to select the most promising applicants. Following a thorough application review, a jury panel per track met to discuss a shortlist of the highest scoring. The scoring criteria varied per track, but looked at the impact, implementation plan, innovativeness and use of data for each idea.
During the jury panels, reviewers debated the strengths and weaknesses of each application, to select which would progress to the next round:
- For the Startup for Citizens and Startup meets Artists track, the jury panels selected which would join the START phase of the programme, where they will receive €5,000 and one month to develop the idea, before pitching to continue on the MediaFutures programme to receive further funding and support.
- The Artists for Media track doesn’t include the one-month START phase, and artists instead receive up to €25,000 of grant funding and up to 6 months to create their artwork. Because of this, following the jury panel, we held additional interviews to help decide who should progress.
