Independent media organisations from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East can now apply for the 2026 International Press Institute (IPI) Global AI Accelerator, an eight-month funding and capacity-building programme designed to support responsible AI adoption in journalism.
The accelerator targets small-to-medium-sized newsrooms seeking to strengthen their long-term sustainability through artificial intelligence, innovation, and technology, while maintaining editorial independence and public trust.
About the IPI Global AI Accelerator
The Global AI Accelerator is an initiative of the International Press Institute (IPI) that supports media organisations in Global Majority countries to experiment with AI tools and develop newsroom strategies that respond to evolving audience behaviour, business models, and security challenges.
Selected organisations receive funding alongside expert guidance to design and implement AI solutions that enhance journalism, operational efficiency, and revenue resilience.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be an independent small or medium-sized news organisation with 3–50 staff
- Be based in Africa, Asia, Latin America, or the Middle East
- Have a verifiable online presence
- Have been fully operational for at least three years
- Be already experimenting with or exploring AI technologies
- Clearly identify a newsroom challenge supported by user research or evidence
- Be able to complete the project within an eight-month timeframe
ALSO APPLY FOR:
University of Oxford Reuters Institute Journalism Fellowship Programme 2026/2027 (Fully Funded)
What the Programme Offers
Selected media organisations will receive:
- Grant funding of up to $14,000 to develop and implement an AI-focused project
- Expert-led training and workshops on AI tools, product strategy, and digital journalism
- One-on-one advisory support tailored to newsroom needs
- Group coaching sessions with peer organisations
- Speaker sessions and themed workshops based on needs assessments
- Access to an e-learning platform with recorded sessions and training modules
- Monthly “Ask-Me-Anything” sessions with industry experts
- Networking access to current participants, alumni, and global media innovators
The programme focuses on practical problem-solving, audience research, product development, revenue diversification, and building safeguards around AI use in journalism.
Application Deadline
February 4, 2026
APPLY FOR THE IPI GLOBAL AI ACCELERATOR
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