Is your media start-up shaped for success?
The MEDIA LOVES TECH incubator helps you to find out!
MEDIA LOVES TECH seeks to identify the best digital ideas and concepts for innovative and quality journalism.
Launched by DW Akademie, the journalism training and media development division of Deutsche Welle, Germany’s International Broadcaster, MEDIA LOVES TECH is a competition open to journalists, start-ups, project managers, creative minds, developers, designers, civil society advocates and any other person or organization wishes to improve the media in Tunesia, Morocco and Algeria through innovation.
The best idea for digital journalism innovation in Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria will receive TND 10,000.
Stages of the competition
Objective of the competition
The goal of MEDIA LOVES TECH is to identify and facilitate the implementation of effective solutions to address the challenges and issues facing media and journalism in Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria. MEDIA LOVES TECH exploite le pouvoir du crowdsourcing, qui consiste à faire collaborer les internautes pour trouver ensemble des idées, des services ou des contenus. En termes simples, le crowdsourcing consiste à faire travailler la foule ensemble pour partager des informations, ce qui favorise les idées et la créativité.
MEDIA LOVES TECH offers you the chance to dive into the world media entrepreneurship, road test your ideas and get ready to launch them on the market.
Credit: Gorilla Hub
Projects wanted
MEDIA LOVES TECH is looking for:
- solutions to enhance access to information;
- tools to optimize the work of journalists and media (data processing/organization/visualization);
- ideas to enhance improve media interaction with the public (tracking, audience measurement, engagement, feedback);
- creative approaches to new information formats;
- this list is not exhaustive, and we welcome inventive proposals!
Science journalism:
Solutions that empower journalists to improve the coverage of scientific news, facilitate its popularization, and ensure effective dissemination to the general public.
Citizen journalism:
Tools that make it possible to reach specific audiences (e.g.: local communities) and connect citizen journalists with media outlets. The goal is to expand both production and consumption capacities to reach new audiences.
Verification of content (fact-checking) / fight against disinformation and fake news:
In fragile political contexts, particularly during elections or crisis, Tunisians, Moroccans and Algerians encounter difficulties distinguishing information from misinformation. Comments are often shared without context, and articles and reports tend to interpret facts imprecisely, often overlooking important nuances.
Election coverage:
As elections approach, the media need tools to ensure quality coverage.
Data journalism:
Create tools and technologies designed to support media in analyzing, processing, or visualizing data.
Media viability:
Innovative tools to ensure the economic and financial viability of media projects.
Dialogue with public authorities:
Develop tools enhancing transparency in public actions and promoting dialogue between citizens and political and economic decision-makers.
Information during times of crisis:
Tools contributing to the dissemination of crucial public information and the implementation of solutions for the general public to effectively address crises, be they health, environmental, economic, or political
Harnessing new technologies:
Recent progress in artificial intelligence presents tremendous potential for editorial desks.
The challenge lies in leveraging AI (and many technologies) wisely to support quality journalism. We’re eager to hear your innovative ideas on how to achieve this!
What’s in store for you?
Stage 1: Application and qualification phase
Apply by 30 April 2025 using the SMART MEDIA ACCELERATOR 2025 application form. The best teams will receive notification that they have access to the SMAx e-learning platform.
Stage 2: incubation journey
From June to August 2025, teams have the opportunity to take online courses on the platform and provide the necessary deliverables. The journey is divided into three phases (“gates”): desirability, feasibility and viability. At the end of the journey, the deliverables are evaluated and the best project is rewarded.
Apply by 30 April 2025 using the SMART MEDIA ACCELERATOR 2025 application form. The best teams will receive notification that they have access to the SMAx e-learning platform.
Stage 2: incubation journey
From June to August 2025, teams have the opportunity to take online courses on the platform and provide the necessary deliverables. The journey is divided into three phases (“gates”): desirability, feasibility and viability. At the end of the journey, the deliverables are evaluated and the best project is rewarded.
MEDIA LOVES TECH is:
- flexibility with alternation between online training and masterclasses;
- experts on demand;
- networking and opportunities, even after the program;
- a community of entrepreneurs and experts.
The best project will be awarded TND10,000 in funding at the closing ceremony on September 5.
Rules and Regulations
The complete regulations of MEDIA LOVES TECH 2025 edition can be consulted here. You may also refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.). Should you still have any questions at this stage, feel free to contact us.
MEDIA LOVES TECH is an initiative of DW Akademie in cooperation with the Tunisian NGO Al Khatt. This program is funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
