Google and Media Lab Bayern launch "Startup Lab"

It is the fourth of its kind worldwide. Start-ups in the media sector can now apply for the program.

After Brazil, Latin America and North America, a so-called "Startup Lab" is now also coming to Europe: the Google News Initiative (GNI) is launching the GNI Startup Lab for Europe with Media Lab Bayern and the European Journalism Center (EJC) to support start-ups in the media and news sector. The program focuses primarily on locally targeted consumers who do not find the realities of their lives reflected in traditional media.

The program is divided into three phases and start-ups can apply until 20 September. They must be based in a European country, have a gross turnover of half a million US dollars and have been in existence for at least six months. In the first phase, the start-ups receive support in focusing their business model and team, followed by expanding the target audience and improving the marketing strategy. The final phase focuses on the sustainability and scalability of the business model.

Ten start-ups can take part in the program, and all phases will take place remotely. There is a "Start-up School" in which all teams take part, after which they can choose from workshops, events and coaching sessions. The program is scheduled to run for eight hours a week over six months. Anyone with questions can register for a Q&A session on August 3.