Entries Open for the ICFJ Disarming Disinformation’s Solutions Challenge
Applications are now open for the International Center for Journalists ICFJ Disarming Disinformation’s Solutions Challenge Are you prepared to tackle the issue of disinformation and revolutionize the way news is disseminated to global audiences? The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) cordially invites you to participate in the Disarming Disinformation’s Solutions Challenge 2024.
We are in search of seasoned professionals to present ideas, concepts, or vision statements that address the following inquiry: In what ways can news publishers utilize emerging technologies and innovative strategies to more effectively engage target audiences, especially those most susceptible to disinformation, with high-quality news and information?
The Solution Challenge is part of the Disarming Disinformation program, a comprehensive three-year global initiative managed by ICFJ, which is primarily funded by the Scripps Howard Fund. From 2022 to 2025, this program is set to allocate $3.8 million towards initiatives that successfully combat disinformation. The Solutions Challenge 2024 has received further financial backing from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
The Mission
To create advanced solutions that enable news publishers to connect with audiences at risk of disinformation by employing the latest technologies and inventive methodologies.
Who We’re Looking For: ICFJ Disarming Disinformation’s Solutions Challenge
- Media professionals
- Technologists
- Software developers
- Engineers
- Artists
- Lawyers
- SEO experts
- Educators
- Anthropologists
- …and more!
The Journey – ICFJ Disarming Disinformation’s Solutions Challenge
- Online Application: Submit your visionary idea.
- Virtual Workshops: Refine your concept with expert guidance.
- Solutions Sprint: Join us in Istanbul for an intensive, four-day sprint. During the sprint, participants will work with expert mentors to develop their idea through ideation, design, prototyping and testing into a viable product/service for news publishers.
- Product Development: Selected ideas will receive grant funding of up to $20,000 and expert mentorship to transform their prototype into reality.
Why Participate? ICFJ Disarming Disinformation’s Solutions Challenge
- Turn your innovative idea into a working prototype.
- Win grant funding to develop your solution.
- Collaborate with global experts and like-minded innovators.
- Make a real impact in the fight against disinformation.
Please note: We are NOT looking for fact-checking initiatives or training programs that help people identify disinformation; tutorials of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Pinpoint etc.; nor investigative story ideas.
Eligibility Criteria – ICFJ Disarming Disinformation’s Solutions Challenge
These eligibility criteria ensure that participants selected for the sprint meet the necessary qualifications, exhibit a passion for innovation and demonstrate a commitment to tackle disinformation. In addition you must have the following:
- Citizenship/Residency: Applicants can be a citizen and resident of any country in the world, but must have a valid passport (with at least six months validity) to participate in the in-person sprint from Dec. 9-12, 2024.
- Availability: Participation in seven online workshop sessions between Nov. 7 and Dec. 3, full participation in the three-day sprint event from Dec. 9 to Dec. 12, 2024, and any virtual engagements or preparations leading up to the event.
- Language Proficiency: Proficient in English, as this will be the primary language used during the Solutions Challenge.
- Team: You can apply as an individual or a team. If applying as a team, only one member needs to fill out the application. You can have up to five primary team members.
Key Dates – ICFJ Disarming Disinformation’s Solutions Challenge
- Application Deadline: Oct. 16, 2024
- Virtual Workshops: Nov. 7 – Dec. 3, 2024 (on Tuesdays and Thursdays)
- Istanbul Solutions Sprint: Dec. 9-12, 2024 APPLY NOW
