WAN-IFRA launches GAMI Incubator #Finland to foster media-tech collaboration
In a strategic move to enhance the landscape of professional journalism and encourage collaboration between media organisations and technology firms, WAN-IFRA, the World Association of News Publishers, has officially launched the GAMI Incubator #Finland programme. This initiative, unveiled on 27 March 2025, is in partnership with Finnmedia and the Media Industry Research Foundation of Finland.
The GAMI Incubator is part of WAN-IFRA's Global Alliance for Media Innovation (GAMI) and is designed to bridge existing gaps between established media companies and emerging tech startups. The programme focuses on fostering collaboration, promoting the adoption of new technologies, and nurturing essential skills within Finnish newsrooms. It aims not only to connect national media entities with innovative international tech partners but also to generate opportunities for global startup companies within the Finnish media sector.
Noora Alanne, Executive Director of the Media Industry Research Foundation and Growth Director of Finnmedia, highlighted the initiative's significance by stating, “The future of media depends on our ability to innovate. This programme is a unique opportunity to connect Finnish media companies with bold, forward-thinking international tech partners – and to experiment, learn, and grow together.”
The call for applications was simultaneously announced, inviting all Finnish media organisations to participate. The programme is seeking innovative solutions across a range of critical areas, including personalisation, data science and journalism, fact-checking and combating disinformation, as well as advancements in content production, processing, and distribution. Emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, generative AI, and immersive technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality are also central to the programme's focus.
From the pool of applicants, three Finnish news media organisations will be selected to partner with three carefully chosen international tech startups. This collaboration will enter a six-month phase commencing in September 2025, during which the teams will receive additional coaching from external experts in change management and tech innovation.
As the initiative culminates in February 2026, the participating teams will showcase their proof of concept at an open event aimed at the broader Finnish news media industry. Applications for the GAMI Incubator are open exclusively to Finnish media firms that are members of WAN-IFRA or Finnmedia, with eligibility criteria for potential participating startups and tech companies expected to be provided during the summer.
WAN-IFRA represents a network of over 3,000 news publishers, technology firms, and 60 national publishers' associations across 120 countries, with a mission to protect the rights of journalists and publishers to maintain independent media. Finnmedia, as a key partner in this programme, advocates for private entities in media and printing and prioritises growth within the sector while upholding principles of freedom of speech and democracy.
For further details about the GAMI Incubator #Finland, including its focus areas and timeline, additional information can be found in the Fact Sheet issued by the programme.