CEE.AI Lab is a 9-month accelerator program dedicated to 20 mid-size newsrooms in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region to embrace and effectively utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI). It is created in collaboration with Google News Initiative to help newsroom with AI integration in their daily workflow, develop an understanding of AI concepts and ethical considerations, and best practices among journalists and newsroom leadership, create AI Strategy and enhance regional collaboration.

• A three-day in-person workshop for newsroom leaders. This intensive kickoff will focus on defining specific, measurable AI goals for each newsroom and developing robust internal AI policies to guide ethical and responsible implementation.

• Dedicated training sessions for newsroom staff on utilizing AI tools in their daily tasks. These sessions will be tailored to the specific needs of different roles within the newsroom (e.g., reporters, editors, social media managers) and will cover practical application of relevant AI tools.

• Site visits by the Organisation facilitators to provide tailored guidance and create case studies. These visits will provide on-the-ground support, address specific challenges, and document the impact of the program through compelling case studies.

Our program is dedicated to mid-size newsrooms (e.g., regional newspapers, online news portals, radio stations) based in the CEE region, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and a willingness to explore the potential of AI. Selection will prioritize newsrooms with diverse editorial focuses and geographic representation.

Please apply via this application form

All participating newsrooms must ensure an active participation of their designated members in all activities, including a three-day in person workshop and dedicated training sessions organized in Warsaw, Poland. They must also demonstrate a commitment to an implementation of tailored solutions and processes designed during the accelerator. All participants will also be required to cooperate with our trainers during the site visits and provides organizers with all necessary information about their projects. 

Applications are open until March 24. We will inform you about the results of the process on March 27. Our first workshop and kick-off meeting will take place on April 23-25, in Warsaw, Poland. Second meeting: dedicated training session, will be held on June 23-27 (both in Warsaw, Poland). In October 2025 we are planning to organize site visits for all participating newsrooms. In the end, we invite you to a showcase event, where all participants will have a chance to show what they have learned and exchange knowledge.

Program is design for 9 months: from its beginning in March to November 2025 

We’re planning to select 20 mid-size newsrooms (e.g., regional newspapers, online news portals, radio stations) based in the CEE region 

• Intensive Workshops & Training: Hands-on workshops led by AI experts and experienced journalists, covering topics such as:

  • Introduction to AI in Journalism: Concepts, Applications, and Impact

  • AI-Powered Tools for News Gathering, Verification, and Fact-Checking

  • Automated Content Creation and Summarization

  • AI-Driven Audience Analysis and Engagement Strategies

  • Ethical Considerations and Responsible AI Implementation

  • AI for information security and integrity

  • Personalized content recommendation

• Bespoke Mentorship: Each newsroom will receive dedicated mentorship from an AI expert and a seasoned journalist, providing tailored guidance and support throughout the program.

• Pilot Project Implementation: Each newsroom will design and implement a pilot project utilizing AI tools and techniques learned during the program. This will provide practical experience and demonstrate tangible results.

• Peer-to-Peer Learning: Regular online and in-person (if feasible) sessions for participants to share experiences, challenges, and best practices, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

• Resource Hub: Access to a curated collection of resources, including toolkits, case studies, and templates, to support ongoing AI adoption.

• Funding: Each newsroom will be provided with a small grant to assist implementation, and covering of costs related to the participation in the program.

• Showcase Event: a concluding event will allow participants to show what they have learned, built and exchange knowledge.

No, participation in CEE.AI Lab is free of charge, in fact, we are planning to award a small grant to cover costs related to the participation in the program

Each newsroom will be provided with a small grant to cover costs related to the participation in the program (such as travel and other incidentals.)