What iMEdD does

iMEdD (Incubator for Media Education and Development) is a non-profit journalism organization founded in 2018 in Athens, Greece, through an exclusive donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). Co-founded by Anna Kynthia Bousdoukou, Stratis Trilikis, and Roula Savidou, the organization operates as an independent legal entity delivering training, project incubation, editorial content, and data journalism tools to journalists, media organizations, journalism students, and local media outlets primarily in Europe with global reach.

The organization is structured around six interconnected pillars: Ideas Zone (training and know-how transfer), Incubator (project support for innovative journalism), Lab (editorial/research platform publishing investigations, data analyses, podcasts, and tools), Bridge (partnerships with social-issue initiatives), Inside the Box (SNF-aligned strategic projects), and Out of the Box (experimental journalism including archive digitization). iMEdD has developed proprietary data journalism applications including FireWatch (visualizing Greek public contracts and wildfire data), Crowd Counter (crowd-size estimation), COVID-19 tracker, Auctions in Greece, and the Local News Media Map cataloging 634 Greek media outlets. Its technology stack centers on web-based digital journalism tools and data journalism applications built in-house.

iMEdD operates as a donation-funded non-profit with all programs, training, fellowships, and events offered free to participants. Revenue is sourced exclusively from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. The organization reaches its audience primarily through an event-driven go-to-market anchored by the annual International Journalism Forum (1,000+ participants from 34 countries), training workshops, fellowships (including Columbia University Lede Program data journalism fellowships), incubator projects, and a global network of 46+ journalism organization partners including Pulitzer Center, Bellingcat, GIJN, Correctiv, and Columbia Journalism School. It maintains a staff of approximately 30 people and a 500 sqm Athens headquarters with full editorial, event, and production facilities.

Name

iMEdD

Legal name

iMEdD (Incubator for Media Education and Development)

Website

https://imedd.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

iMEdD is a non-profit journalism organization founded in 2018 with exclusive Stavros Niarchos Foundation funding. It operates six pillars delivering training, project incubation, data journalism applications, and editorial content to journalists, media organizations, and students across Europe and beyond.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Journalism Organization

NAICS

Human Rights Organizations (813311), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Newspapers: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2711), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Investigative & Nonprofit News Organizations (MPAJADAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Information & Media Literacy (Evaluate Sources, Misinformation) (EDAAAAAI)

Keywords

• Journalism training programs
• Investigative journalism support
• Data journalism applications
• Nonprofit media organization
• Journalism fellowships

Headquarters

HQ city

Athens

HQ country

Greece

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Foundation Funding: iMEdD is a non-profit organization founded in 2018 with the exclusive donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The organization operates as a non-profit and does not generate commercial revenue.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

iMEdD is a non-profit journalism organization that supports transparency and independence in journalism through six interconnected pillars: training programs (Ideas Zone), project incubation (Incubator), editorial and research publishing (Lab), social-issue journalism partnerships (Bridge), and experimental content co-productions. It also develops specialized data journalism web applications such as FireWatch, Crowd Counter, COVID-19 tracker, Auctions in Greece, and the Local News Media Map. Programs, training, fellowships, and events are offered to journalists and media organizations free of charge, funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.

Product overview

iMEdD (Incubator for Media Education and Development) is a non-profit journalism organization founded in 2018 by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, operating as a platform with six interconnected pillars: Ideas Zone (training), Incubator (project support), Lab (editorial/research platform), Bridge (social issues partnerships), Inside the Box (SNF strategic projects), and Out of the Box (experimental journalism). The organization also develops specialized web applications including FireWatch (wildfire and public contracts visualization), Crowd Counter (crowd estimation), Auctions in Greece tracker, and COVID-19 monitoring tool. These products work together to support independent journalism through training, funding, content production, and technological tools.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ideas Zone: iMEdD's core training pillar that aims at the exchange and transfer of best practices, experience, tools and know-how, and facilitating cutting-edge training themes for journalists and media professionals.
• Incubator
• Lab
• Bridge
• Inside the Box
• Out of the Box

Products and services

• iMEdD Lab iMEdD's editorial and research publishing platform that publishes investigations, data analyses, interviews, videos, podcasts, tools, applications, and commentary to support quality journalism. For journalists, editors, and the wider journalistic community.
• Ideas Zone Training Program Core training pillar offering exchange of best practices, tools, and know-how through single events and months-long thematic cycles for journalists and media professionals. Covers investigative journalism, data journalism, digital security, AI tools, and multimedia production.
• Incubator Program Program that supports individuals and teams implementing innovative journalism projects by offering tools, know-how, and hands-on support. Designed for journalists and teams seeking to realize untold stories and innovative experiments.
• FireWatch Application Web application developed by data journalist Thanasis Troboukis that visualizes public contracts of the central government and local authorities in Greece along with wildfire data, shedding light on state fire protection actions. For journalists, researchers, and the public.
• Crowd Counter Experimental web tool that offers a simple way to estimate crowd size by mapping an area and applying density assumptions. Useful for journalists reporting on protests and public gatherings.
• COVID-19 Web Application Web application that tracks the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Greece and worldwide by collecting and analyzing data from trusted sources. Built for the public, journalists, and scientists.
• Auctions in Greece Application Web application that tracks and updates users on the latest online auctions in Greece. Built for journalists, researchers, and the public tracking digital auction activity.
• Local News Media Map Interactive map and database cataloging Greece's 634 local and regional media outlets including 203 newspapers, 152 radio stations, 61 TV stations, and 447 websites. Built to support local journalism ecosystems and inform stakeholders.
• iMEdD Podcast Platform Dedicated podcast platform publishing audio content including investigations, interviews, and documentary-style storytelling on journalism topics such as mental health and migration.
• iMEdD International Journalism Forum Annual journalism gathering bringing together over 1,000 participants and speakers from multiple countries through panels, workshops, and keynotes on AI, cross-border investigations, conflict reporting, and climate coverage.

Quantifiable outcome

• Supported 634 local and regional media outlets in Greece through mapping and support initiatives
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

45 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for investigative journalism training programs. Collaborated on Introduction to Investigative Journalism 10-week training program and supports fellows for Global Investigative Journalism Conferences.
• Columbia University Journalism School / Lede ProgrammajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on data journalism fellowships. Provided 6 Greek fellows with 10-week data journalism fellowships at Columbia University's Lede Program, emphasizing data analysis and visualization skills.
• BellingcatmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOffered four two-hour workshops on digital tools and methods for investigative journalism including footprint tracing, advanced search, geolocation, facial recognition, and social media analysis.
• Google News LabmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted four two-hour sessions to equip journalists with essential digital tools for research, verification, data processing, visualization, and online collaboration.
• VouliwatchmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-signed joint letter as part of #righttoknowGR campaign urging Greek authorities to improve public access to information through legal reforms.
• Datalab (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Elections 2023 initiative blending human expertise with AI tools like ChatGPT to analyze political leaders' pre-election speeches. Also collaborated on wiretapping scandal analysis.
• University of MacedoniaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation with Public Opinion and Market Research Unit to conduct two nationwide surveys mapping public and professionals' views on journalism trust.
• Pulitzer CentermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners. Collaborated on investigation into China's deep-sea mining fleet.
• Tactical TechminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• CorrectivminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• International Press Institute (IPI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• VII FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for photography exhibition 'A Brief Guide to Investigating War Crimes' featuring Ron Haviv's work alongside other VII Foundation photographers.
• ICFJ (International Center for Journalists)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• Journalismfund EUminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• European Journalism Centre (EJC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• European Data Journalism Network (EDJNet)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• BIRN (Balkan Investigative Reporting Network)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• SolomonmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on research project 'Tracing the Path of Greece's Plastic Waste' revealing Greece's plastic waste exports to Bulgaria and Romania.
• Ionian University - Department of Digital Media and CommunicationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• Athens University of Economics and BusinessminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Data LabmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network and collaboration partner for data journalism initiatives.
• Panteion University - Department of Communication, Media & CulturemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted podcast production workshop for students focused on Gen Z, Media, and Climate Change.
• Radio PanteionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• The CityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• The Outlaw Ocean ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• Investigate EuropeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• Drawing the TimesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• Global Girl MediaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupported citizen journalism training program offering 6-week training to 12 young women from Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, and Turkey.
• Shedia MagazineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupported Greek street paper to launch its first English edition as part of Bridge pillar.
• VouliwatchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• SNF Ithaca InitiativemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosted inaugural Media & Democracy Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, united journalists, academics, and students.
• Lighthouse ReportsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• CSIS (Center for Strategic and International Studies)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• JournalismAIminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• Arena for Journalism in EuropeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• Fundacion PorcausaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• Fundacion Maldita ESminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• Radio WorkshopminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• La Maison des JournalistesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• Greek InfographicsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• Athens Comics LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• Athens Photo WorldminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• American Press InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.
• European PressminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of iMEdD's global network of independent journalism partners.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• European Journalism Centre (EJC): EJC is a European non-profit that supports journalism through grants, training, and cross-border programs. iMEdD lists EJC as a network partner, and both function as European journalism support organizations with comparable training and grant-making activities.
• Correctiv: Correctiv is a German non-profit investigative journalism cooperative. iMEdD lists Correctiv as a network partner, and both organizations operate as European investigative journalism non-profits that combine investigations, training, and community building.
• Pulitzer Center: Pulitzer Center is a U.S.-based non-profit that funds and supports international investigative and data journalism, including cross-border reporting grants and education. iMEdD lists Pulitzer Center as a network partner and they have collaborated on investigations like the China deep-sea mining fleet project, making them directly comparable in mission and program design.
• Bellingcat: Bellingcat is a Netherlands-based non-profit investigative journalism organization specializing in open-source investigations. iMEdD has hosted Bellingcat workshops on digital tools and methods, and both organizations serve the open-source and data journalism community with overlapping training and tool-building activities.
• Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN): GIJN is a global non-profit that supports investigative journalism through training, conferences, and resources. iMEdD partners with GIJN on its Investigative Journalism training program and supports fellows at GIJC25, and both serve the same audience of investigative reporters with comparable program offerings.
• Tactical Tech: Tactical Tech is a Berlin-based non-profit that works at the intersection of technology, journalism, and civil society. iMEdD lists Tactical Tech as a network partner, and both organizations develop tools and training for journalists engaging with data, AI, and digital security.

Emerging players

• Lighthouse Reports: Lighthouse Reports is a European cross-border investigative journalism cooperative. iMEdD lists Lighthouse Reports as a network partner, and both focus on cross-border investigative work, though Lighthouse is primarily an editorial outlet whereas iMEdD combines editorial with training and tooling.
• Arena for Journalism in Europe: Arena is a European non-profit coalition supporting cross-border investigative journalism. iMEdD lists Arena as a network partner, and both operate as collaborative platforms serving the European investigative journalism community with comparable peer-network and convening functions.

Broad incumbents

• International Center for Journalists (ICFJ): ICFJ is a large U.S.-based non-profit that trains journalists worldwide and runs global programs. iMEdD lists ICFJ as a network partner, and both deliver journalism training and capacity-building, but ICFJ operates at significantly larger scale with broader geographic reach.

Regional players

• Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN): BIRN is a regional investigative journalism network focused on the Balkans and SE Europe. iMEdD lists BIRN as a network partner, and both serve the same SE European journalism ecosystem with training, cross-border investigations, and editorial support, making them regional comparables.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/imeddgreece
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/imeddgreece
• Xx.com/iMEdD_org

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about iMEdD