Cornerstone Award

for Local News Infrastructure

supported by:

**The Cornerstone Award for Local News Infrastructure** will be presented to a technology startup building digital tools to address the critical needs of journalists and local news organizations.

Division finalists will receive a $3,000 stipend, and the division winner will receive a grant of up to $50,000. All division winners are eligible for an additional $25,000 Grand Prize Award.

In this division, judges will look for startups that:

address a clearly defined technological gap for journalists and local newsrooms

demonstrate an in-depth technical understanding of newsroom operations and workflows through research or experience

have a working MVP / public beta available now to journalistsand/or newsrooms

Cornerstone Award for Local Journalism Infrastructure
Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria

Eligibility

Legally incorporated for-profit and non-profit media startups based in the United States of America and U.S. Territories.

A venture is considered U.S.-based if it is legally incorporated in the U.S. and if the majority of employees and/or contractors live in the United States.
Projects with a fiscal sponsor may apply only if the project is intended to become its own independent company or nonprofit organization. The project may not be a program, lab, center, research initiative, or internal venture of a university, nonprofit, or company.

Legally incorporated no more than ten years prior to the application deadline (no earlier than March 10, 2016).
Earned less than US $1,000,000 (gross revenue including philanthropic support) in the twelve months ending December 31, 2025. This does not include investment dollars.
Ventures that are (1) launched and/or actively publishing and (2) are able to provide access to their content, product, or service as part of their application.

Previous Next Challenge Division Award winners and companies where American Public Media Group (APMG) has an ownership stake are not eligible to apply. Refer to the official rules for detailed eligibility requirements.

Evaluation Criteria

(30%) Division Fit: Does the venture address a clearly defined technological gap for journalsits and newsrooms, informed by an in-depth technical understanding of newsroom operations? Does it have a working MVP or beta available now to journalists or newsrooms?

(20%) Innovation: Is this an innovative idea? Does the startup propose a novel, disruptive or unique business concept?

(20%) Audience Impact: Does the startup have a well-defined target market? Will this venture have a significant positive impact on its intended audience?

(20%) Business Model: Does the plan indicate how the product/service will be distributed, have a realistic revenue and pricing model, and demonstrate potential to grow sustainably? Is there evidence that the business concept works?