The initiative aims to boost digital transformation and the use of AI in Latin American media
Miami (August 26, 2025) — The Inter American Press Association (IAPA), in partnership with Google News Initiative (GNI), today announced the opening of applications for the AI Product Lab, an innovative program designed to drive digital transformation and the strategic use of artificial intelligence in Latin American and Caribbean media outlets.
Developed by the consulting firm Maktube Group, the Lab aims to help up to 40 media organizations strengthen their product capabilities applied to AI, in order to identify, design, and implement innovative solutions aligned with their editorial, commercial, and technological goals.
The application deadline is September 5, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (GMT-6), and interested media can apply at this link.
Eligible participants include media outlets located in Central America, the Caribbean, Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, or Venezuela; organizations with or without profit motives; outlets producing original content with at least two years of operations; those with active editorial and/or development teams (in-house or outsourced); and those with leadership support to commit to the program. Selected organizations must designate a program leader, ensure participation of key staff, and commit an estimat...
The AI Product Lab combines strategic training, applied practice, and real execution in four sequential phases. The first, from September to December 2025, will include 12 virtual group sessions with regional and international specialists, focusing on AI fundamentals, applications, product strategies, and inspirational case studies. In parallel, participants will complete hands-on exercises, weekly challenges, and personalized workshops to conceptualize concrete proposals.
The second phase, from January to March 2026, will allow participants to submit proposals to an internal call. The most solid and viable projects will receive funding and specialized mentoring, based on selection criteria such as feasibility, expected impact, and team commitment. Up to 20 outlets will receive implementation funds to bring their ideas to life and measure real results.
Finally, in April 2026, the program will conclude with a public showcase of results and learnings, including presentations, panel discussions, expert reflections, and networking opportunities.
Key dates: Application period runs from August 25 to September 5, 2025; the training and applied design phases will take place from September 8 to December 5, 2025; project selection will occur in November, with grantees announced in December; and the execution phase will run from January to April 2026.
For further information, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].
The IAPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to defending and promoting freedom of the press and expression in the Americas. It comprises more than 1,300 publications from the western hemisphere and is based in Miami, Florida, United States.