Google has invested Rs. 1 crore in PublicNext, a local news networking platform. PublicNext has been chosen to receive financing from Google as part of the Google News Initiative (GNI) Innovation Challenge (Asia Pacific).
The only non-Hindi news portal, PublicNext, was awarded financing and the Google News Innovation Challenge, as per reported by BW Disrupt.
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Talking on the future plans, Manjunath Rao, CEO, PublicNext, said, “we intend to replicate user adoption, unit economics across 28 states and 8 union territories in the next 4 to 5 years. Looking at the demand for local content and community, the future looks bright with audio interaction like clubhouse being built for authorities to interact with local people, Local question and answer platform, and even local commerce leveraging ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce).”
The GNI Innovation Challenges aim to “empower news organisations from throughout the globe that pioneer innovative ideas in digital journalism, find new paths to sustainability, and better understand their communities.” ’ In order to promote participation, PublicNext will use this funds for its network recommendation engine. Readers will be able to start debating, disagreeing, and discussing the regional editorial material through the “Discussion Module.” Readers will be able to ban and report inappropriate talks thanks to a new “AI engine.” The business will expand the tech crew.
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About PublicNext
PublicNext is a neighbourhood news, commerce, and networking platform that is offered in the language of the area. They have a significant footprint in the areas of Hubli-Dharwad, Mangalore, and Udupi.
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