Achilles Data

Achilles Data Launches Its 10th Anniversary Edition, Connecting Young Investigative Journalists Across Five Countries

October 5, 2026

Prague, October 5, 2026 – The Bakala Foundation is opening applications for the milestone 10th edition of the Achilles Data program. For ten years, the course has been training emerging investigative journalists from the Visegrad Four countries and, over the past two years, from Ukraine as well. Over the course of six months, three-member teams of students and young journalists from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, and Ukraine will work on their own investigative stories. They will master working with open sources, learn to use AI ethically, and receive individual mentoring from experienced journalists. Applications are open until December 1, 2026.
The Achilles Data program combines hands-on training with work on real-world stories. Selected teams will first attend an introductory four-day series of lectures and workshops in Prague, taking place from February 17 to 20, 2027. They will then work on their investigative projects through June, regularly consulting their progress with assigned mentors and preparing final materials ready for publication. Final pieces are due by June 22, 2027, and will be presented during a closing event in Prague in September 2027.
Over the past nine completed editions, 226 participants have graduated from the program. The milestone 10th edition will build on this cross-border collaboration, offering opportunities to teams from five countries. Participants will gain hands-on experience in verifying and connecting information, data journalism, the ethical use of AI, open-source intelligence (OSINT), and producing final journalistic stories. Throughout the program, they will benefit from one-on-one mentoring provided by seasoned professionals from leading media outlets.
The anniversary edition will also feature a special program in Prague. The opening workshops will kick off with a keynote address by a successful program alumnus. Plans also include a screening of an investigative documentary followed by a Q&A session with its creators, as well as a panel discussion featuring female journalists representing all five participating countries. The top-rated team at the final evaluation will receive an award.
Applications are open to three-member teams of students, young journalism students, and early-career journalists. Individual applications are also welcome; organizers will subsequently assemble individuals into teams. Key selection criteria include a strong interest in investigative journalism, the commitment to work on a chosen topic over several months, and active collaboration with mentors and team members.
All costs associated with attending in-person meetings in Prague—including tuition, accommodation, meals, and travel expenses—are covered by the Bakala Foundation. Applications are open from October 5 to December 1, 2026.
For more information and the application form, please visit our webpage.