This year, KNK is celebrating its 10th anniversary in the North American market, and to mark this milestone, the company is giving back to the industry that has been integral to its success. Through the KNK Scholarship Program, the company is offering small- and medium-sized publishers a transformative opportunity: free implementation of KNK’s award-winning software platform, valued at up to $100,000.
“The KNK Scholarship was born out of our commitment to fostering innovation and supporting smaller publishers, who often face significant challenges in adopting new technologies,” says Sebastian Mayeres, CEO of KNK Software (U.S.). “We know that limited resources can hold publishers back from modernizing their operations, and this scholarship is designed to bridge that gap.”
The KNK Scholarship goes beyond offering software: it empowers publishers to enhance their operational efficiency, competitiveness, and ability to thrive in a rapidly evolving market. Mayeres emphasizes the broader impact of the program: “We are not just investing in technology. We are investing in the dreams of passionate publishers who have important stories to tell. By providing them with the tools they need, we hope to help them share their voices with the world and preserve the critical tradition of free speech.”
What sets the KNK Scholarship apart is the level of support recipients receive. The program includes not only the initial software setup but also ongoing assistance throughout the implementation phase. The KNK team will work closely with scholarship recipients, offering staff training, troubleshooting support, and expert guidance to ensure a smooth transition to the new system. “It is a collaborative effort,” Mayeres says. “We are with them every step of the way.”
Applications for the 2024 scholarship remain open until October 25, with one publisher selected this year. Over the next five years, KNK will award a total of ten scholarships, helping to shape the future of publishing by empowering smaller players in the industry.
Recently, KNK has also overhauled its platform, KNKMedia, streamlining it to be faster, easier, and less complex to implement through a standardized, cloud-based approach. This platform supports every aspect of publishing and media operations, from editorial planning and production to order processing, rights management, distribution, and financial management. More importantly, these improvements have made the solution more accessible and affordable, enabling even smaller publishers to benefit from enterprise-level functionality without the traditionally high costs associated with such implementations.
“One of the standout features of our new implementation process is its focus on standards over customization,” Mayeres says. “By relying on proven industry standards, we can significantly reduce complexity and implementation time, ensuring publishers can get up and running much more quickly. This standardized approach also brings with it a higher degree of predictability, lowering the risk of delays or unexpected costs.”
A key part of this revamped process is the data migration tool set, which simplifies the transfer of legacy data. “We know how challenging it can be for publishers to move from older systems,” Mayeres says. “Our new tools help automate and streamline this process, ensuring data accuracy and a smoother transition.”
Despite its simplified implementation, KNKMedia remains highly flexible. Publishers can start with essential modules and expand as their business grows. Whether a publisher needs tools for editorial management or an entire suite for financials, marketing automation, and data layers, KNKMedia adapts to fit their needs.
Built on the latest Microsoft technology, KNKMedia leverages the power of Microsoft Co-Pilot, integrating AI-driven tools that automate workflows, enhance decision-making, and provide predictive insights. This ensures that publishers not only streamline their operations but also gain valuable data-driven insights to drive future growth.
KNKMedia’s flexibility and scalability allow publishers to pick and choose what they need. “This approach ensures they have the right tools at every stage of growth, without overwhelming them with unnecessary complexity,” Mayeres says. “Our platform is designed to grow with you. Publishers can start with what they need today and easily scale up as their operations expand. With KNKMedia, you are not just getting a piece of software—you are getting a complete solution.”
Sebastian Mayeres and sales director Alan Hirsch will host a KNK Scholarship Meet-and-Greet on Wednesday, October 16, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at booth E1 in Hall 4.0. More about KNK solutions is available from the booth or at knkscholarship.com.
