IBM Impact Accelerator – Education & Workforce Development Cohort (2026 Call for Proposals)

The IBM Impact Accelerator has opened applications for its 2026 Education & Workforce Development Cohort, inviting innovative organizations worldwide to submit AI-driven solutions that expand access to learning and strengthen the workforce of tomorrow.

This global social innovation program supports communities facing economic and environmental challenges through advanced technologies—especially AI—and a broad ecosystem of IBM experts. To date, the Accelerator has supported 25 global projects across five cohorts in sustainable agriculture, clean energy, water management, resilient cities, and supply chains.

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About the IBM Impact Accelerator

The program is built on three core principles:

1. Global Scale, Local Impact

Projects are selected for their potential to address real challenges in communities around the world.

2. Two-Year Program Duration

Organizations receive extended strategic, technical, and implementation support.

3. No Cost to Participants

Selected organizations receive IBM technology, resources, and expert support free of charge.

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2026 Cohort Focus: Education & Workforce Development

This cohort seeks AI-powered initiatives that help students, educators, jobseekers, and workers thrive by:

• Strengthening education systems
• Supporting learning and skill development
• Defining and improving career pathways
• Building resilient and equitable workforce systems

Nonprofit organizations, government entities, and academic institutions are encouraged to apply.

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Eligible Organizations

Global applicants must be:

• Nonprofits
• Government entities
• Academic institutions

Organizations should be working on solutions that leverage AI to improve education, lifelong learning, or workforce readiness.

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Examples of Eligible Project Concepts

Projects may involve (but are not limited to):

• AI-enabled teaching and assessment tools
• Career & college navigation platforms
• Predictive workforce analytics
• Workforce pipeline dashboards
• Lifelong learning assistants
• AI governance & simulation labs
• System-wide scenario planning tools
• Innovations integrating quantum or emerging technologies

Technology is important—but the impact on real people and communities is the central requirement.

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Selection Process

Each year, IBM selects five organizations to form a cohort. Proposals undergo:

• Public RFP review
• Feasibility and impact evaluation
• IBM compliance vetting
• Expert input from IBM Consulting, IBM Research, IBM Software, and IBM Corporate Social Responsibility

Selection criteria include community impact, sustainability, transparency in measurement, and solution viability.

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Key Deadline

Proposal Deadline: Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Finalists will be contacted in spring 2026.

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How to Apply

All proposals must be submitted through the official application portal:
Apply now

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For more information: Click Here