SIEF Call for Proposals 2026: Funding Opportunities for EdTech in Foundational Learning

The Strategic Impact Evaluation Fund (SIEF) has officially launched its eighth Call for Proposals, focusing on the role of education technology (EdTech) in improving children’s foundational learning. This initiative aims to support innovative, evidence-based solutions that can strengthen early learning outcomes worldwide.

As digital tools continue to reshape education, this call emphasizes the need for rigorous, policy-relevant research to determine what truly works in EdTech.

About the Program

Hosted by the World Bank, SIEF is dedicated to funding impact evaluations that generate reliable evidence for policymakers.

This latest call centers on “nimble evaluations”—rapid and cost-effective studies designed to test how technology can accelerate foundational learning and skills development among children.

Why This Matters

EdTech has gained global attention as a scalable and cost-effective solution for improving education. While some interventions have shown strong results, the broader evidence remains mixed, with many programs yielding only modest or no impact.

At the same time, emerging technologies—such as affordable digital devices and artificial intelligence—are expanding possibilities in education. This makes it increasingly important to evaluate which innovations truly deliver results, especially in foundational literacy and numeracy.

Key Focus Areas

SIEF Call 8 prioritizes:

• Rapid, low-cost evaluations of EdTech interventions
• Evidence generation to inform education policy
• Solutions that improve foundational learning outcomes
• Scalable and impactful digital education tools

Benefits of Applying

• Access to research funding for EdTech evaluations
• Opportunity to influence global education policy
• Collaboration with the World Bank and leading researchers
• Contribution to improving children’s foundational learning outcomes worldwide

Focus your proposal on clear, measurable outcomes and ensure your evaluation design is cost-effective and scalable. Strong proposals often combine innovation with practical policy relevance.

Eligibility & Application Process

There are two main application pathways:

1. Quick Assessment Form

• For external researchers not currently collaborating with a World Bank Task Team Leader (TTL)
• Deadline: April 22, 2026

2. Main Application Form

• To be submitted by a World Bank Task Team Leader (TTL)
• Deadline: May 19, 2026

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full call documents and ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can access the following:

• Call for proposals
• Quick Assessment Form
• Main Application Form
• Submission links for both application stages

For additional inquiries, applicants can contact the SIEF team via email at siefimpact@worldbank.org with the subject line: “SIEF Call 8 query.”

Conclusion

The SIEF Call for Proposals 8 presents a unique opportunity for researchers and policymakers to advance evidence-based EdTech solutions. With a strong emphasis on rapid evaluation and real-world impact, this initiative aims to shape the future of foundational learning globally.

Discover similar opportunities Here.