Applications are now open for the prestigious WISE Prize for Education 2026–2027, a global initiative by the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) designed to identify, support, and scale transformative education solutions worldwide.
Unlike traditional competitions or awards, the WISE Prize for Education is a 12-month development programme that equips finalists with funding, mentorship, strategic guidance, and institutional support to strengthen their innovative education projects and expand their impact globally.
Selected finalists will receive between $100,000 and $125,000 in funding alongside customized mentorship and hands-on development support. At the conclusion of the programme, the top three solutions will receive awards from a total prize pool of $1 million during the WISE Summit.
This opportunity is ideal for innovators, social entrepreneurs, education leaders, nonprofits, startups, and organizations developing groundbreaking solutions that address challenges in education, learning access, skills development, technology, inclusion, and future-ready learning systems.
About the WISE Prize for Education
The World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) is globally recognized for supporting educational innovation and social impact initiatives that improve learning outcomes and create sustainable solutions in education systems worldwide.
The WISE Prize for Education 2026–2027 goes beyond simply recognizing innovation. It is structured as a long-term accelerator and development journey that helps finalists refine, strengthen, and scale their educational initiatives through mentorship, funding, collaboration, and strategic support.
The programme aims to support high-impact solutions that can contribute to transforming education across local, regional, and global contexts.
What Finalists Will Receive
Participants selected as finalists in the WISE Prize for Education programme will gain access to substantial financial and strategic support.
Key Benefits Include:
- Funding Support
Finalists will receive between:
- $100,000 to $125,000 in funding
This funding is intended to help strengthen and scale selected education solutions.
- Tailored Mentorship
Participants will receive customized mentorship from experts, innovators, and professionals in:
- Education
- Innovation
- Social entrepreneurship
- Leadership
- Scaling impact-driven initiatives
- Hands-On Development Support
The programme includes direct support to help finalists:
- Improve operational systems
- Refine programme models
- Increase impact
- Strengthen sustainability
- Expand visibility and partnerships
- Access to Global Networks
Finalists will engage with:
- Education leaders
- Investors
- Policymakers
- Global institutions
- Innovation ecosystems
- Opportunity to Win From a $1 Million Prize Pool
At the end of the programme, the top three education solutions will receive awards from a total prize pool of $1 million during the WISE Summit.
Why the WISE Prize for Education Matters
Education systems worldwide continue to face major challenges including:
- Learning inequality
- Limited access to quality education
- Skills gaps
- Digital exclusion
- Youth unemployment
- Education financing challenges
The WISE Prize for Education seeks to support innovative solutions capable of creating sustainable and scalable impact across these critical areas.
The programme encourages bold ideas and transformative models that can help shape the future of education globally.
Who Should Apply?
The opportunity is suitable for:
- Education innovators
- Social entrepreneurs
- Nonprofit organizations
- EdTech startups
- Learning platforms
- Community education initiatives
- NGOs
- Education-focused enterprises
- Institutions developing scalable education solutions
Applicants should have innovative solutions with measurable or potential impact in education and learning.
Programme Structure
The WISE Prize for Education programme is structured as a year-long development journey rather than a one-time award process.
Programme Highlights:
- 12-month acceleration and support programme
- Funding and mentorship support
- Strategic scaling assistance
- Visibility at the global WISE Summit
- Networking and ecosystem engagement
- Final award selection from a $1 million prize pool
Application Information
Application closes on the 26th of June 2026.
Official Application Link
Why You Should Apply
This programme offers much more than funding. It provides:
- Global recognition
- Institutional support
- Strategic mentorship
- International visibility
- Access to influential networks
- Long-term impact development opportunities
For innovators working to improve education systems, learning access, digital education, or youth development, the WISE Prize for Education can become a powerful platform for scaling impact globally.
Final Thoughts
The WISE Prize for Education 2026–2027 represents a major global opportunity for education innovators seeking funding, mentorship, visibility, and strategic support to expand their solutions.
With funding support of up to $125,000, mentorship from global experts, and the possibility of winning from a $1 million prize pool, the programme provides a transformative platform for organizations and innovators committed to changing the future of education.
Education innovators, social enterprises, and organizations building scalable learning solutions are strongly encouraged to apply and become part of a global movement driving educational transformation.
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