2027 Tools Competition: Multi-Million-Dollar Funding Opportunity for Innovative Education Technology, AI Tools and Learning Datasets

The 2027 Tools Competition is now open, inviting innovators, education technology developers, researchers, entrepreneurs, organisations and other solution-builders to propose tools and public infrastructure that can improve learning, teaching and access to opportunity.

The competition supports education technology innovation that uses digital technology, data, artificial intelligence and learning science to address urgent challenges facing learners and educators. Its seventh cycle comes at a time when artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly common in education, work and everyday life, creating new opportunities while also raising important questions about trust, safety, privacy, effectiveness and responsible implementation.

Rather than rewarding technology simply because it is new, the 2027 Tools Competition seeks proposals that demonstrate how tools can produce meaningful results in real-world learning environments. Strong proposals should explain how their solutions can be responsibly used, trusted, sustained and adapted to the needs of learners, educators and institutions.

The Tools Competition is a programme of Renaissance Philanthropy and is organised by The Learning Agency.

About the 2027 Tools Competition

The Tools Competition is a multi-million-dollar funding opportunity focused on education technology innovation. It supports tools and public infrastructure that use digital technology, big data and learning science to respond to pressing needs across education and workforce development.

The 2027 competition recognises that technology access alone does not automatically improve learning outcomes. A tool must be relevant to the learning context, easy to use, inclusive, evidence-informed and designed with the realities of learners and educators in mind.

The competition therefore encourages proposals that address questions such as:

• Does the tool help learners understand what they know and what they still need to learn?
• Does it provide timely and useful support?
• Does it strengthen teaching practice rather than create unnecessary burdens?
• Does it make learning more engaging, practical and learner-driven?
• Does it help individuals navigate education-to-work transitions?
• Does it improve the availability of high-quality education data?
• Does it protect privacy, promote safety and support responsible technology use?
• Can the solution be sustained and used effectively in real learning environments?

The strongest proposals will be those that demonstrate not only what technology or artificial intelligence can do, but also how the proposed solution can be implemented responsibly and generate meaningful benefits.

Why the Competition Matters

Artificial intelligence and digital tools are rapidly changing how people learn, work and access information. Many learners are already using generative AI to complete assignments, improve efficiency, understand difficult concepts and support their learning.

However, the increasing use of AI in education also creates challenges. Learners may not always know whether information generated by AI is accurate. Educators may lack guidance on how to integrate AI into instruction. Institutions may face concerns about privacy, unequal access, bias, academic integrity and the long-term effects of technology on learning.

The 2027 Tools Competition responds to this changing environment by encouraging the development of tools that are grounded in evidence and designed around actual learning needs.

The competition places particular emphasis on solutions that:

• Improve the quality and usefulness of learning experiences.
• Support educators in delivering effective instruction.
• Provide inclusive and actionable information about student progress.
• Help learners become more independent and confident.
• Connect education with real-world opportunities.
• Strengthen the infrastructure needed for future education research and development.
• Integrate safety, privacy and responsibility into design and implementation.

This approach moves beyond technology for its own sake. It focuses on whether a tool can make education more effective, equitable, engaging and responsive.

2027 Tools Competition Tracks

The 2027 Tools Competition features four main tracks. These tracks cover K–12 education, postsecondary learning, the transition from education to work, and the development of high-quality datasets.

Applicants should review the tracks carefully and select the one that most closely matches the purpose, users and intended impact of their tool or idea.

1. Strengthening Teaching

The Strengthening Teaching track focuses on tools that improve instructional effectiveness while also making the teaching profession more sustainable.

Teachers often face multiple demands, including lesson planning, assessment, classroom management, administrative responsibilities, reporting and adapting instruction to different learner needs. Technology can help reduce unnecessary workload and provide educators with better information for making instructional decisions.

This track seeks tools that can support teachers in meaningful and practical ways. Proposed solutions should demonstrate how they can improve teaching quality, support professional practice and contribute to a more sustainable teaching environment.

Potential areas of focus may include:

• Tools that support lesson planning and instructional preparation.
• Systems that help educators identify student learning needs.
• Platforms that provide timely instructional feedback.
• Resources that improve classroom engagement.
• Tools that reduce repetitive administrative work.
• Solutions that support differentiated instruction.
• Technologies that help teachers access and use evidence.
• Tools that strengthen collaboration and professional learning.

A strong proposal for this track should explain how the tool supports educators without replacing professional judgement or adding unnecessary complexity.

Applicants can learn more through the official Strengthening Teaching track page:
Explore the Strengthening Teaching track

2. Reimagining Assessment

The Reimagining Assessment track focuses on tools that strengthen K–12 assessment by providing more continuous, actionable and inclusive information about student learning.

Traditional assessments may provide only a limited picture of what students know at a particular point in time. The competition encourages solutions that help educators and learners understand progress more continuously and use assessment information to improve learning.

Tools under this track may support the collection, interpretation and use of learning evidence in ways that are timely and useful.

Potential areas of focus may include:

• Formative assessment tools.
• Systems that identify learning gaps.
• Platforms that provide immediate feedback.
• Inclusive assessment approaches for diverse learners.
• Tools that help teachers adjust instruction.
• Solutions that make assessment more meaningful and less burdensome.
• Technologies that provide clearer information about student progress.
• Assessment tools that support personalised learning pathways.

Successful proposals should explain how the tool can produce reliable information and how that information can be used to improve learning outcomes.

Applicants can learn more through the official Reimagining Assessment track page:
Explore the Reimagining Assessment track

3. Navigating Postsecondary Learning and Work

The Navigating Postsecondary Learning and Work track focuses on tools that help learners build the skills, relationships, information and support needed to navigate education and employment in an increasingly AI-driven world.

The transition from secondary education to higher education, vocational training or employment can be difficult. Learners may need help identifying suitable programmes, developing relevant skills, finding mentors, understanding career pathways, building professional networks and making informed decisions.

This track seeks solutions that support learners during these transition points and help them connect education with real-world opportunities.

Potential areas of focus may include:

• Career exploration and guidance tools.
• Platforms connecting learners with mentors or professionals.
• Tools that help students identify skills gaps.
• Systems supporting postsecondary planning.
• Resources that connect learners to internships, apprenticeships or jobs.
• Tools that help learners build professional networks.
• Technologies that support career readiness.
• Platforms that improve access to information about education and work opportunities.
• Solutions that help learners make informed decisions in changing labour markets.

Proposals should demonstrate how the tool can help learners navigate uncertainty with greater clarity, confidence and connection.

Applicants can learn more through the official Navigating Postsecondary Learning and Work track page:
Explore the Navigating Postsecondary Learning and Work track

4. Building Better Datasets

The Building Better Datasets track focuses on high-quality education datasets that can support future research, product development and innovation.

Data is essential for understanding learning, evaluating educational tools and developing systems that respond to the needs of diverse learners. However, education datasets may be incomplete, difficult to access, poorly documented or insufficiently representative of different populations and learning environments.

This track encourages the development of datasets that capture the diversity of learners, educational contexts and learning settings.

High-quality datasets may help researchers and developers:

• Study learning patterns and outcomes.
• Improve education technology tools.
• Develop and evaluate artificial intelligence systems.
• Understand differences across learning environments.
• Support evidence-based education policy.
• Improve the inclusiveness and reliability of educational research.
• Identify gaps in existing education data.
• Develop tools that are more responsive to real-world needs.

Applicants should explain the value of the proposed dataset, the population or learning context it represents, how the data will be collected or developed, and how privacy, consent, security and responsible use will be addressed.

Applicants can learn more through the official Building Better Datasets track page:
Explore the Building Better Datasets track

What Types of Proposals Are Encouraged?

The competition is intended for proposals that address important challenges in learning, teaching and opportunity. While the specific requirements may differ by track, strong proposals are likely to demonstrate several important qualities.

Evidence-informed design

Proposals should be grounded in relevant research, learning science, user experience evidence or practical knowledge of the problem being addressed. Applicants should explain why the proposed solution is likely to work and what evidence supports its approach.

Clear understanding of the target users

Applicants should identify who will use or benefit from the tool. Depending on the track, target users may include:

• K–12 students.
• Teachers and school leaders.
• Postsecondary students.
• Adult learners.
• Career seekers.
• Researchers.
• Education institutions.
• Workforce development organisations.
• Policymakers.
• Developers and education technology providers.

A strong proposal should demonstrate an understanding of the needs, constraints and experiences of the intended users.

Real-world usefulness

The competition is focused on tools that can function in real learning environments. Applicants should explain how their proposed solution will be used in practice and what problem it will solve.

Proposals should avoid focusing only on technical novelty. They should demonstrate how the tool will create practical value for learners, educators, institutions or researchers.

Responsible technology use

Safety, privacy and responsibility are central to the 2027 competition. Applicants should consider how their tool will protect users and avoid potential harm.

Relevant considerations may include:

• Data privacy.
• Informed consent.
• Data security.
• Bias and fairness.
• Accessibility.
• Transparency.
• Responsible artificial intelligence.
• Protection of children and vulnerable users.
• Appropriate human oversight.
• Accountability in design and implementation.

Potential for sustainability and scale

Strong proposals should consider how the tool can be maintained, adopted and sustained beyond an initial pilot. Applicants may need to explain the resources, partnerships, infrastructure or implementation strategies required for long-term use.

Who Should Consider Applying?

The competition may be relevant to a broad range of individuals and organisations working on education technology, learning science, digital infrastructure and workforce development.

Potential applicants may include:

• Education technology startups.
• Non-profit organisations.
• Researchers and research teams.
• Universities and academic institutions.
• Education-focused companies.
• Developers and technology innovators.
• Social enterprises.
• Data scientists.
• Learning designers.
• Educators developing innovative tools.
• Organisations working in K–12 education.
• Organisations supporting postsecondary learners.
• Workforce development organisations.
• Teams developing education datasets.
• Collaborations involving researchers, educators, technologists and community organisations.

Applicants should consult the official competition rules and the specific requirements for their preferred track before preparing a submission. The overview page alone does not provide a complete list of all eligibility conditions, submission requirements, funding amounts per award or selection criteria.

Geographic Eligibility

The 2027 Tools Competition overview describes its goal as supporting learning, teaching and opportunity needs in real-world settings and refers to learners worldwide. However, the provided overview does not explicitly state a complete country-by-country eligibility list or a definitive nationality restriction.

Therefore, individuals and organisations from outside the United States should review the official eligibility requirements, rules and submission information to confirm whether they can apply. Applicants from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, the Caribbean, Oceania and other regions should not assume eligibility solely based on the global focus of the competition.

The official eligibility quiz and rules should be consulted for clarification:

• Check eligibility through the official eligibility quiz
• Read the official competition rules

Application and Submission Information

The competition’s official website provides a Submit Here link for applicants who are ready to submit their proposals.

Applicants should review the relevant track page and official rules before submitting. They should ensure that their proposal addresses the specific problem, target users, expected impact and implementation context associated with the selected track.

A strong submission may benefit from including the following information, subject to the official application requirements:

1. Problem statement
   Clearly explain the educational or workforce challenge the proposed tool intends to address.
2. Target users
   Identify the learners, educators, institutions, researchers or other groups that will use or benefit from the solution.
3. Proposed solution
   Describe how the tool, platform, dataset or infrastructure will work.
4. Evidence and rationale
   Explain the research, learning science, user feedback or practical evidence supporting the approach.
5. Expected outcomes
   Describe how the proposed solution could improve learning, teaching, assessment, career navigation or education research.
6. Implementation plan
   Explain how the solution will be developed, tested, introduced or used in real-world settings.
7. Safety and privacy measures
   Describe how the proposal will address data protection, responsible AI, accessibility, fairness and user safety.
8. Sustainability plan
   Explain how the tool or dataset can be maintained, improved and used over time.

Applicants should rely on the official submission form and rules for the precise format, documentation and information required.

Submit a proposal through the official competition website:
Submit to the 2027 Tools Competition

Competition Information Session

The organisers have announced an information session for prospective applicants.

Interested participants can register for the information session scheduled for:

Date: September 15, 2026

The session may provide additional guidance about the competition, its tracks, eligibility, application process and expectations for proposals.

Register for the 2027 Tools Competition information session

Applicants should confirm the session time, format and registration requirements through the official registration page.

Application Deadline

The provided competition overview announces that the 2027 Tools Competition is live, but it does not state a final application deadline.

Application Deadline: Not specified in the provided competition overview.

Applicants should visit the official submission page, official rules and relevant track pages for the latest deadline information. Since competition timelines may be updated, prospective applicants should avoid relying on unofficial deadlines or outdated announcements.

Organisers and Programme Partners

The 2027 Tools Competition is supported and organised by two organisations:

Renaissance Philanthropy

Renaissance Philanthropy is identified as the programme behind the Tools Competition. The organisation supports initiatives intended to advance innovation and address important challenges through philanthropic investment and strategic programmes.

Visit Renaissance Philanthropy

The Learning Agency

The Learning Agency is responsible for organising the Tools Competition. The organisation works on initiatives related to learning, education, research, innovation and the development of tools that can improve learning outcomes.

Visit The Learning Agency

How to Prepare a Strong Proposal

Applicants can improve their readiness by taking the following steps:

1. Select the most appropriate track

Review all four tracks and identify which one best matches the purpose of the proposed tool or dataset. Avoid submitting a general idea that does not clearly align with a competition priority.

2. Define the problem precisely

Explain the problem in clear language. Identify who experiences the problem, why it matters and what limitations exist in current approaches.

3. Demonstrate user need

Use research, interviews, surveys, pilot findings, classroom experience or other evidence to show that the problem is real and significant.

4. Explain what makes the solution different

Describe how the proposed tool improves on existing approaches. The difference may involve better accessibility, stronger evidence, improved usability, greater inclusiveness, better data quality or more effective implementation.

5. Include evidence of feasibility

Explain whether the team has already developed a prototype, conducted a pilot, tested the concept or gathered feedback from potential users. If the solution is still at an early stage, clearly describe the next steps.

6. Address responsible innovation

Explain how the proposal will handle privacy, safety, fairness, accessibility, transparency and responsible use of artificial intelligence or data.

7. Plan for real-world adoption

Consider how the tool will be used by schools, educators, learners, institutions, researchers or other stakeholders. A proposal should demonstrate awareness of practical constraints such as cost, training, infrastructure and user support.

8. Review the official rules

Before submission, applicants should read the official rules, confirm eligibility and ensure that their proposal meets the required format and criteria.

Conclusion

The 2027 Tools Competition presents a major opportunity for innovators, researchers, education technology developers, organisations and data specialists working to improve learning, teaching and access to opportunity.

Through its four tracks—Strengthening Teaching, Reimagining Assessment, Navigating Postsecondary Learning and Work, and Building Better Datasets—the competition seeks solutions that address real challenges across K–12 education, postsecondary learning, career transitions and education research.

The competition’s focus extends beyond technological novelty. It encourages tools that are evidence-informed, practical, inclusive, safe, privacy-conscious and capable of producing meaningful outcomes in real learning environments.

Potential applicants should carefully review the relevant track, complete the official eligibility check, read the competition rules and confirm the final submission deadline. The information provided in the competition overview does not specify a final deadline, so applicants should consult the official website for the latest updates.

Learn more and explore the 2027 Tools Competition:
Official Tools Competition website

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