Deadline: 11-Feb-2026
The Milken–Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition (EBPC) invites education entrepreneurs worldwide to scale innovative ventures in EdTech and education solutions, offering mentorship, prizes, and global networking opportunities. The competition supports projects across all educational levels and focuses on areas such as AI, virtual STEM education, early childhood, K–12, higher education, and workforce learning. Participants gain guidance to refine business models, validate solutions, and connect with experts and investors to scale their impact.
Overview
The EBPC is the world’s premier education business plan competition, organized by Penn Graduate School of Education (GSE) in partnership with the Michael & Lori Milken Family Foundation.
It aims to identify, nurture, and scale innovative educational ventures worldwide, supporting both nonprofit and for-profit initiatives that advance teaching and learning.
Participants compete for:
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Financial prizes
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Expert mentorship
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Access to a global network of education innovators and investors
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Visibility and guidance to scale ventures for greater impact
Competition Objectives
The EBPC focuses on:
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Supporting purpose-driven EdTech ventures
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Advancing teaching and learning innovation
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Recognizing groundbreaking solutions in virtual STEM, speech-language technology, and college eligibility
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Fostering entrepreneurship in education
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Providing mentorship from world-class experts
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Connecting participants with a global network of innovators and investors
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Partnering with organizations such as Michael & Lori Milken Family Foundation and Penn GSE
Focus Areas
The competition welcomes innovative solutions across all educational settings, including:
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Early childhood education
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K–12 technology and learning solutions
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Online and distance learning in higher education
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AI and emerging technologies in education
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Urban education and global education initiatives
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Connecting research to practice
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Open and collaborative education models
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Corporate and workforce learning programs
Eligibility
Who Can Apply:
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Any individual or team with an innovative education venture
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Nonprofit or for-profit ventures
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Entrepreneurs aged 18 and above
Exclusions:
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Individuals under 18
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EBPC judges
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Previous finalists or winners (unless submitting a new, unrelated business plan approved by Penn GSE)
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Individuals legally prohibited from entering in their jurisdiction
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Penn GSE faculty, staff, and administrators
Benefits of Participation
Participants gain opportunities to:
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Refine and validate their business models
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Receive mentorship from education and business experts
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Compete for financial awards and non-monetary support
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Expand networks and collaborate with a global community of education innovators
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Receive visibility and recognition for transformative ideas
Application Highlights
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Submit a business plan showcasing innovation and impact in education
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Demonstrate how the solution advances teaching, learning, or educational equity
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Emphasize scalability, feasibility, and potential for global adoption
Why This Competition Matters
EBPC accelerates the development of high-impact education solutions by:
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Promoting entrepreneurship in education
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Encouraging innovative applications of AI and technology
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Supporting ventures that address critical challenges across educational settings
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Connecting entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and a global network to scale their impact
Conclusion
The Milken–Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition is a premier platform for education entrepreneurs worldwide to bring innovative solutions to life. By offering mentorship, financial support, and access to a global network, EBPC empowers ventures to transform teaching and learning across the globe, from early childhood to workforce development.
For more information, visit EBPC.