WISE Prize for Education Supporting Global Education Innovations

The WISE Prize for Education is a global innovation award that identifies, funds, and supports high-impact education solutions with strong potential to improve learning outcomes at scale. The 2026–2027 cycle focuses on scalable, evidence-based innovations that address critical challenges in education systems worldwide, particularly for marginalized and underserved learners.

Program Overview

The WISE Prize for Education is designed to support organizations developing practical, scalable education innovations that improve access, quality, and equity in learning. It is part of the global education initiative led by the World Innovation Summit for Education, which promotes innovation in education systems globally.

The program supports solutions that can be adapted across contexts and strengthened through funding, mentorship, and technical support.

Core Challenge Areas (2026–2027 Cycle)

The program focuses on education innovations that address:

Learning access for marginalized and underserved learners
Education delivery in fragile and crisis-affected contexts
Responsible use of AI and emerging technologies in education
Strengthening culture and language for identity and engagement
Foundational skills development (literacy, numeracy, basic competencies)
Learner wellbeing (mental, emotional, and physical health)
Inclusive and equitable education systems
Scalable and evidence-based learning solutions

Eligible Education Sectors

The program welcomes innovations across all education levels and formats, including:

Early childhood and pre-primary education
Primary and secondary education
Higher education and tertiary systems
Vocational education and skills training
EdTech and digital learning platforms
Inclusive and special needs education
Informal and community-based learning
Lifelong learning initiatives

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be legally registered organizations (not individuals)
Operate in any country worldwide
Work in education or education-related innovation fields

Eligible organization types include:

Universities and academic institutions
Schools and school networks
Civil society and non-profit organizations
Community-based organizations
Government and public sector agencies
International and intergovernmental organizations
Private sector companies and EdTech firms

Funding and Support Structure

The WISE Prize provides multi-stage financial and technical support:

Finalist Support

USD $100,000 to $125,000 per finalist
12-month period to develop solutions into minimum viable products
Tailored mentorship and technical coaching
Support for implementation and scaling readiness

Winner Support

Total prize fund: USD $1 million
Awarded to top three winners at WISE 13
Funding supports scaling, impact expansion, and evidence generation

Program Objectives

The WISE Prize for Education aims to:

Accelerate scalable education innovation globally
Improve learning outcomes for underserved populations
Strengthen foundational learning competencies worldwide
Promote responsible integration of AI in education
Support evidence-based education transformation
Expand access to quality education in fragile contexts

Key Selection Principles

Applicants are expected to demonstrate:

Proven effectiveness or strong early evidence of impact
Scalability across different education systems and contexts
Clear focus on learner outcomes and wellbeing
Innovation in pedagogy, technology, or delivery models
Strong implementation readiness and operational capacity
Ability to generate measurable education improvements

Expected Outcomes

Scaled education innovations with global applicability
Improved literacy, numeracy, and foundational learning outcomes
Enhanced learner wellbeing and engagement
Expanded access to education in underserved regions
Stronger integration of technology and AI in learning systems
Evidence-based improvements in education delivery

Why This Prize Matters

The WISE Prize for Education strengthens global education systems by supporting solutions that move beyond pilot stages into large-scale implementation. It enables organizations to transform successful innovations into sustainable models that improve learning outcomes for millions of learners worldwide under the leadership of the World Innovation Summit for Education.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting early-stage ideas without evidence of success
Lack of scalability or cross-context applicability
Weak focus on measurable learning outcomes
Overly narrow or localized solutions
Ignoring learner wellbeing and inclusion components
Insufficient organizational capacity for large-scale implementation

Tips for Strong Applications

Demonstrate proven impact with data or pilot results
Clearly explain how the solution scales across contexts
Highlight improvements in learning outcomes
Show strong use of evidence-based approaches
Emphasize inclusion of marginalized learners
Present a clear 12-month development and scaling plan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the WISE Prize for Education?
- It is a global award supporting scalable education innovations
- It provides funding, mentorship, and scaling support
Who can apply?
- Legally registered organizations working in education globally
- Individuals are not eligible
What funding is provided?
- $100,000–$125,000 for finalists
- $1 million total prize fund for top three winners
What education areas are covered?
- All levels including primary, secondary, higher education, and EdTech
What is the main focus of the program?
- Scalable, evidence-based education innovations improving learning outcomes
Where does the program operate?
- It is a global initiative open to organizations worldwide

Conclusion

The WISE Prize for Education 2026–2027, led by the World Innovation Summit for Education, is a global platform for scaling transformative education innovations. It supports organizations developing evidence-based solutions that improve learning outcomes, expand access to quality education, and strengthen learner wellbeing across diverse global contexts.