The Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition (EBPC) has officially launched its 2026 cycle, calling on education entrepreneurs worldwide to scale their most innovative ventures.
As one of the most prestigious and well-funded programs of its kind, the competition seeks purpose-driven startups aimed at advancing teaching and learning.
Since its inception in 2010, the EBPC has awarded more than $2 million in funding and support to education ventures making a global impact.
The Education Business Plan Competition serves as a critical launchpad for innovations in fields ranging from virtual STEM education to speech-language technology.
The initiative is backed by a powerful partnership between the Michael & Lori Milken Family Foundation and the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education.
It provides a structured pathway for the brightest minds from over 50 countries to move from vision to victory.
Funding and benefits
Successful applicants will compete for a suite of cash awards, including a $40,000 Grand Prize provided by the Michael & Lori Milken Family Foundation.
Additional prizes include a $25,000 second-place award, a $10,000 third-place award, and a $5,000 Audience Choice prize.
Beyond direct financial support, the program offers participants access to an unrivaled global network of innovators, investors, and researchers.
Selected entrepreneurs receive expert mentorship to help refine their business models and pitch strategies before the live finals.
The Education Business Plan Competition culminates in a high-stakes live pitch event where finalists present their ventures to a panel of expert judges and practitioners.
This exposure provides ventures with the professional visibility necessary to attract long-term scaling opportunities.
Application requirements and eligibility
The EBPC invites education entrepreneurs from across the globe to apply, provided their ventures focus on innovative solutions for the education sector.
The selection committee prioritizes ideas that demonstrate both high innovation and the potential for sustainable impact.
Applicants must be prepared to follow a rigorous selection timeline that begins with the initial application and moves through semi-finalist and finalist rounds.
The process is designed to highlight ventures that are ready for immediate growth and implementation.
Candidates are encouraged to review the specific application guidelines provided by the Catalyst Penn GSE team before submitting their materials.
The competition focuses on fostering ventures that can meaningfully improve the quality of education at various levels.
Deadline
The application window for the 2026 competition officially opens on January 14. All interested entrepreneurs must complete their submissions by the final deadline of February 11, 2026, to be considered for this funding cycle.
Visit the Education Business Plan Competition call page to apply. Explore our global opportunities page for more.
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