The WISE Prize for Education has officially launched its 2026–2027 cycle, issuing a global call for organizations to present innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing learning challenges.
This year’s program shifts focus from recognizing lifelong achievement to backing forward-looking, scalable innovations that can deliver measurable improvements in learning and life outcomes.
The core challenge tasks applicants with developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) based on an already successful approach that is ready for adaptation or scaling.
Solutions should target critical priorities such as foundational literacy and numeracy, the responsible use of AI, and the holistic wellbeing of marginalized learners.
Funding and benefits
Selected finalists will enter a 12-month development journey supported by dedicated funding ranging from $100,000 to $125,000 USD.
This capital is specifically earmarked to help teams design and refine their educational solutions into robust, evidence-based MVPs.
Beyond financial support, the program offers a year of tailored mentorship, one-on-one coaching, and access to a global network of over 60,000 education leaders.
Finalists also gain unique visibility by presenting their solutions to a global audience at the WISE 13 Summit.
The cycle culminates in the awarding of a $1 million prize pool, which is split among the top three winners at the summit to further scale their impact.
This follows a rigorous evaluation process designed to ensure innovations are backed by real proof of impact rather than just compelling narratives.
Application requirements and eligibility
Participation is open to a wide range of organizations worldwide, including NGOs, social enterprises, startups, universities, and government bodies.
However, the prize is not open to individual applicants and requires the solution to have at least one dedicated full-time team member.
Applicants must demonstrate a proven track record and provide early evidence of impact through previous pilots, products, or related projects.
Evaluation will prioritize solutions that are innovative, feasible, sustainable, and capable of being contextualized to different geographic and social settings.
Deadline
The application window is scheduled to open on May 10, 2026, and will remain active until the closing date of June 27, 2026.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to participate in open webinars hosted by the WISE team throughout the application window for detailed guidance on the submission process.
To apply, visit The WISE Prize for Education call page. Visit our global opportunity page for more.
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