Milken–Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition 2026 for EdTech innovators (Over $200k in Cash and Prizes)

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The Milken–Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition is a prestigious global innovation challenge that invites founders, educators, and entrepreneurs to submit education-focused ventures that have the potential to improve learning outcomes, expand access, and transform education systems worldwide.

This competition provides funding, visibility, mentorship, and strategic support for early-stage and growth-stage ventures with promising solutions.

The Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition is considered the most prestigious and well-funded education business plan competition, attracting innovative ideas from around the world. Since 2010, the competition has awarded more than $2 million in cash prizes. Winners and finalists have gone on to secure more than $200 million in funding.

Milken–Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition Focus Areas

Submissions typically align with themes such as (but are not limited to):

AI and Emerging Technologies in Education
Urban Education
Connecting Research to Practice
Teaching & Learning
Technology in Grades K through 12
Open & Collaborative Solutions: The Education Ecosystem
Online & Distance Learning in Higher Education
Global/Borderless Education Solutions
Early Childhood Education
Workforce Learning

Benefits & Prizes

Participants may receive:

Funding Awards
- Since 2010, the competition has awarded more than $2 million in cash prizes. Winners have gone on to secure more than $200 million in funding.
- The finalists also received $1,500–2,000 cash each from Catalyst @ Penn GSE.
Mentorship & Coaching
- Access to expert advisors, education leaders, and business mentors who help refine strategy, strengthen plans, and accelerate execution.
Pitch Exposure
- Opportunity to present your business plan to a panel of judges, investors, and strategic partners during competition events.
Networking
- Connect with a global ecosystem of funders, educators, innovators, and fellow founders at dedicated forums and showcases.
Visibility & Credibility
- Placement in a well-recognised competition can enhance visibility, credibility, and access to later-stage funding opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria for Milken–Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition

The competition welcomes teams and ventures that are developing or scaling education-focused products, services, or platforms. Eligible applicants include:

Early-stage startups building novel EdTech or learning platforms
Social enterprises addressing learning gaps, equity, or inclusion
Organizations with solutions for teacher support, assessment, or workforce readiness
Innovators improving educational outcomes through technology, curriculum, community engagement, or analytics

The competition is global in scope, and ventures from Africa with strong evidence, traction, or potential for impact are encouraged to apply.