World Innovation Summit for Education
Applications are open for the WISE EdTech Accelerator 2026 to 2027, an international programme supporting education technology startups that are developing innovative solutions to challenges in teaching and learning. Organised by the World Innovation Summit for Education, known as WISE, an initiative of Qatar Foundation, the accelerator helps promising ventures strengthen their products, develop sustainable business strategies and expand their educational impact.
The programme is designed for early stage startups that have progressed beyond the minimum viable product stage and can demonstrate market traction, sales or user engagement. It welcomes ventures working across different educational subsectors, including school education, higher education and professional development. Applicants should have a functioning solution, evidence of demand and a clear plan for growing their business.
The 2026 to 2027 edition offers two pathways. The Local Track supports startups preparing to enter or expand within Qatar’s education market, while the International Track welcomes ventures seeking to grow across markets without concentrating on a single country. Both tracks provide tailored guidance, business development support and access to a wider community of education innovators.
The WISE EdTech Accelerator helps education technology entrepreneurs move from early market traction towards sustainable growth. Through tailored coaching, expert masterclasses and connections with investors and education specialists, the programme supports startups as they refine their products, identify growth opportunities and develop strategies for reaching more learners.
The accelerator is intended for ventures that combine innovation with a credible business model and measurable educational impact. Solutions may address challenges such as learning access, teaching quality, skills development or the delivery of educational services. Applicants should be able to explain the problem their product solves, who benefits from it and how the solution can create meaningful improvements.
The Local Track is particularly suited to startups seeking to establish or strengthen their presence in Qatar. It offers opportunities to connect with local education stakeholders, innovation partners and potential funding pathways. The International Track is designed for founders looking to strengthen their global reach, improve market positioning and explore opportunities for expansion.
• Individual coaching and mentorship: Receive tailored guidance from experts in entrepreneurship, education technology and business growth.
• Marketing and sales support: Strengthen customer acquisition strategies, sales approaches and fundraising preparation.
• Product development guidance: Improve product strategy, development priorities and roadmaps.
• Market insights: Gain guidance on market positioning, customer needs and expansion opportunities.
• Investor connections: Access a global network of investors and education specialists.
• International visibility: Become eligible for exposure through WISE communication channels and selected partner events.
• Industry networking: Connect with education leaders, entrepreneurs, potential collaborators and other founders.
• Local market opportunities: Local Track participants can connect with Qatar’s education ecosystem and explore relevant funding and grant pathways through programme partners.
• Global community: Join an international network of education technology founders and innovators.
• Summit exposure: Selected ventures may have opportunities to participate in major industry events, including the WISE Summit in Doha.
The accelerator provides business development support and access to networks. Applicants should not assume that participation guarantees a cash award, investment or grant.
1. Local Track
This pathway is designed for early stage startups, generally at the seed to pre Series A stage, that are ready to scale and enter the Qatari market. Participants can receive guidance on adapting their solutions to local needs, connecting with key stakeholders and exploring opportunities within Qatar’s education sector.
2. International Track
This pathway is open to innovative startups from around the world that want to strengthen their products and expand internationally. Participants receive tailored support in business strategy, product development, market expansion and networking without being required to focus on one specific market.
Applicants should meet the following general requirements:
• Operate a for profit education technology startup. Nonprofit organisations and nongovernmental organisations are not eligible.
• Have a product or solution that has progressed beyond the minimum viable product stage.
• Demonstrate evidence of market traction, such as sales, user engagement or other indicators of demand.
• Show measurable educational impact within the markets where the venture operates.
• Present an innovative approach to addressing an educational challenge through technology or a novel learning approach.
• Demonstrate potential to scale regionally or internationally.
• Have a credible business model and a plan for financial sustainability, including a pathway to revenue generation.
• Show that the team has the relevant leadership, technical, educational or entrepreneurial capabilities to execute its plans.
• Work within an eligible education subsector, including school education, higher education or professional development.
• For the Local Track, demonstrate readiness and a clear rationale for entering or expanding within Qatar.
Applications are assessed by the WISE Accelerator team with support from a committee of experts in education and entrepreneurship. The programme reports an acceptance rate of approximately five percent.
• Team credentials: The team’s leadership, relevant experience and ability to execute its plans.
• Innovation: The originality of the solution and its potential to improve teaching or learning.
• Scalability: The ability to expand into additional markets and serve more learners.
• Financial sustainability: The strength of the business model, revenue potential and financial planning.
• Educational impact: Evidence that the solution improves learning outcomes, expands access or empowers learners and educators.
Applicants should provide clear evidence of progress rather than relying solely on the potential of an idea.
The online application must be completed in English and submitted through the official WISE application platform. Applicants should prepare information covering:
• A description of the education technology solution and how it works.
• The educational problem the solution addresses.
• The target beneficiaries and intended users.
• Evidence of market traction, sales, user engagement and educational impact.
• The startup’s motivation for joining the WISE EdTech Accelerator.
• The venture’s growth ambitions and reasons for applying to the Local or International Track.
Applicants should also be prepared to explain their business model, innovation, team capabilities and plans for financial sustainability, as these are central to the published selection criteria.
World Innovation Summit for Education
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