The Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition 2026 is now open to education entrepreneurs from Nigeria, Africa, and around the world. Recognized as one of the leading global competitions in education innovation, the programme supports ventures that are transforming teaching and learning through scalable and impactful solutions.
Organised by the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education in partnership with the Milken Family Foundation, the competition provides funding, mentorship, and access to a global network of education leaders and investors. Since its launch, the initiative has awarded over $2 million to education-focused ventures addressing real-world challenges across different learning environments.
Entrepreneurs working on early-stage or growing education solutions are encouraged to apply and showcase how their ideas can improve access, quality, and outcomes in education.
Eligibility Criteria
The competition is open to a wide range of education-focused ventures that meet the following criteria:
- Education entrepreneurs with innovative ideas that advance teaching and learning
- Open to applicants from any country, including Nigeria and other African nations
- Ventures operating in early childhood, K-12, higher education, workforce learning, or adult education
- Both nonprofit and for-profit education ventures are eligible
- Solutions may be technology-based or non-technology-based
Focus Areas
Applicants may work in one or more of the following areas, although submissions are not limited to these themes:
- Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in education
- Urban and underserved education communities
- Teaching and learning innovation
- K-12 education technology
- Open and collaborative education ecosystems
- Online and distance learning in higher education
- Global and cross-border education solutions
- Early childhood education
- Workforce development and lifelong learning
Competition Benefits and Prizes
Selected finalists and winners will receive financial awards and strategic support, including:
- Grand Prize of $40,000 sponsored by the Michael and Lori Milken Family Foundation
- Second Place Prize of $25,000
- Third Place Prize of $10,000
- Audience Choice Award of $5,000
- Access to expert mentorship from education and business leaders
- Exposure to a global network of investors, educators, and innovators
- Learning resources through a digital accelerator platform
Application Process
Applications for the 2026 competition are submitted through Catapult, the Catalyst at Penn GSE digital accelerator platform. The process includes the following steps:
- Register for a free account on the Catapult platform
- Complete the online application form for the 2026 competition
- Upload required venture information and supporting details
- Access free learning resources, including articles, videos, and podcasts, through the Catapult Content Hub
There is no application or registration fee.
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit applications for the Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition 2026 is February 11, 2026. Early submission is strongly encouraged.
Official Links
Official Competition Website: https://www.milkenpenncompetition.com
Application Portal via Catapult: https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education: https://www.gse.upenn.edu
Applicants are advised to apply only through the official platforms listed above.
