The World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), an initiative of Qatar Foundation, is accepting applications for its WISE EdTech Accelerator 2026–2027. This year-long programme gives edtech startups one-to-one coaching, masterclasses with industry experts, access to investors and education specialists, and international visibility, including at the WISE Summit in Doha.
Deadline: 31 October 2026 (hard deadline). The accelerator is open to startups from any country.
About the WISE EdTech Accelerator
The WISE EdTech Accelerator has supported more than 54 edtech ventures, which have reached more than 15 million beneficiaries in 130 countries. Each year, WISE runs a tailored programme to help startups grow. It is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of about 5%, and 4–6 startups are selected each year.
There are two tracks:
- International Track: for early-stage edtech startups from anywhere in the world that want to scale globally
- Local Track: for startups ready to enter the Qatari education market, run with partners including Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP)
Benefits
- One-to-one coaching and mentoring on marketing, sales, fundraising, product strategy and market positioning
- Masterclasses with industry experts
- Access to WISE’s global network of investors and education specialists
- International visibility at events such as Web Summit Qatar and London EdTech Week, plus promotion on WISE platforms
- A chance to present at the WISE 13 Summit in Doha (Q4 2027), which draws more than 4,000 attendees from 100 countries
- Membership of a community of edtech founders from 22 countries
Who Can Apply?
- For-profit edtech startups. NGOs and non-profits are not eligible.
- Startups beyond the MVP stage, with evidence of traction and sales
- Typically seed to pre-Series A, having raised less than US$500,000
- Proven traction and measurable impact in your markets
- K-12, higher education and professional development ventures are all eligible
- Any country. Teams with co-founders are preferred over single founders.
Applications are judged on team credentials, innovation, scalability, financial sustainability and impact.
Timeline
- 31 October 2026: applications close
- November–December 2026: review, selection and interviews
- December 2026 / early January 2027: 4–6 startups announced
- January–December 2027: accelerator programme
- Q4 2027: cohort presents at the WISE 13 Summit in Doha
How to Apply
- Read the details on the official WISE EdTech Accelerator page.
- Complete the application in English on the WISE Awards Force platform. You will describe your solution, the problem it addresses, your target beneficiaries and why you want to join.
- Submit by 31 October 2026. Late applications are not accepted.
More EdTech and Startup Opportunities
- HP-UCL IOE Fellowship in AI in Education 2027 (closes 7 November 2026)
- 12 Tech and AI Funding Opportunities Open Now (October 2026)
- Y Combinator Winter 2027: Get US$500,000 for Your Startup
Frequently Asked Questions
Can African edtech startups apply to WISE?
Yes. The International Track is open to startups from any country, and past cohorts include African ventures.
Can non-profits apply?
No. Only for-profit edtech ventures are eligible.
When is the deadline?
31 October 2026. This is a hard deadline.
