Education technology startups in Africa and other parts of the world can apply for the 2026–2027 WISE EdTech Accelerator, a year-long programme supporting businesses developing solutions to challenges in education.
Organised by the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), an initiative of Qatar Foundation, the accelerator helps founders strengthen their products, grow their businesses and expand their reach through mentorship, coaching, industry connections and access to a global network of investors and education specialists.
Applications close on October 31, 2026.
About the WISE EdTech Accelerator
The WISE EdTech Accelerator supports early-stage education technology businesses working to improve teaching, learning and professional development.
For the 2026–2027 cycle, applicants can choose between two tracks:
- Local Track: For startups seeking to scale and enter the Qatari education market.
- International Track: For startups looking to grow internationally without focusing on a particular target market.
The programme is expected to select between four and six startups for the new cohort, which begins in January 2027.
Who Can Apply?
The accelerator is open to for-profit education technology startups from around the world, including eligible businesses based in Africa.
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Operate a business focused on education technology.
- Have developed a product beyond the minimum viable product (MVP) stage.
- Demonstrate evidence of market traction, sales or user engagement.
- Show measurable educational impact in their operating markets.
- Have a business model with potential for financial sustainability.
- Demonstrate the ability to grow and expand the solution.
- Have a team with relevant experience in education, technology, business or entrepreneurship.
WISE typically targets startups at the seed to pre-Series A stage that have raised less than US$500,000.
The programme prioritises teams with co-founders who bring complementary skills, although this is a preference rather than a stated absolute requirement. Nonprofits and NGOs are not eligible for this accelerator.
What Types of EdTech Solutions Are Eligible?
The accelerator accepts solutions across different areas of education, including:
- K–12 education: Technology supporting primary and secondary school teaching and learning.
- Higher education: Solutions for universities, colleges and tertiary education.
- Professional development: Digital learning and training tools for workers and professionals.
- AI-powered learning: Tools that support teaching, assessment and personalised learning.
- Digital skills: Platforms for coding, technology training and career development.
- Education financing: Solutions that improve access to education through financial services.
- Digital credentials: Technology for issuing, verifying and managing educational qualifications.
- Tutoring and microlearning: Platforms that connect learners with tutors or deliver short learning experiences.
Applicants should demonstrate that their products address a clear education challenge and have evidence of use or impact.
What Will Selected Startups Receive?
1. One-to-One Coaching and Mentorship
Selected founders will receive tailored guidance from experts who can help them improve their products, business strategies and growth plans.
2. Business Development Support
The accelerator provides support in areas such as marketing, sales, fundraising, product strategy, development roadmaps, market positioning and expansion.
3. Investor and Industry Connections
Participants can access WISE’s network of investors, education specialists, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in the education innovation ecosystem.
4. International Exposure
Selected startups may have opportunities to showcase their solutions through WISE platforms and partner events, including Web Summit Qatar, London EdTech Week and the WISE Summit in Doha.
5. Access to Qatar’s Education Ecosystem
Startups selected for the Local Track can receive support connecting with Qatar-based education stakeholders and local innovation partners. The track also provides access to local funding and grant opportunities through partners, subject to their requirements.
The International Track focuses on global networks, mentorship and expansion opportunities.
How Will Applications Be Evaluated?
Applications are assessed by experts in education and entrepreneurship.
The main selection criteria include:
- Team credentials: Whether the founders have the skills and experience to execute their plans.
- Innovation: How the solution addresses an education problem.
- Scalability: Whether the business can grow and reach more users or markets.
- Financial sustainability: Whether the business model can support continued operations and growth.
- Impact: Evidence that the product is improving educational outcomes or addressing a clear need.
WISE states that the accelerator has an acceptance rate of approximately 5%, so applicants should clearly explain their product, target users, business model and evidence of traction.
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted online in English through the official WISE application platform.
Applicants should be ready to provide information about:
- Their education technology solution and how it works.
- The education problem the product addresses.
- The target users or beneficiaries.
- Evidence of market traction, sales or user engagement.
- The business model and growth potential.
- The team’s experience and capabilities.
- Why they want to join the WISE EdTech Accelerator.
Applicants should ensure that the information supplied clearly demonstrates the solution’s educational value and readiness for further growth.
Application Timeline
- Applications open: September 28, 2026
- Application deadline: October 31, 2026
- Review and selection: November–December 2026
- Cohort announcement: December 2026 or early January 2027
- Programme begins: January 2027
- Accelerator duration: January–December 2027
- WISE Summit participation: Expected in the fourth quarter of 2027.
How to Apply
Interested education technology startups can submit their applications through the official WISE EdTech Accelerator website.
Application deadline: October 31, 2026.
Apply for the WISE EdTech Accelerator 2026–2027
For programme-related enquiries, applicants can contact [email protected].
Key Details
- Programme: WISE EdTech Accelerator 2026–2027
- Organiser: World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), Qatar Foundation
- Location: Global, with a Qatar-focused Local Track
- Eligible applicants: For-profit education technology startups
- Stage: Beyond MVP, typically seed to pre-Series A
- Funding history: Typically less than US$500,000 raised
- Programme duration: January–December 2027
- Support: Coaching, mentorship, business development and investor connections
- Application fee: No fee stated on the official call
- Deadline: October 31, 2026
