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The World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), a global initiative of Qatar Foundation, announced the opening of applications for the WISE Prize for Education 2026-2027 cycle, aimed at providing funding and technical support for innovative solutions addressing global education challenges.
WISE said in a statement on Monday that the new cycle will select a group of finalists through a rigorous evaluation process, with each finalist receiving development funding ranging from USD 100,000 to USD 125,000, in addition to joining an intensive 12-month mentorship and technical support program.
The statement added that the cycle will culminate during the WISE 13 Summit, scheduled to be held in Doha in 2027, where an international jury will award prizes totaling USD 1 million to the most impactful solutions capable of achieving tangible improvements in learning outcomes.
The 2026-2027 cycle focuses on several areas, including improving access to education in marginalized communities, the responsible use of artificial intelligence, strengthening foundational skills such as literacy and numeracy, and supporting the psychological and physical wellbeing of learners.
Chief Executive Officer of WISE Dr. Asyia Kazmi noted that the award is designed to support institutions capable of transforming innovative ideas into practical solutions that can drive meaningful change in education systems and expand their impact.
Director of Innovation at WISE, Aurelio Amaral said the program focuses on established institutions with promising pilot projects, noting that the technical support provided will help participants develop sustainable growth plans adaptable to different geographical and cultural contexts.
Submitted proposals will undergo a multi-stage evaluation process beginning with eligibility screening, followed by expert assessments and an "innovation race" measuring the adaptability of solutions to real-world conditions, before advancing to the final development phase in 2027.
Since its launch in 2009, the WISE Prize for Education has highlighted more than 100 innovative solutions and influential figures worldwide, evolving from a recognition platform into a comprehensive program supporting the development of evidence-based solutions with global scalability.
(QNA)
