Deadline: February 11, 2026
Applications are open for the Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition 2026. The EBPC, the world’s top education business plan competition, invites education entrepreneurs from across the globe to scale their most innovative ventures. Apply now for the chance to compete for prizes, gain expert mentorship, and access a global network of innovators.
The Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition has awarded more than $2 million in funding and support to education ventures making an impact through innovation. Since 2010, areas of focus have included (but are not limited to:
- AI and Emerging Technologies in Education
- Urban Education
- Connecting Research to Practice
- Teaching & Learning
- Technology in Grades K through 12
- Open & Collaborative Solutions: The Education Ecosystem
- Online & Distance Learning in Higher Education
- Global/Borderless Education Solutions
- Early Childhood Education
- Workforce Learning
Prizes
- Michael & Lori Milken Family Foundation Grand Prize: $40,000
- Second place award: $25,000
- Third place award: $10,000
- Audience Choice prize: $5,000
Eligibility
- They welcome education ventures with innovative solutions to advance teaching and learning around the world.
- They encourage applicants working in every conceivable educational setting–from early childhood through corporate and adult training.
- They also welcome both nonprofit and for-profit submissions.
Application
Ventures for the 2026 competition will apply through Catapult, the Catalyst @ Penn GSE virtual accelerator. Registration and application are free, and you’ll enjoy access to over 4,000 articles, videos, and podcast episodes in the Catapult Content Hub.
For more information, visit Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition.

