2027 Tools Competition

Overview

The 2027 Tools Competition launches at a time when education technology is moving from experimentation with AI toward a deeper focus on what it takes for tools to improve learning, teaching, and opportunity in real-world settings.

Recent research found that 51% of Gen Z use generative AI at least weekly, signaling that AI is quickly becoming something learners will be expected to navigate in school, work, and everyday life. Learners are already using AI to enhance learning and efficiency: 44% report using AI to complete assignments more efficiently, while 38% use it to enhance learning and understanding. Yet access alone does not guarantee impact. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in learning environments, there is an opportunity to focus on solutions that translate its potential into meaningful learning experiences and outcomes. 

This is a critical moment to build tools steeped in evidence that people can trust. The next phase of education technology should not be defined by novelty alone, but by whether tools work in real learning environments.

Across its four tracks, the seventh cycle of the Tools Competition will support tools and public infrastructure that:

• Helps students understand where they are in learning and provide timely, actionable support.
• Strengthen educator practice and sustain effective instruction.
• Make learning more learner-driven, engaging, and connected to real-world contexts.
• Help learners navigate transition points with greater clarity, confidence, and connection.
• Build shared resources that make trustworthy innovation easier for the field.
• Embed safety, privacy, and responsibility into tool design and implementation.

The strongest proposals will show not only what AI can enable, but how it can be responsibly used, trusted, and sustained in real learning environments.

Competition Tracks and Eligibility -- Entrants will be required to select the relevant track in which their submission will be evaluated. Different tracks have varying objectives, target users, and competitive priorities.

The Competition tracks and associated eligibility requirements include:

• Strengthening Teaching: This track seeks tools that transform teaching in two connected ways: increasing instructional effectiveness and making the teaching profession more sustainable. Entrants worldwide are eligible.
• Reimagining Assessment: This track seeks tools that strengthen K-12 assessment by advancing more continuous, actionable, and inclusive insight into student learning. To be eligible in the Reimagining Assessment track, Entrants must have an assurance that their tool or technology will be made available to users for no more than “at cost.” Entrants worldwide are eligible.
• Navigating Postsecondary Learning and Work: This track seeks tools that help learners build the skills, connections, and support to successfully navigate learning and work in an increasingly AI-driven world. Entrants based in the United States and serving U.S. learners are eligible.
• Building Better Datasets: This track seeks high-quality, open-access education datasets that capture the diversity of learners, educational contexts, and learning environments. Entrants worldwide are eligible.

Size of the Prize -- Different tracks may have different prize amounts depending on final funding allocation to each track. Entrants to a competition track are encouraged to seek prizes in the prize level that is best suited for their specific capabilities and needs. Entrants will be subject to different requirements depending on the prize level in which they are competing. Entrants seeking prizes in the highest prize level will be subject to the most rigorous requirements and aggressive deliverables.

Prize levels include:

• Catalyst Level ($50,000): These prizes are aimed at new Entrants with early stage ideas or products. This may also include Entrants with an existing tool with a non-existent or limited user base.
• Growth Level ($150,000): These prizes are designed for Entrants that have at least a minimum viable product with some users and scale.
• Transform Level ($300,000): These prizes are designed for established platforms with 10,000 or more users.

Entrants to the Building Better Datsets Track are eligible for a $100,000 prize.
Administrator may, at its sole discretion, increase or decrease the amount of any prizes.