Tools Competition

Overview

The 2026 Tools Competition launches at a time of rapid change, rising urgency, and widespread demand for understanding and direction amidst evolving technology. Learners of all ages face new demands driven by AI, shifting labor markets, and persistent inequities. From early learning to workforce development, they need tools that are more effective, inclusive, and future-ready.

Now in its sixth cycle, the Tools Competition is the leading global prize for breakthrough edtech, grounded in evidence and built for impact. We maintain a close pulse on the field and design the competition to reflect its curiosity, momentum, and most urgent needs. From rising concerns around safeguarding to growing excitement about generative AI, each cycle is shaped by what matters most to the people building and using these tools.

This year’s tracks span K–12 and postsecondary learning, as well as high-quality datasets that support future education research and development. Across the tracks, the competition emphasizes:

• Responsible innovation and development to keep users safe with evolving technology
• Advanced AI methods, including agentic systems and large reasoning models, to drive meaningful learning gains
• Release of shared public assets—such as training data, evaluation tools, or open models—to strengthen the field and accelerate collective progress

Advances in generative AI and learning science present an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine teaching and learning. Already, 60% of teachers are using AI tools and, of those who haven’t, about 80% of them are interested in trying it. Yet technology alone isn’t the answer. To make a lasting impact, developers must design tools that are research-driven, effective, and safe, especially for students, educators, and families navigating a fast-changing landscape.

We invite bold ideas to build the next generation of tools designed to transform learning at scale, and for all.

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:

• Accelerating K-12 Learning Track: Tools that accelerate K–12 learning by advancing rigorous, relevant instruction designed to be inclusive and accessible by all learners. Entrants worldwide are eligible.
• Building Pathways to Postsecondary Success Track: Tools that advance postsecondary learning and workforce development, expanding pathways to meaningful careers. Entrants based in the United States and serving U.S. learners are eligible.
• Datasets for Education Innovation Track: Datasets that power education research, innovation, and impact. Entrants worldwide are eligible.

Different tracks may be more or less competitive than others depending on the number of Entrants to each track. Submissions will be evaluated according to their designated tracks based on Administrator’s chosen criteria, which may be published and revised from time to time by Administrator at its sole discretion.

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 Datasets for Education Innovation Track are eligible for a $100,000 prize.