Milken–Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition 2026

Deadline: February 11, 2026

Description of the Opportunity

Applications are now open for the Milken–Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition (EBPC) 2026. Launch your EdTech venture with the Milken–Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition. 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.

Launched in 2010 as a partnership between Penn GSE and the foundations of the Milken families, the Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition (EBPC) culminates with a live competition of education business ventures, judged by a panel of industry experts. Considered the most prestigious and well-funded competition of its kind, the Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition celebrates and nurtures purpose-driven ventures that seek to advance teaching and learning through innovation.

Benefits

• Each year, finalists get targeted venture development support from a strategic advisor, and opportunities for in-person networking with investors and potential customers.
• Since 2010, 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. The 2025 awards were:
  • Michael and Lori Milken Family Foundation Grand Prize: $40,000
  • Second place award: $25,000
  • Third place award: $10,000
  • Audience Choice prize: $5,000
• The finalists also received $1,500–2,000 cash each from Catalyst @ Penn GSE.
• EBPC participants join a diverse ecosystem of entrepreneurs and mentors to support them in launching their ventures—which means you don’t need to be a winner to win big.

Eligibility

Who should apply?

• The Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition (EBPC) is open to applicants worldwide addressing educational inequities through innovation.
• 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. 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 and Learning
  • Technology in Grades K through 12
  • Open and Collaborative Solutions: The Education Ecosystem
  • Online and Distance Learning in Higher Education
  • Global/Borderless Education Solutions
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Workforce Learning

Application Process

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, please visit Milken–Penn GSE EBPC

Apply here