Call for Applications: WISE Edtech Accelerator Program

For over six years, they have supported edtech founders from around the world scale innovative solutions to key challenges within the world of education. Each year, they deliver a bespoke program aimed at supporting startup growth through one-to-one coaching, masterclasses with industry experts, as well as access to a global network of investors and education specialists.

The WISE Edtech Accelerator is a key part of their edtech program that aims to support innovation and build an edtech community focused on revolutionizing the way they teach and learn.

What do they offer?

• Local Track (Qatar-Focused)
  • The Local Track of the WISE Edtech Accelerator is designed for early-stage, pre-Series A startups ready to scale and enter the Qatari market. This track provides unparalleled access to Qatar’s rapidly growing education sector, offering you the opportunity to:
    • Receive mentorship from top industry experts and local innovators to tailor your product for the Qatari market.
    • Connect with key stakeholders from top industry experts and local innovators to tailor your product for the Qatari market.
    • Participate in high-level networking events and showcase your solution to a global audience of decision-makers and influencers.
    • Gain fast-tracked access to local funding and grant opportunities through their partners offering world-class innovation hubs, and opportunities to accelerate your growth.
• International Track
  • The International Track of the WISE Edtech Accelerator welcomes innovative, early-stage EdTech startups from across the globe, offering an exciting opportunity to scale without the need to focus on any specific market. Each startup will receive $50,000-worth of support, including:
    • Leverage their global network of mentors, investors, and educational leaders to drive your product’s international growth.
    • Gain expert mentorship in product development, business strategy, and market expansion tailored to your unique needs.
    • Participate in high-level networking events and showcase your solution to a global audience of decision-makers and influencers.

What can you expect from their program?

• Global Network
  • Access to an extensive network of investors and education specialists
  • International visibility through partner events and the WISE Summit
  • Become part of a community of edtech founders from 22 countries
• Coaching & Mentorship
  • A hand-picked team of experts specializing in:
    • Marketing, sales & fundraising
    • Product strategy, development and roadmapping
    • Market insights and positioning
• International Visibility
  • Selected ventures will have the opportunity to attend their international  events and promotion on their global platforms including:
    • WISE@ forums, previous editions were held in Paris, New York and Beijing
    • WISE social media platforms
    • WISE Summit in Doha, convening over 4,000 attendees from 100 countries

Eligibility Criteria

• Stage
  • Startups beyond the MVP stage, with evidence of traction and sales. Typically, ventures are pre-Series A or pre-Seed, having raised less than $500,000
• Geography
  • The Accelerator is agnostic to geography, with past cohorts including ventures from both developed and developing countries.
• Impact
  • Startups must show proven traction and measurable impact within their operating markets. Impact is a key consideration in the selection process
• Business Model
  • The Accelerator targets for-profit ventures (NGOs and nonprofits are not eligible).
• Sub-sectors
  • Ventures from a variety of educational sub[1]sectors, including K12, higher education, and professional development, are eligible.
• Team
  • Preference for ventures with co-founders, as this promotes broader engagement across different areas of support.

Selection Criteria

• Team Credentials
  • The Accelerator prioritizes ventures with co-founders rather than single founders. Co-founders bring diverse expertise across different areas such as product development, marketing, and sales.
  • The team must demonstrate strong leadership and an ability to execute their vision, with relevant backgrounds in education, technology, or entrepreneurship
• Innovation
  • The startup should demonstrate an innovative approach to addressing educational challenges. Solutions should be disruptive, leveraging technology to transform teaching and learning in meaningful ways.
  • Unique product offerings, groundbreaking technology, or novel pedagogical approaches will be considered in this category
• Scalability
  • The venture must show potential for scaling regionally or globally. The solution should have the capacity to expand beyond initial markets and have a broader impact in different geographic contexts
  • Evidence of a growth strategy, market demand, and adaptability to different education systems is crucial.
• Financial Sustainability
  • The Accelerator seeks ventures with clear plans for long-term financial sustainability. This includes a viable business model, potential for revenue generation, and evidence of market traction (e.g., sales, fundraising).
  • Startups must demonstrate financial planning, projections, and a path towards profitability
• Impact
  • Education impact is a core focus. The venture should have demonstrated measurable impact in its target markets, with clear outcomes related to learning outcomes, educational access, or empowerment.
  • Impact should align with the Accelerator’s mission of improving educational outcomes, particularly for underserved communities.

For more information, visit WISE.