Application Deadline: April 24th, 2018 at 4:00 PM GMT
Have you recently launched an education project that is using or designing new technologies? You have progressed beyond proof of concept. You are confident of your goals. But to move ahead, you would benefit from the perspectives and specialized assistance of experts.
If you are ready to develop your project and connect with new partners or investors, the WISE Accelerator program could make a decisive difference for you!
The WISE Accelerator is designed to support the development of innovative education initiatives with high potential for scalability and positive impact. Selected projects receive the guidance and expertise of qualified mentors and partners who provide effective strategies and practical support for their further development.
Five projects are selected annually to join the one-year program. Throughout the year they benefit from tailor-made mentorships to address specific needs. The WISE Accelerator assists the selected projects to connect with an international network, and create opportunities to share knowledge and find support among potential donors and investors.
Requirements:
All education initiatives that use or link technology to their DNA are encouraged to apply!
Ideal candidates for the WISE Accelerator will be existing initiatives at an early stage of development, with the following attributes:
- Established for at least one year;
- A growing number of beneficiaries or customers;
- A record of activities with a product or service that has been implemented and beyond proof of concept;
- Existing stable revenues;
- A dedicated team, with an established physical space or office;
- Deep knowledge of the market/educational context and of their beneficiaries’ or customers’ needs;
- Motivation to develop further;
- Understanding of the project’s current challenges
For-profit and non-profit initiatives from all regions of the world are invited to apply
Structure of the program
The year-long program aims to take the selected initiatives to the next stage in their development.
Key milestones in the 2018-2019 process are:
- Kick-off week of activities
- Needs assessment
- Tailor-made support by the WISE Accelerator team and partner organizations
- Peer Mentorship by experts and leaders in education and education technology
- Opportunity to participate in international events organized by WISE
- Ongoing communication and international visibility
- One on one meetings with potential partners, investors and donors
Benefits:
- Kick-off
Selected initiatives participate in the program kick-off to be held during a WISE international event, where they benefit from workshops, masterclasses and networking opportunities. - Needs Assessment
- Tailor-made Support
A Committee composed of leading experts in education and social entrepreneurship will support the WISE Accelerator team in the selection process.
Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- Solution and innovation
- Strategy and management
- Development beyond proof of concept and potential for growth
- Knowledge of the market/space where they operate
Representatives of short listed initiatives will be contacted for a call with the WISE Accelerator team.
Calendar:
| Submission period | February 14, 2018 – April 24, 2018 |
| Calls with shortlisted projects | June, 2018 |
| Announcement of the selected projects | July, 2018 |
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the WISE Accelerator Program 2018
2 comments
[…] The 2019 WISE Awards will identify, celebrate, and promote six innovative projects for their positive contribution to education and society. The Awards highlight initiatives found to be most creative and effective in finding solutions to education challenges at any level and in all environments. In bringing forward these models, WISE is helping build a network of recognized change-makers to inspire transformation and innovation in education. […]
[…] The WISE Accelerator supports innovative initiatives developing solutions in education technology with high potential for scalability and positive impact. […]