Interested in competing in the 2026 Tools Competition?
In Phase I of the competition, you will submit a brief abstract describing the concept for your tool and responding to key questions.
We have organized a number of virtual events and developed resources to help you learn more about the competition, strengthen your proposal, and get your questions answered.
Virtual Events & Recordings. We are offering the following interactive virtual events during Phase I. Click the links below to register and check back for the recordings, which will be published after the event.
- Launch Event. Hosted annually to announce the competition design, these feature competition sponsors and guest speakers discussing high-priority areas that we’re excited to see competitors tackle through their proposals.
- See the 2026 Launch Event here.
- Phase I Info Sessions. Join an info session to get an overview of the competition–you’ll learn more about the competition process, this cycle’s priority areas, and get your questions answered in a Q&A with competition organizers.
- See the Info Session recording here.
- Drop-in Group Office Hours. Join drop-in group office hours with competition organizers for guidance as you work on your abstract. Office hours will be an informal opportunity to ask questions and receive support.
- US Eastern Time: October 7th from 2-3pm ET, October 9th from 12-1pm ET, October 13th from 3-4pm ET. Register here.
- Central European Time: October 7th from 10-11am CET, October 9th from 10-11am CET, October 13th from 10-11am CET. Register here.
- Learning Engineering Networking Event (first Wednesday of every month). Join the monthly virtual learning engineering networking event to connect with others in the community. While this event is not specific to the Tools Competition, it can be a great place to network, find collaborators, and talk about the impact of your work.
Written Guidance. The resources below were designed to help you learn more about this year’s competition and support you as you prepare your abstract.
Please be sure to check this page frequently through October 15th for new events, resources, and updates!
You can also access the Official Rules and FAQs for additional details.
The Tools Competition launches annually each Fall and seeks to accelerate breakthrough innovations in education, backing evidence-driven technologies that generate research insights and deliver real-world impact for learners worldwide.
