September 8, 2025 | 11 AM–12 PM ET | Virtual
The Tools Competition is a multi-million dollar prize challenge for ed tech tools tackling the most pressing issues for learners worldwide and catalyzing learning science research at scale.
Join us for the Launch Event to mark the start of the annual competition cycle. You’ll hear from competition sponsors and leaders in the ed tech space, learn about this cycle’s tracks that span K-12 to postsecondary learning, and discover what made previous winners successful.
Learn more about Phase I support resources for competitors here.
Agenda
Keynote Remarks
Hear special guest remarks on the evolving education landscape and the role of technology in driving impact.
Inside the Tools Competition: Vision, Design, and Impact
A look at the competition’s history, its impact on the field, and what’s ahead for 2026.
Spotlight on Competition Priorities: Track Introductions & Calls to Action
Hear directly from sponsors and partners shaping this year’s tracks and learn how you can submit a competitive proposal.
Tools in Action: Highlights from Past Winners
Real-world examples of innovation at work. Learn how past winners are improving outcomes for learners worldwide.
Speakers
Jim Shelton
President and Chief Investment & Impact
Officer Blue Meridian Partners
Marisa Bold
VP of Sustainable Growth and District
Development, Calbright College
Kumar Garg
President
Renaissance Philanthropy
Heather Graham
Director, Learning Differences
Oak Foundation
Dr. Lindsay Kuhn
Founder & CEO
Wingspans
Ursula Lavrencic
CEO
KOBI
Michele Leardo
Program Officer
Walton Family Foundation
Caitlin Mills
Associate Professor
University of Minnesota
Julia Quinn
Director of Philanthropy, Griffin
Catalyst and Citadel
Citadel
Philipp Schmidt
VP Technology Innovation
Axim Collaborative
Agustin Pardo Van Thienen
CEO
Wumbox
More About the Tools Competition
Since 2020, the Tools Competition has awarded over $20 million to 150 winning teams, representing established and emerging global talent, and has surfaced more than 5,600 proposals from innovators around the world. It is the leading global ed tech competition grounded in learning engineering and a commitment to building open infrastructure to accelerate education research and development.
Competition winners now reach nearly 50 million learners and educators worldwide, accelerating educational outcomes from early childhood to adulthood and contributing research insights and resources.
The competition invites participation from individuals and teams from all backgrounds and phases of development—from early-stage ideas to established products.