The 2026 Tools Competition launches at a time of rapid change, rising urgency, and widespread demand for understanding and direction amidst evolving technology. Learners of all ages face new demands driven by AI, shifting labor markets, and persistent inequities. From early learning to workforce development, they need tools that are more effective, inclusive, and future-ready.
Now in its sixth cycle, the Tools Competition is the leading global prize for breakthrough edtech, grounded in evidence and built for impact. We maintain a close pulse on the field and design the competition to reflect its curiosity, momentum, and most urgent needs. From rising concerns around safeguarding to growing excitement about generative AI, each cycle is shaped by what matters most to the people building and using these tools.
This year’s tracks span K–12 and postsecondary learning, as well as high-quality datasets that support future education research and development. Across the tracks, the competition emphasizes:
- Responsible innovation and development to keep users safe with evolving technology
- Advanced AI methods, including agentic systems and large reasoning models, to drive meaningful learning gains
- Release of shared public assets—such as training data, evaluation tools, or open models—to strengthen the field and accelerate collective progress
Advances in generative AI and learning science present an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine teaching and learning. Already, 60% of teachers are using AI tools and, of those who haven’t, about 80% of them are interested in trying it. Yet technology alone isn’t the answer. To make a lasting impact, developers must design tools that are research-driven, effective, and safe, especially for students, educators, and families navigating a fast-changing landscape.
We invite bold ideas to build the next generation of tools designed to transform learning at scale, and for all.
Learn more about Phase I support resources for competitors here.
Why Participate?
- Get funding for your innovative ideas.
- Build connections with peers and leaders in the Learning Engineering community.
- Receive advising and feedback to enhance and refine your ideas.
- Gain access to resources and virtual events designed to support tool and proposal development.
- Contribute to learning science research.
How are submissions evaluated?
The Tools Competition has a three-phase selection process that spans approximately eight months. This process is intentionally designed in order to give participants time and feedback to strengthen their proposal.
Phase I: Abstract Screening for Fit
Reviewers evaluate for:
- Alignment to opportunity and track objectives.
- Scalability and impact in multiple contexts.
- Potential to generate data that is valuable for learning science research.
- Overall quality of submission.
Phase II: Proposal Review
Detailed proposals undergo expert evaluation and are scored against a rubric. Rubrics will be published prior to Phase II and include factors such as novelty of the technology in the space, potential for impact, and ability of the tool or dataset to contribute to research.
Phase III: Virtual Pitch
Competition Tracks
This year’s tracks span K–12 and postsecondary learning, as well as high-quality datasets that support future education research and development. Tracks are designed to encourage participants to propose new and innovative solutions that target pressing issues in learning.
Explore the tracks below to decide which is the best fit for your tool or idea.
Accelerating K-12 Learning
Tools that accelerate K–12 learning by advancing rigorous, relevant instruction designed to be inclusive and accessible by all learners.
Building Pathways to Postsecondary Success
Tools that advance postsecondary learning and workforce development outcomes, expanding pathways to meaningful careers.
Datasets for Education Innovation
This track supports the creation and release of open, high-quality datasets that advance education research, fuel responsible AI development, and reduce barriers to innovation.