ETIH Innovation Awards 2026: spotlight on EdTech Start-Up of the Year
This category recognizes a high-potential EdTech start-up demonstrating early traction, innovation, and long-term promise.
We’re continuing our series exploring each category in the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026, taking a closer look at what the judges expect and what makes a strong submission.
This edition focuses on EdTech Start-Up of the Year, a category celebrating emerging companies making early impact in the education sector. Entries should demonstrate innovation, early adoption, and a clear vision for sustainable growth.
What this category covers
This category highlights early-stage EdTech companies that are building momentum and showing strong potential for long-term success. Eligible entries may include start-ups serving schools, higher education, workforce learning, or lifelong learning.
Entries may include evidence relating to:
a clearly defined problem and innovative solution
early product-market fit or pilot deployments
initial user adoption or customer growth
novel use of technology, data, or AI
strong founding team and organizational vision
partnerships with education providers or institutions
scalable business or delivery models
What judges will look for
Judges will assess whether the start-up shows credible potential to grow, scale, and deliver lasting impact through EdTech.
Entries should address:
the education challenge the start-up is addressing
what differentiates the product or approach
evidence of early traction, pilots, or revenue
feedback from early users or partners
clarity of vision, leadership, and team capability
plans for growth, scaling, or market expansion
Strong submissions will balance ambition with evidence.
How to strengthen your submission
Entrants are encouraged to provide a clear narrative that connects vision, product development, and early outcomes. Judges value transparency around challenges faced and lessons learned in the early stages.
Submissions will be strengthened by:
concise metrics demonstrating traction or growth
short case studies from early adopters
evidence of learning and iteration
clarity on how the business plans to scale responsibly
Showing how early momentum translates into long-term potential will strengthen the submission.
Why enter this category
EdTech Start-Up of the Year offers emerging companies an opportunity to gain visibility and validation within the EdTech sector. Shortlisted entries will be featured on edtechinnovationhub.com and across ETIH channels, reaching educators, investors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
Entries are reviewed by an independent judging panel with expertise across education, entrepreneurship, and EdTech. For many start-ups, the submission process helps sharpen messaging, clarify impact, and strengthen credibility.
How to enter
To enter, download an entry form or submit via the link below. The entry deadline is Friday, 27 March 2026. The shortlist will be announced on Tuesday, 2 April 2026, and winners will be revealed on Monday, 27 April 2026.
Entry costs £80 per submission, or £150 for two or more entries. Payment can be made via our website. Once your entry form and payment have been received, confirmation will be sent by email.
For questions or further information, please contact Director of Content Emma Thompson.
