ETIH Innovation Awards 2026: spotlight on Global Higher Education Innovation Award
This category recognizes technology that drives innovation, improves student experience, and strengthens higher education worldwide.
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 the Global Higher Education Innovation Award, which highlights transformative uses of technology within colleges and universities. Entries should demonstrate measurable improvements in teaching, learning, student experience, or institutional processes.
What this category covers
This category highlights technology designed to make a meaningful difference in higher education at a global scale. Eligible entries include tools that support learning, streamline operations, enhance engagement, or enable new approaches to teaching and research.
Entries may include solutions for:
student experience, engagement, and support
digital or hybrid learning delivery
assessment, analytics, and feedback
operational and administrative systems
AI-driven teaching, scheduling, or student success models
research collaboration and knowledge exchange
workforce development, careers, or employability
Solutions must demonstrate adoption in higher education institutions.
What judges will look for
Judges will assess whether the product or platform delivers measurable improvements within higher education environments and addresses a clear institutional need.
Entries should address:
the challenge or opportunity within higher education the solution responds to
how the product supports student experience, teaching, or institutional efficiency
the role of AI, analytics, or automation in improving outcomes
evidence of measurable impact such as retention, engagement, performance, or time savings
adoption and feedback from universities, colleges, faculty, or students
Strong submissions will combine quantitative evidence and qualitative insights to demonstrate real-world effectiveness.
How to strengthen your submission
Entrants are encouraged to include the context behind the solution’s development, including trends in global higher education, student needs, or institutional challenges that shaped the product. This helps judges understand why the solution matters.
A clear explanation of implementation, scalability, lessons learned, and future plans will strengthen the case for long-term influence.
Feedback from students, faculty, administrators, or institutional partners can support the submission. Survey findings, case studies, or documented testimonials help illustrate day-to-day value across higher education settings.
Why enter this category
The Global Higher Education Innovation Award offers organizations the chance to highlight impactful innovation within the international higher education sector. Shortlisted entries will be showcased on edtechinnovationhub.com and across ETIH channels, reaching universities, colleges, investors, and policymakers.
Entries are reviewed by an independent judging panel with expertise across education, EdTech, and institutional innovation. Many organizations use the submission process to refine their narrative, clarify impact, and identify strengths.
How to enter
To enter, visit the categories page, select Global Higher Education Innovation Award, and complete the form. 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 Emma Thompson.
