ETIH Innovation Awards 2026: spotlight on Global Impact Award
This category recognizes initiatives using technology to expand access, equity, and learning opportunity 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 Impact Award, a category recognizing platforms, products, or projects that are transforming education in underserved or global communities. Entries should demonstrate how technology is being used to widen access, improve equity, and deliver measurable learning outcomes at scale.
What this category covers
This category highlights education initiatives designed to address inequality, access barriers, or systemic challenges in global or underserved contexts. Eligible entries may include nonprofit projects, public-private partnerships, EdTech platforms, or grassroots programs with demonstrable reach and impact.
Entries may include initiatives focused on:
expanding access to education in underserved regions
improving equity for marginalized or underrepresented learners
low-bandwidth or offline-first learning solutions
teacher training or capacity-building in resource-limited settings
language access, localization, or culturally relevant content
refugee education or education in crisis contexts
scalable models supporting global or cross-border learning
partnerships with NGOs, governments, or international organizations
Initiatives should demonstrate activity and measurable impact within the past twelve months.
What judges will look for
Judges will assess whether the initiative delivers meaningful, sustainable educational impact in contexts where barriers to learning are significant.
Entries should address:
the access or equity challenge the initiative is designed to address
how technology enables reach, inclusion, or participation
evidence of measurable learning improvements or engagement
scale of impact across communities, regions, or countries
sustainability of the model and long-term potential
feedback from learners, educators, or community partners
Strong submissions will show that impact is embedded into design, delivery, and outcomes.
How to strengthen your submission
Entrants are encouraged to provide clear evidence linking mission, implementation, and results. Judges value transparency around challenges, constraints, and how solutions were adapted to local contexts.
Submissions will be strengthened by:
data demonstrating reach, participation, or learning gains
case studies from learners, educators, or partner organizations
evidence of collaboration with local or international stakeholders
clarity on funding models, scalability, and long-term sustainability
Showing how impact is sustained beyond pilot phases will strengthen the submission.
Why enter this category
The Global Impact Award offers organizations and initiatives an opportunity to highlight education innovation that prioritizes access, equity, and social value. Shortlisted entries will be featured on edtechinnovationhub.com and across ETIH channels, reaching global educators, policymakers, funders, and sector leaders.
Entries are reviewed by an independent judging panel with expertise across global education, development, policy, and EdTech. Many entrants find the submission process valuable for articulating impact and strengthening evidence of change.
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.
