The Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition invites education entrepreneurs from around the world to compete for cash prizes of up to $40,000 by presenting innovative business plans that advance teaching and learning. The competition is open globally, with applications due on February 11, 2026.
About The Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition
The EBPC is sponsored by the Michael and Lori Milken Family Foundation and Penn GSE in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. The competition aims to support education entrepreneurs with project initiatives that focus on improving education quality and learning environments globally. EBPC attracts early-stage education entrepreneurs and provides a platform for scaling impactful solutions through networking, mentorship, and prize funding.
The grant funding is awarded to four separate awardees; the first prize, the Michael & Lori Milken Family Foundation Grand Prize, is a $40,000 grant. The second place gets $25,000, the third place gets $10,000, and finally, the fourth and last place whoich is the Audience Choice prize, gets $5,000.
Funding Size
- Typical grant amount: $5000 – $40,000
- Maximum award: $40,000
- Project duration supported: Not specified.
The grant is awarded to four separate applicants. These grant awards include the Michael and Lori Milken Family Foundation Grand Prize of $40,000, second place: $25,000, third place: $10,000, and fourth place: an audience-choice prize of $5,000.
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Who Can Apply for the Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition
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- Eligible organisation types:Â
- Education entrepreneurs
- Individual entrepreneurs
- For-profit and nonprofit ventures
- Educational organisationsÂ
- Registration requirements:
- Organisations must not have more than $2 million in the previous financial year.
- Projects must focus on improving education and the learning environment.Â
- Geographic eligibility: Global
- Sector or thematic focus:Â
- Education
- Workforce education
- Technology in education
- Early childhood to adult training
Application Process
- Create a free account on the application portal.
- Prepare your business plan and other required documents.
- Complete and submit your application online by February 11, 2026.
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Required Materials
- Business plan
- Slide deck presentation (up to 15 slides).
- Optional pitch video (up to 60–120 seconds).
- Applicant information and organisation details
Key Dates
- Application deadline: February 11, 2026
- Notification timeline: May – August 2026Â
- Live competition: Fall 2026
Selection Notes
- The competition is highly competitive due to global participation and prestige. Â
- Priority focus areas: Education venturesÂ
- Exclusions: Past winners of the EBPC grant.
Official Source of the Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition
- Official Application Page: https://www.educationcompetition.org/Â
