World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE)

The World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) is an international initiative established by the Qatar Foundation in 2008 under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. Its foundational premise was to address the global challenges in education by fostering innovation and collaboration. WISE's mission is to transform education through innovation, aiming to empower individuals and societies for a sustainable future. While not a traditional venture capital firm or accelerator, WISE operates as a global platform that identifies, promotes, and invests in innovative educational projects and solutions worldwide. Its 'investment thesis' is centered on impact and scalability, supporting initiatives that demonstrate a clear potential to revolutionize learning and address critical educational needs.

WISE runs several notable programs. The WISE Awards recognize and promote six innovative educational projects each year, providing global visibility and a cash prize. The WISE Accelerator program specifically supports ed-tech startups, offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to potential investors and partners to help them scale their solutions. Additionally, WISE conducts research, publishes reports, and hosts a biennial summit that brings together thought leaders, policymakers, and practitioners from across the globe to discuss and shape the future of education. Their geographic focus is global, with a particular emphasis on fostering innovation in developing regions and addressing universal educational challenges. While WISE itself doesn't hold equity in companies, its Accelerator program has supported numerous promising ed-tech ventures, helping them secure further funding and expand their reach. What makes WISE stand out is its unique position as a non-profit, global convener and catalyst for educational innovation, providing a platform for ideas and solutions to flourish rather than operating as a purely financial investor.