Applications for 2019 Global Edtech Startup Awards open

Entries for the 2019 Global EdTech Startup Awards (GES Awards), a global initiative that aims to provide exposure to edtech startups from around the world, have opened.

Now in their sixth-year, the GES Awards provide an international showcase for the most innovative, up-and coming edtech startups. With a global community of more than 2500 edtech startups from 80 countries, the initiative is one of the world’s largest startup competitions.

The UK SA Tech Hub, in partnership with GES Awards and the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), has called on South African edtech innovators to apply for the initiative. Applications close on 31 July.

The UK SA Tech Hub will hold semi-finals of the GES Awards in October

In a statement yesterday (3 July), the UK SA Tech Hub said this year’s finalists will win a ticket to travel to the GES Awards finals in London next year in January.

At the event, finalists will meet and learn with like-minded innovators leading the world’s most promising edtech companies, as well as get exposure to partnerships that can help them facilitate business growth.

Finalists will also participate in bootcamps focused on the African market, impact investments and new investment models.

The finals also provide innovators with access senior edtech experts and investors and opportunities for collaboration. In addition, edtech entrepreneurs at the event will benefit from the sharing of best practices and relevant market know-how.

The UK SA Tech Hub will in October hold semi-finals for the competition in October.

Criteria

Products or services submitted for consideration for the awards must:

• Address a clear pain point, relevant to the market
• Provide an innovative pedagogical approach
• Have an outstanding user experience
• Show potential for tremendous growth in its user base
• Operate in the context of a sustainable business model

It’s not clear how much winners will receive in cash prizes.

However prizes include mentorship, media coverage, global exposure in the edtech community and business development communities.

In addition, the competition’s top entrepreneurs will be invited to follow up events and next-stage accelerator programmes.

Last year, Kenyan edtech startup M-Shule won second place at the 2017 GES Awards, with Japanese startup Arcterus taking top honours while Indian platform MentorMind placed third.

Read more: Kenyan startup M-Shule wins second place at Global Edtech Startup Awards

Featured image: M-Shule via Facebook