Spotlight on Global Higher Education Innovation Award 2026

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.