The World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) has launched a mentorship programme 'Accelerator' to support projects that tackle educational challenges with innovative solutions.
In this inaugural year, the WISE Accelerator is seeking projects that use technology - from the conception of apps and digital games to the creation of online platforms or the design of new curricula and pedagogies integrating technology.
All education projects that are using or designing technology are invited to apply, WISE said Wednesday in a media statement.
Commenting on the new WISE Accelerator program, Qatar Foundation WISE Chairman Dr. Sheikh Abdulla bin Ali Al-Thani said, "This programme has been carefully designed to provide high-potential education projects with the support they need to flourish.
"We realized that there are so many organisations and dedicated people building the future of education who just need an extra hand from experts in various fields to move their projects ahead.
"I hope the WISE Accelerator will provide them with the exposure and support they need to reach their full potential as change makers in education." Each year, seven projects are selected to join the year-long mentorship programme. The projects benefit from expert mentoring to help build effective and sustainable growth strategies in the areas of financial management, marketing, operational implementation, legal and human resources, and others.
The chosen projects will also benefit through the WISE international network, creating opportunities to share knowledge and find further support from donors and investors.
This programme starts at the WISE Summit to be held November 4 to 6 later this year in Doha.
Organisers will invite selected projects to take part in specific workshops. The last date to apply for the 2014-2015 WISE Accelerator is September 8, 2014, by 16.00 GMT.