The Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition (EBPC) is a global competition that supports innovative education ventures addressing systemic inequities in education. Launched in 2010 as a collaboration between Penn GSE and the Milken family foundations, EBPC connects participants with strategic advisors, investors, and customers.
The competition culminates in a live event judged by industry experts, offering participants a chance to showcase their solutions while gaining visibility and venture development support.
About Milken-Penn GSE
Milken-Penn GSE is one of the nation’s premier research education schools. No other education school enjoys a university environment as supportive of practical knowledge-building as the Ivy League’s University of Pennsylvania. The School is notably entrepreneurial, launching innovative degree programs for practicing professionals and unique partnerships with local educators, and the first-ever business plan competition devoted exclusively to educational products and programs.
Founded by Michael and Lowell Milken in 1982, the Milken Family Foundation strives to dis... continue reading

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Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition
Aim and Benefits of Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition
- Venture development support from strategic advisors.
- Networking opportunities with investors and potential customers.
- Access to the Catapult Content Hub, featuring 4,000+ educational resources.
- A platform to showcase innovations to industry experts and decision-makers.
Requirements for Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition Qualification
- Individuals or groups aged 18 years or older.
- Ventures founded by or serving individuals from marginalized and historically underrepresented communities.
- Both for-profit and nonprofit ventures are accepted.
- Ventures must not have raised more than $2,000,000 or generated more than $2,000,000 in gross revenue in the prior 12 months.
- Applicants cannot include current Penn GSE faculty, staff, administrators, or previous finalists/winners (unless they are entering with a new, unrelated business plan).
- Entrants must ensure compliance with laws in their jurisdiction of residence.
Interview date, Process and Venue for Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition
Selection Criteria
- Innovation: How the venture addresses persistent or emerging educational challenges.
- Equity Impact: Solutions that reduce systemic barriers and support underserved communities.
- Market Potential: Target audience, customer discovery, and marketing strategy.
- Leadership: Qualifications and expertise of the team.
- Competitive Advantage: Differentiation from competitors and long-term sustainability.
- Financial Viability: A clear financial model supported by realistic assumptions.
Timeline
- January 15, 2025: Applications open.
- February 19, 2025: Application deadline.
- May 1, 2025: Semifinalists announced.
- August 20, 2025: Finalists announced.
- September 11, 2025: Live competition event.
Application Deadline
February 19, 2025How to Apply
- Prepare materials: Gather your product description, team details, financial model, equity impact statement, a 15-slide presentation deck, and an optional 60-second video pitch.
- Register for Catapult: Create a free account on the Catapult platform (Catalyst @ Penn GSE virtual accelerator).
- Complete the application: Submit all required materials via Catapult by February 19, 2025.
For more details,visit Penn GSE webpage