World Innovation Summit for Education

World Innovation Summit for Education, or WISE, is an initiative aimed at 'transforming education through innovation'. It has a particular focus on technology in education.

WISE was established by the Qatari government-funded, Qatar Foundation in 2009. Its chair is Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser.

The aim of WISE is to established itself as a 'global reference' in new approaches to education.

Annual Summit

WISE holds a large summit in Doha, Qatar every year to discuss. The 2015 summit saw discussions on: 'Fostering innovation in education systems'; 'Emerging models of education financing' and 'The linkages between education, employment, and entrepreneurship'.

Previous speakers include: Michael Barber, Chief Education Advisor of Pearson; Douglas Beal, MD of The Boston Consulting Group, Middle East; and James Bernard, Worldwide Director of Microsoft's Partners in Learning Programme.

Sponsors of the WISE summit include: Santander, Qatar Petrolium, and Exxon Mobil.

Promoting technology in education

WISE Accelerator

The WISE Accelerator is a programme to develop 'innovative projects in education'. The inaugural competition, which will see a handful of projects developed, supported and promoted to potential donors and investors, was focused on education technology projects.

Supporters of the accelerator programme in 2015: Education Foundation; EdTech Europe; Parthenon; and EY, as well as lead sponsor Santander.

WISE Awards

The WISE awards are given to six 'innovative' education projects each year. The shortlist for 2015 includes: Bridge International Academies; STIR Education ('teacher movement/network' set up in 2012 by ark, the British Council and TSL Education), and Nafham (a free online educational video platform).

ed.hub

WISE ed.hub promotes innovative projects in education, many of which are focused on technology.

Lobbyists

UK

• Weber Shandwick

Contacts

• website: www.wise-qatar.org