Fe/male Switch
Donate Crypto
Fe/male Switch: Your Startup Facilitator & Incubator for Women

Top 15 Startup Competitions for EdTech Startups in Europe in 2025

Top 15 Startup Competitions for EdTech Startups in Europe in 2025

Top 15 Startup Competitions for EdTech Startups in Europe in 2025

The EdTech sector in Europe is burgeoning, and 2025 is set to be a remarkable year for new educational technologies. Innovative companies are emerging across the continent, fueled by supportive competitions that highlight their potential and foster connections. Here’s a detailed look at the Top 15 startup competitions for EdTech startups in Europe in 2025, including essential details about eligibility, rewards, and opportunities.
Write FREE SEO-optimized Blog Articles! Our Article Writer ensures your blog is loved by both Google and your readers, turning those clicks into customers.

👉 Write your article here

1. HolonIQ Europe EdTech 200

Description: HolonIQ's annual list of the 200 most promising EdTech startups in Europe that is recognized for demonstrating innovation and potential.
Highlights:
  • Recognition: Identifies leading EdTech startups based on data insights and expert opinions.
  • Eligibility: Startups must be under 10 years old and focused on the European market.
  • Selection Process: Based on data from HolonIQ's Impact Intelligence Platform and qualitative assessments.
  • Focus Areas: Emphasizes startups that are innovating within the EdTech landscape.
  • Categories: Startups are categorized based on various educational technology segments.
  • Learn more about HolonIQ Europe EdTech 200

2. EdTechX Awards

Description: The EdTechX Awards celebrate significant impacts in education, training, and workforce sectors, with applications already open for 2025.
Highlights:
  • Categories: Awards are tailored to different stages of business maturity, from Innovator to Leviathan categories.
  • Impact: Winners have collectively raised over €12 billion and achieved multiple high-profile acquisitions or IPOs.
  • Success Rate: Around 50% of past winners have announced a major milestone within two years of winning.
  • Notable Winners: Historically includes companies such as Busuu and Kahoot!.
  • Geographical Focus: Recognizes winners from specific regions within Europe.
  • Discover the EdTechX Awards
Boost Your SEO with 1,500+ Free Business Directories: increase your DA, get backlinks and traffic.

We've compiled an exclusive list of directories and websites where you can submit your business and start building high-quality backlinks to boost your website traffic and get your SEO snowball rolling.

👉 Submit your startup now!

3. Bett Awards

Description: Recognizes excellence in the EdTech sector during the Bett Show, a significant global education technology event.
Highlights:
  • Recognition: Winning a Bett Award is regarded as a hallmark of excellence in education technology.
  • Focus Areas: Award categories emphasize creativity and innovation within educational practices and technologies.
  • Event Tie-In: Presented at the highly regarded Bett Show, fostering a large audience awareness.
  • Partnership: In collaboration with BESA (British Educational Suppliers Association).
  • Reputation: Acknowledged globally by industry professionals.
  • Check out the Bett Awards

4. Global EdTech Startups Awards (GESAwards)

Description: The largest global EdTech competition, fostering a vibrant community of startups, including a robust European presence.
Highlights:
  • Scale: Involves over 8,000 global participants, making it a premier event in the EdTech calendar.
  • Community Engagement: Creates continuous networking opportunities for EdTech startups.
  • Regional Focus: Europe is a key region for recognition and awards.
  • Collaborative Partnerships: Works closely with the European Edtech Alliance (EEA).
  • Global Exposure: Provides participants with visibility on a worldwide stage.
  • Learn about the GESAwards

5. EIT EdTech Conference

Description: Annual conference that brings together practitioners and stakeholders to discuss European EdTech advancements.
Highlights:
  • Focus on Fragmentation: Addresses the dismantling of barriers within the European EdTech landscape.
  • Key Stakeholders: Connects education leaders, innovators, and policymakers.
  • Discussion Themes: Tackles challenges and strategic goals for EdTech in Europe.
  • Organizing Body: Hosted by the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT).
  • Location: Takes place in Brussels, Belgium, a central hub for European policy.
  • Discover the EIT EdTech Conference

6. EdTech Impact Awards

Description: A unique awards program based on 13 metrics reflecting real-world user feedback, tailored with University College London.
Highlights:
  • Evidence-Based Metrics: Evaluates impact through a comprehensive framework designed for educational success.
  • User-Driven Awards: Reflects input from educators actively reviewing EdTech tools.
  • Reviewer Recognition: Awards are also given to active participating app users who provide insightful feedback.
  • Sponsorship: Enhances visibility through support from the Bett Show.
  • Focus Categories: Include "Improving Teacher Knowledge" and "Reducing Attainment Gaps."
  • Explore EdTech Impact Awards

7. Central European Startup Awards

Description: Part of the Global Startup Awards, this competition zeroes in on startups across Central Europe, including EdTech firms.
Highlights:
  • Regional Focus: Highlights startups based in Central European countries.
  • Networking Opportunities: Access to a vast network of investors and innovators globally.
  • Recognition: Offers a platform for participants to gain noted acknowledgment.
  • Award Categories: Features multiple genres to showcase various entrepreneurial efforts.
  • Timeline: The competition includes distinct intervals for nominations, shortlisting, and awards.
  • Find out more about Central European Startup Awards
Boost Your SEO by Getting Featured in Our Blogs and get a backlink.

We publish content about startups, education, tech, funding, etc. that ranks well not only in Google but also in Perplexity, ChatGPT, Grok and other AI tools.

👉 Get featured now!

8. EU-Startups Summit Pitch Competition

Description: A premier pitch competition held during the EU-Startups Summit, set in Malta.
Highlights:
  • Event Setting: Forms part of an annual summit attended by over 2,500 innovators.
  • Tech-Focused: Open to tech-enabled startups pursuing global growth prospects.
  • Application Field: Selection is competitive, chosen from approximately 1,500 applicants.
  • Networking Facilities: Participants connect with key investors and industry leaders.
  • Location Info: Hosted in Valletta, Malta, an attractive destination for tech enthusiasts.
  • Learn more about the EU-Startups Summit

9. European Schoolnet Initiatives

Description: Focuses on STEM challenges within education, promoting EdTech innovation in collaboration with ministries of education.
Highlights:
  • Integrated STEM Focus: Concentrates on technologies merged with educational practices.
  • Collaborative Projects: Aims to implement innovative tech solutions in classrooms.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Involves diverse voices from policy, research, and practical education areas.
  • Goal-Oriented: Seeks to advance educational frameworks across Europe.
  • Innovation Keystones: Encourages widespread adoption of new educational methods.
  • Discover European Schoolnet Initiatives

10. Startup Accelerators in Europe

Description: Various startup accelerators across Europe provide funding, mentorship, and networking, with many focusing on EdTech startups.
Highlights:
  • Program Duration: Ranges from three to twelve months, accommodating varying startup needs.
  • Scale of Investment: Investment levels vary, with amounts potentially exceeding €500,000.
  • Support Structures: Include mentorship, resources, and strategic support to growing startups.
  • Sector Focus: Many accelerators emphasize high-growth sectors including EdTech.
  • Geographical Diversity: Numerous accelerators based throughout Europe in multiple countries.
  • Learn about Top Startup Accelerators in Europe

11. The Startup Rally

Description: The Startup Rally focuses on showcasing innovations in EdTech through competitive pitches and community engagement.
Highlights:
  • Competitive Engagement: Offers opportunities for startups to pitch to a professional jury.
  • Networking Sessions: Connects startups with industry leaders and potential investors.
  • Award Initiatives: Prizes for exemplary pitches and innovative ideas.
  • Mentoring Opportunities: Access to experienced mentors in the education technology sector.
  • Event Reach: Numerous participation opportunities across multiple European cities.
  • Explore more about The Startup Rally

12. TechCrunch Disrupt Europe

Description: An iconic startup competition attracting top EdTech innovators, culminating in a grand pitch event.
Highlights:
  • Prestigious Platform: Offers massive exposure to the EdTech community and potential investors.
  • Startup Battlefield: Features a dedicated segment for educational technology.
  • Investment Opportunities: Many investors specifically seek promising EdTech ventures at this event.
  • Expert Judges: Industry veterans evaluate and provide feedback.
  • Media Coverage: Significant media attention amplifies the reach of startup participants.
  • Learn about TechCrunch Disrupt Europe

13. EdTech Europe Innovation Summit

Description: An influential gathering that drives dialogue on key trends and innovations within the EdTech scene.
Highlights:
  • Keynotes and Panels: Features discussions with leading entrepreneurs and investors.
  • Pitching Opportunities: Startups can pitch their innovations to a selective audience.
  • Focus Areas: Emphasizes collaborative innovations in education technology.
  • Global Networking: Connects European startups with international stakeholders.
  • Strategic Insights: Provides updates on investment trends in EdTech.
  • Discover EdTech Europe Innovation Summit

14. Seedstars Summit

Description: A prominent competition for high-growth startups where EdTech innovations gain visibility among a global audience.
Highlights:
  • Global Focus: Combines local competitions leading to a final pitch at the Seedstars Summit.
  • Investor Exposure: Many renowned investors attend, interested specifically in EdTech innovations.
  • Networking Events: Strong emphasis on connecting startups with mentors and partners worldwide.
  • Workshops: Extensive sessions for startups to improve their pitches and business strategies.
  • Regional Representation: A recognition platform for promising EdTech startups from different regions.
  • Find out about Seedstars Summit

15. InnovateEd Europe

Description: A new competition recognizing innovative educational solutions that positively impact learning outcomes in Europe.
Highlights:
  • Focus on Innovation: Evaluates technology-driven solutions that enhance educational effectiveness.
  • Judging Criteria: Emphasizes creativity, scalability, and impact in education technology.
  • Networking Potential: Connects participants with industry leaders and potential clients.
  • Support for Winners: Opportunities for mentorship and further development for winning startups.
  • Promotion of Best Practices: Aims to highlight successful educational innovations.
  • Learn more about InnovateEd Europe
Join F/MS: Startup Facilitator & Incubator and unlock your startup dreams today! Get your first customers, register you company in the Netherlands and get startup visas for the team.

FAQ

Q: What is the HolonIQ Europe EdTech 200?
A: The HolonIQ Europe EdTech 200 is an annual list showcasing the 200 most promising EdTech startups in Europe, recognizing innovation and potential. Learn more about HolonIQ Europe EdTech 200.
Q: How do the EdTechX Awards recognize startups?
A: The EdTechX Awards celebrate impactful companies in education, offering awards based on company maturity from innovative startups to established giants. Discover the 2025 EdTechX Awards.
Q: What are the Bett Awards?
A: The Bett Awards acknowledge excellence in the EdTech field, awarded during the Bett Show - a significant global event in education technology. Find out more about Bett Awards.
Q: What is the Global EdTech Startups Awards (GESAwards)?
A: The GESAwards is the largest global EdTech competition, involving over 8000 participants and promoting a community among EdTech startups. Explore the Global EdTech Startups Awards.
Q: What is the focus of the EIT EdTech Conference?
A: The EIT EdTech Conference gathers stakeholders to address challenges and foster collaboration within the European EdTech landscape. Learn more about the EIT EdTech Conference.
Q: How are the EdTech Impact Awards structured?
A: The EdTech Impact Awards use 13 impact metrics for evaluating EdTech solutions, reflecting real-world feedback from educators. Discover the EdTech Impact Awards.
Q: What is the aim of the Central European Startup Awards?
A: The Central European Startup Awards focus on recognizing startups in Central European countries, providing global exposure and networking opportunities. Find out more about Central European Startup Awards.
Q: What can you expect from the EU-Startups Summit Pitch Competition?
A: The EU-Startups Summit Pitch Competition showcases promising startup teams in an event with over 2,500 attendees, facilitating networking and visibility. Learn more about the EU-Startups Summit.
Q: What initiatives does European Schoolnet focus on?
A: The European Schoolnet Initiatives program emphasizes integrated STEM education and innovation through educational technology projects across Europe. Discover European Schoolnet projects.
Q: What types of support do startup accelerators in Europe offer?
A: Various Startup Accelerators in Europe, such as Accelerace and Antler, provide funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities specifically for EdTech startups. Explore top startup accelerators in Europe.

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
2025-05-08 07:38 Top 15