Yidan Prize 2027
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Quick Answer
A global education prize worth HK$30 million (about US$3.8 million) per laureate: half cash, half a three-year project fund. Self-nominations close 2 March 2027.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Yidan Prize Foundation
- Application deadline
- 115d — 2 Mar 2027
- Location
- International
About this competition
The Yidan Prize is a global education award run by the Yidan Prize Foundation in Hong Kong. Each year it recognises people who have improved education quality and access, and the 2027 prize is worth HK$30 million (about US$3.8 million) per laureate. It is a nomination-based prize, not a startup pitch: someone nominates the individual or team, and you may nominate yourself or your team. Nominations close at 12 noon Hong Kong time on 2 March 2027, which is 9:30 AM IST. The official pages name no country restriction, so Indian education founders and NGOs can be nominated.
What the program offers
According to the foundation's prize page, each of the two prizes, Education Development and Education Research, is worth HK$30 million (about US$3.8 million). Half is a cash award of HK$15 million, shared equally if the laureate is a team. The other half is a HK$15 million project fund to scale the laureates' work over three years. Laureates also receive a gold medal and a certificate. The foundation's project fund supports non-profit activities only.
The nominations page itself does not repeat the prize amounts; the prize page does. This is a prize, not a loan, and no equity is mentioned.
Who can apply
A nominee can be an individual or a team of up to three people. The nominator can be anyone, and no invitation is needed. The source says nominators should be credible witnesses to the nominee's impact, and that self-nominations and team nominations are allowed. Nominators come most often from government bodies, NGOs and professional associations, or are educators and colleagues, but none of these groups is required.
The listing says there is no theme or region and that people in for-profit organisations can be nominated if they can show social impact. It also says directly related family members cannot nominate or support, and current Board, Judging Committee and Advisory Committee members of the foundation cannot be nominated. For an Indian edtech founder, school leader or education NGO that has led real change at scale, this fits well. It does not fit a company that wants general business funding, because the project fund covers non-profit activity only.
How to apply
- Confirm that you are eligible to nominate.
- Read the nomination guide and use the form template for Education Research or Education Development.
- Register a nominator account on the nomination platform. The platform is being updated and is expected to be ready in mid-November.
- Find supporters. A nomination needs two supporting recommendation letters; a self-nomination or team nomination needs three. At most one may come from the nominee's own organisation.
- Prepare the nomination using the checklist at the end of the guide, including a two-minute video in which the nominee describes their vision for the future of education and their own role. For a team, everyone should appear on screen.
- Submit everything in English through the online platform.
Optional supporting documents, such as project evidence, research showing influence on policy or practice, and independent evaluation reports, help judges see scale and impact. A practical tip: start collecting supporters early, since letters from busy people take time.
How applications are judged and what happens next
An independent Judging Committee reviews each nomination. The source says judges look for external endorsement of the nominee's work, and the listing adds that they look for work that is future-oriented, innovative, transformative and sustainable, along with the nominee's plan for the next three years. Judging runs from April to September, there is no interview round, and the two-minute video is the nominee's main chance to speak to judges. Laureates are announced in September, with the ceremony in December.
About the Yidan Prize Foundation
The Yidan Prize Foundation is based in Hong Kong and runs the prize. The page describes laureates as individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to improving education quality and widening access to learning.
Things to check before you apply
- Dates. The nominations page gives the cycle as October to March, and the nomination platform page gives the exact close: 12 noon Hong Kong time on 2 March 2027. The platform is being updated for security and is expected to open for registration in mid-November, so start collecting documents now and register once it opens.
- Language. Everything must be in English, including a transcript or subtitles for the video.
- Evidence. Nominations are judged on external endorsement, so line up independent letters and evaluation material.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
Prizes & Awards
What You Get
Each laureate (an individual, or a team of up to three) receives a gold medal, a certificate, a cash prize of HK$15 million (shared equally within a team) and a project fund of HK$15 million to scale up their work over three years. Together the prize is worth HK$30 million, about US$3.8 million (roughly ₹36 crore). Laureates join the foundation's global community and present their work at the annual Yidan Prize Summit.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
An independent Judging Committee reviews every nomination between April and September, looking for external endorsement and for work that is future-oriented, innovative, transformative and sustainable. There is no interview round; the two-minute video is the nominee's chance to speak to the judges. Laureates are announced in September and the ceremony is held in December.
Application Process
- 1
Prepare nomination
Read the 2027 guide, gather documents, the video and supporter letters.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can win the Yidan Prize?
An individual or a team of up to three people who have made a significant contribution to improving education quality and access. There is no theme, region or level-of-education limit. Direct family members of the nominator and current foundation Board, Judging Committee and Advisory Committee members cannot be involved in that way.
Can Indian founders and NGOs apply for the Yidan Prize?
The source states no country restriction, and the listing says the prize covers every country. An Indian education founder or NGO leader can be nominated, or nominate themselves. Everything must be in English.
How much is the Yidan Prize?
The foundation's prize page says laureates receive a gold medal, a cash prize of HK$15 million (shared equally for teams) and a project fund of HK$15 million to scale their work, which makes HK$30 million (about US$3.8 million) per prize. The nominations page itself does not repeat the amounts.
How is the Yidan Prize money paid?
The source describes the split between the cash award and the three-year project fund but does not explain payment mechanics. The project fund supports non-profit activity only. Ask the foundation for payment terms if you are shortlisted.
What is the deadline for the Yidan Prize 2027?
The nomination platform page says nominations close at 12 noon Hong Kong time on 2 March 2027, which is 9:30 AM IST. The nominations page gives the cycle as October to March. If the date has passed, the source does not state when the next round opens.
Can I nominate myself for the Yidan Prize?
Yes. A nominee may be the nominator, but a self-nomination or team nomination needs three supporter letters instead of two. At most one supporter can come from your own organisation.
Is the Yidan Prize a grant or equity?
It is a prize, and the source mentions no equity. Half the amount is a cash award and half is a project fund to scale the work. The project fund is for non-profit activity.
What documents do I need for a Yidan Prize nomination?
You need the completed nomination form, the nominee's CV and short biography, a two-minute video, and recommendation letters from supporters. Optional supporting documents such as evaluation reports and evidence of policy influence can be uploaded. All in English.
Do I have to travel for the Yidan Prize?
The source does not say whether travel is required. It says laureates receive their prizes at a ceremony held in December. Check the foundation for travel arrangements.
Does it cost anything to be nominated, and when are results announced?
The source does not mention any fee. Judging runs from April to September, and laureates are announced in September, with the ceremony in December.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
