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A stylized icon representing Google’s Innovator certification, with the lowercase red letter ‘i’ embedded within a light bulb in the Google colors blue, green and yellow.

Transform education with a project you are passionate about as a
Certified Innovator

Join a global community of passionate educators who use technology to solve big challenges and advocate for impactful use of Google tools.

A person sharing their Chromebook screen with another person in a classroom setting.

Why you should become a Certified Innovator

The Google for Education Certified Innovator Program recognizes and supports top educators who are excited to grow professionally, advocate for impactful technology, and innovate to improve classrooms, schools and local communities.

Launch transformative projects

Drive transformation in education with an innovation project.

Amplify your influence

Grow leadership skills through advocacy opportunities

Accelerate personal growth

Receive tailored mentorship from talented Innovators.

A graphic of a Chromebook with the Google Certified Innovator logo on the screen and a small plant behind the Chromebook.
Apply now

Applications for our next Google Certified Innovator Academy

Applications for our 2026 Innovator Cohorts are officially open. Please see below for event dates, locations, and the application window for each academy.

Apply now
AcademyLanguageAcademy Event DatesApplication Window
VirtualEnglishTue, March 31, 2026 - Tue, May 5, 2026Thu, January 22, 2026 - Fri, February 27, 2026
DubaiEnglishTue, April 28, 2026 - Thu, April 30, 2026Thu, January 22, 2026 - Fri, February 27, 2026
JapanEnglishTue, May 5, 2026 - Thu, May 7, 2026Thu, January 22, 2026 - Tue, March 17, 2026
AtlantaEnglishWed, July 15, 2026 - Fri, July 17, 2026Thu, January 22, 2026 - Mon, March 30, 2026
BrazilPortugueseThu, July 23, 2026 - Sat, July 25, 2026Thu, January 22, 2026 - Mon, March 30, 2026
MelbourneEnglishTue, September 29, 2026 - Thu, October 1, 2026Thu, January 22, 2026 - Thu, July 16, 2026
VirtualEnglishTue, October 6, 2026 - Tue, November 17, 2026Thu, January 22, 2026 - Fri, September 11, 2026
Show all

“The Google Innovator Academy helped me envision how to make the world a better place in support of student learning, and it gave me the skills, mindset, and supportive community to make it happen.”

Andrew Dobbie, Toronto 2016
Step-by-step

Follow these steps to become a Certified Innovator

1

Find an academy in your region

Find a three-day academy in your region that you would be able to attend

2

Complete required course and certification

Take the Intermediate use of Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals course and pass the Google Certified Educator Level 2 exam

3

Identify a challenge to solve in education

Interview a few people affected by the challenge, and film a 90-second video about that challenge and why you want to solve it. Learn about the innovation process.

View example videos
4

Apply before the next deadline

Make sure you submit your application before it’s due. Review the rubric.

Apply now
Two educators on Chromebooks, one standing and one sitting both working on their devices.
Community Connect

Learn more about the program from our global
community of Innovators

Use our online directory to connect with Innovators from previous cohorts

Connect

Explore frequently asked questions

View all general FAQs
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  • How do I apply to become an Innovator?

    Applications open periodically. The application will contain elements that allow you to demonstrate your creativity, innovation, experience, and leadership in the field of education.

  • What is an Innovator project and is it required?

    All Certified Innovators will work closely with Google and other Innovators to implement, manage, and document creative education projects. We encourage Innovators to collaborate on projects, and to choose projects that inspire and impact other educators and students.

  • What exams must I take before applying to become a Certified Innovator?

    You must pass the Google Certified Educator Level 2 exam before applying to become a Certified Innovator.

  • What are the dates and locations of the Google for Education Innovator Academies?

    You can see the Innovator Academy event dates, locations, and application windows on the Certified Innovator page.

  • How do I remain an active Innovator after my first year?

    Google for Education Certified Innovators remain active in one of three ways:

    (1) continue working on a high-impact Innovator Project of their choosing

    (2) being influential advocates for using Google technologies to transform education

    (3) leading Google programs to drive innovation and transformation in their schools or school systems

Get Started

Get support

If you need assistance with the Certified Innovator Program,
reach out to us below.

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