ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 categories

Explore the full 2027 category line-up and choose the award that best reflects your work, innovation and impact

ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 categories, sponsored by Thesis SM, Bett UK and Retail Technology Innovation Hub

Thank you for choosing to enter the ETIH Innovation Awards 2027. This year’s programme brings together categories spanning schools and K–12, teaching and learning, artificial intelligence, education operations, higher education, workforce learning, evidence and impact, and the companies and people shaping the EdTech sector.

All entries are submitted through the dedicated ETIH Innovation Awards platform. Before beginning your submission, please review the relevant category criteria carefully and choose the category that best reflects the product, project, organisation, initiative or individual being entered. Where an entry meets the criteria for more than one award, entrants are welcome to submit to multiple categories, with each entry tailored to the relevant criteria.

You can find the full category descriptions below. For further information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions, find out Everything You Need to Know About the Awards, meet the ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 judging panel, or explore How to Enter.

Our 2027 sponsors

The ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 are proudly sponsored by Thesis SM, Bett UK and Retail Technology Innovation Hub (RTIH). We’re hugely grateful for their continued support of the awards and their commitment to recognising the people, companies and technologies making a meaningful impact across education.

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Schools and K–12

Best Digital Learning Platform for Schools

This award recognizes an outstanding digital learning platform supporting teaching and learning in primary and/or secondary education, including K–12 and equivalent school-age education systems internationally. Entries may include whole-school or curriculum-focused platforms delivering learning content, activities, instruction, practice or other digital learning experiences. The platform should demonstrate a clear understanding of the needs of schools, educators and learners, combining strong educational design with an accessible and effective user experience.

Judges will be looking for evidence of how the platform improves teaching and learning in practice. Entries should demonstrate areas such as learner engagement, educational outcomes, quality of content and pedagogy, personalization or adaptability, accessibility, effective use of data and feedback, and ease of implementation for educators and schools. Submissions should include evidence of real-world adoption and impact, with particular consideration given to platforms that can demonstrate how their technology is being used successfully at scale.

Best Global K–12 Learning Solution

This category celebrates education technology solutions supporting primary and/or secondary education, including K–12 and equivalent school-age education systems internationally. Entries may include platforms, products, programs or digital learning solutions that are being used across multiple countries, regions or education systems. Strong submissions will demonstrate an ability to adapt effectively to different curricula, learner needs, languages, cultural contexts or institutional requirements while maintaining a consistently high-quality educational experience.

Particular attention will be given to evidence of international adoption, scalability and educational impact. Entrants should show how their solution is delivering results across more than one market or education system, with supporting evidence around areas such as learner outcomes, engagement, accessibility, implementation, educator feedback and sustained use. The strongest entries will demonstrate genuine success across different contexts rather than simply international availability.

Best School Administration and Operations Solution

New for 2027

Recognizing technology that improves the administration, management and day-to-day operation of schools, this award is open to solutions used by individual schools, school groups, multi-academy trusts, districts and equivalent education organizations internationally. Entries may include management information systems, admissions and enrollment platforms, attendance tools, timetabling and scheduling systems, finance and payments technology, parent communications, staff administration, workflow automation, data and analytics platforms or other systems that support the effective running of school organizations.

Judges will be looking for clear evidence of operational impact in real school settings. This may include reduced administrative burden, improved efficiency, better use of data, stronger communication, more effective decision-making or improved coordination across schools and teams. They will also consider adoption, ease of implementation, integration with existing systems, staff experience, measurable time or cost savings and the ability to operate effectively at scale.

Teaching, Learning and Inclusion

Best STEM Learning Solution

This category celebrates technology-enabled solutions that strengthen learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Entries may include digital platforms, programs, applications, immersive experiences, coding or computing tools, robotics, simulations, practical learning technologies or other solutions designed to develop STEM knowledge and skills. Solutions may focus on an individual STEM discipline or bring several areas together, but STEM learning should be a central and clearly defined part of the experience.

Strong entries will show how the solution helps learners build subject knowledge alongside skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, inquiry and the practical application of learning. Evidence may include improvements in learner engagement or outcomes, quality of educational design and content, accessibility, educator or learner feedback, successful implementation and real-world adoption. Judges will also consider how effectively the technology enables STEM experiences that would be difficult to achieve through traditional approaches alone.

Best Special Needs and Inclusive Learning Solution

This category celebrates technology that makes learning more accessible, inclusive and effective for students who may face barriers to participation or achievement. Entries may include solutions designed for learners with special educational needs and disabilities, including SEND and equivalent international settings, as well as technologies supporting disadvantaged learners, students from underserved communities, multilingual learners, those facing socioeconomic barriers, or other groups who may be at greater risk of exclusion. Solutions may be specialist or mainstream, but they should demonstrate a clear commitment to widening access and creating more equitable learning experiences.

Judges will be looking for evidence of how the solution removes barriers and improves participation, engagement, independence, confidence or learning outcomes. They will consider areas such as accessibility and inclusive design, personalization, ease of use, learner and educator experience, successful implementation and measurable impact. Entries should demonstrate a meaningful understanding of the learners and communities they are designed to support, backed by evidence such as adoption, user feedback, case studies or outcomes from real education settings.

Best Assessment and Feedback Solution

This award recognizes an outstanding education technology solution designed to improve assessment, feedback or the measurement of learner progress. Entries may include formative or summative assessment platforms, adaptive assessment tools, digital testing solutions, feedback systems, automated or AI-supported marking, diagnostic tools, or technologies that help educators and learners better understand performance and next steps. Solutions may be used across schools, higher education, professional learning or other education settings.

Judges will consider how effectively the solution improves the quality, efficiency or usefulness of assessment and feedback. Entries should demonstrate areas such as accuracy, reliability, ease of use, accessibility, quality and timeliness of feedback, use of data to inform teaching or learning, personalization, learner experience and measurable impact. Evidence of successful implementation, adoption and outcomes will be important, particularly where the technology enables educators or learners to act more effectively on assessment information.

Best EdTech Solution for Educators

This category is for education technology designed primarily to support educators in their day-to-day work. Entries may include tools for lesson planning, content creation, classroom delivery, professional development, workload reduction, resource management, communication, instructional support or other technologies that help teachers, lecturers or education professionals work more effectively. Solutions may be AI-enabled or use other forms of technology, but their primary purpose should be to improve the educator experience and support better teaching practice.

Entries should show clear evidence of how the solution benefits educators in real-world settings. Judges will consider factors such as time saved, improvements in productivity or confidence, ease of use, quality of support provided, impact on teaching practice, accessibility, adoption and educator feedback. Particular consideration will be given to solutions that demonstrate meaningful and sustained use, with evidence showing how the technology fits into existing workflows rather than adding unnecessary complexity.

Artificial Intelligence

Best AI Tutor or Personalized Learning Agent

This award recognizes AI-powered tools that provide individualized learning support through tutoring, guidance, adaptive instruction or personalized learning pathways. Entries may include conversational tutors, learning agents, adaptive study tools or other systems that respond dynamically to an individual learner’s needs, progress, strengths and areas for development. AI should play a central role in shaping the learning experience rather than simply functioning as a generic chatbot or additional feature within a broader platform.

Judges will be looking for evidence of how effectively the technology personalizes learning and supports meaningful progress over time. Entries should demonstrate areas such as learning outcomes, engagement, pedagogical quality, responsiveness to individual needs, accessibility, learner experience and real-world adoption. Responsible use of AI will also be considered, including appropriate safeguards, transparency and the reliability of the guidance, content or feedback provided to learners.

Best AI Innovation in Education

Focused on outstanding and original uses of artificial intelligence in education, this category is open to products, platforms, projects or technologies that demonstrate a meaningful advance in how AI is applied to teaching, learning or the wider education experience. Entries may come from schools, higher education, professional learning or other education settings, and should show that AI is fundamental to the innovation rather than simply an additional feature. Solutions might introduce new capabilities, improve existing approaches significantly or address an education challenge in a way that would not previously have been possible.

Entries will be assessed on the strength and originality of the innovation, the educational value it creates and the evidence supporting its impact in practice. Consideration will be given to areas such as outcomes, adoption, scalability, user experience, technical effectiveness and the extent to which the solution responds to a genuine need within education. Responsible development and deployment will also be important, including appropriate safeguards, transparency, reliability and evidence that the use of AI has been designed with its education setting and users in mind.

Best AI Solution for Education Institutions

New for 2027

Aimed at institution-focused applications of artificial intelligence, this category covers solutions that help schools, school groups, colleges, universities and other education organizations operate, support their communities or make decisions more effectively. Entries may include AI used for administration, institutional workflows, student services, communications, analytics, planning, staff support, resource management or other functions that improve the delivery and management of education. The technology should address a clearly defined institutional need and demonstrate that AI is being used purposefully rather than added as a standalone feature.

Judges will assess the practical value the solution creates for education organizations, including improvements in efficiency, decision-making, service quality, staff workload or institutional effectiveness. Evidence may include adoption, time or cost savings, improved processes, user feedback, measurable outcomes and successful implementation at scale. Consideration will also be given to responsible deployment, including data protection, transparency, reliability, appropriate human oversight and the safeguards required when AI is used within education institutions.

Education Operations, Infrastructure and Safety

Best Education Operations and Infrastructure Solution

New for 2027

This award recognizes technology that improves the operational effectiveness, infrastructure or day-to-day management of education environments. Entries may include solutions supporting transportation, logistics, facilities, food services, communications, resource or asset management, scheduling, attendance, campus operations or other essential functions that help schools, colleges, universities and education organizations run more efficiently. Solutions may incorporate AI, automation, data analytics, hardware, software or integrated systems, but their primary value should lie in strengthening the operational delivery of education.

Judges will be looking for clear evidence of practical impact in real education settings. This may include improvements in efficiency, reliability, coordination, cost management, staff workload, service delivery, use of resources or the experience of students and staff. Entries should demonstrate successful implementation and adoption, alongside evidence showing how the technology addresses a genuine operational need and delivers measurable benefits for the institutions or communities using it.

Sponsored by Retail Technology Innovation Hub (RTIH)

Retail Technology Innovation Hub (RTIH) is proud to sponsor Best Education Operations and Infrastructure Solution, recognising technologies that improve the systems, infrastructure and day-to-day operations that help education organisations work more effectively.

RTIH is a global publication covering the technologies transforming retail, including AI, automation, infrastructure, operations, payments, supply chain, data and digital transformation.

Explaining why it is supporting this category, RTIH says:

“At RTIH, we see every day how technology can transform the way organisations operate, from infrastructure and automation to data, communications and the systems that support people behind the scenes.

Education organisations face many of the same challenges, and we’re proud to sponsor the Best Education Operations and Infrastructure Solution award to recognise technology that is delivering practical, measurable improvements in how education environments work.

For us, supporting this award is about celebrating the technology and the teams behind it that are helping education organisations become more efficient, connected and effective.”

Best Education Safety and Security Solution

New for 2027

This category recognizes technology designed to improve safety, security and safeguarding across education environments. Entries may include solutions supporting physical security, access control, video or camera systems, emergency response, incident management, visitor management, student safeguarding, threat detection, communications or other technologies that help protect students, staff and education communities. Solutions may be used in schools, colleges, universities or other education settings and may combine software, hardware, AI or data-driven technologies.

Judges will assess how effectively the solution identifies, reduces or responds to risk while remaining appropriate for an education environment. Entries should provide evidence around areas such as reliability, usability, response times, implementation, adoption, safeguarding outcomes, staff confidence and measurable improvements in safety or security. Consideration will also be given to responsible deployment, including privacy, data protection, proportionality and the way the technology balances protection with the rights and experience of students and staff.

Higher Education

Best Digital Learning Platform for Higher Education

This award recognizes an outstanding digital learning platform whose primary purpose is to support teaching and learning in higher education, including universities, colleges and equivalent post-secondary institutions internationally. Entries may include learning management systems, virtual learning environments, digital course platforms, adaptive learning systems or other platforms designed to deliver, support or enhance higher education teaching and learning. The platform should demonstrate a strong understanding of the needs of students and faculty, combining effective educational design with an accessible and intuitive user experience.

Judges will be looking for clear evidence of how the platform improves teaching and learning in practice. Entries should demonstrate areas such as student engagement and attainment, quality of digital learning design, personalization or adaptability, accessibility, faculty experience, effective use of learning data and feedback, integration with relevant institutional systems, and the ability to support different modes of learning. Submissions should include evidence of real-world adoption and measurable impact across courses, departments, institutions or student populations.

Best Higher Education Student Experience Solution

Created for technologies that improve the wider student experience in higher education, this category covers solutions supporting areas such as engagement, communication, belonging, wellbeing, student services, campus experience, retention, progression or access to institutional support. Entries may include platforms, apps or integrated systems used by universities, colleges and equivalent post-secondary institutions internationally. The focus should be on improving how students experience and navigate higher education beyond the direct delivery of teaching and learning.

Judges will consider the extent to which the solution improves student engagement, access, satisfaction or outcomes in practice. Evidence may include adoption, usage, student feedback, improvements in retention or progression, increased participation in services, accessibility, ease of use and successful implementation across an institution or student population. Particular attention will be given to solutions that demonstrate a clear understanding of student needs and can show measurable improvements in the overall student experience.

Best Higher Education Administration and Operations Solution

This award recognizes technology that strengthens the administration, operations and institutional management of higher education providers. Entries may include student information systems, admissions or enrollment platforms, finance and planning tools, timetabling and scheduling systems, workflow and process automation, data and analytics platforms, staff systems, records management or other technologies that support the effective running of universities, colleges and equivalent post-secondary institutions internationally.

Judges will be looking for evidence of how the solution improves institutional effectiveness in practice. This may include greater efficiency, reduced administrative burden, improved data quality, better decision-making, stronger integration across systems, cost or time savings, improved staff experience and the ability to manage services at scale. Successful entries should demonstrate real-world implementation and adoption, together with measurable benefits for the institutions using the technology.

Best Use of EdTech in Higher Education

This category is designed to recognize universities, colleges and equivalent post-secondary institutions that have used education technology in a particularly effective, innovative or transformative way. Entries may focus on a specific project, department, program or institution-wide initiative, and may involve digital learning platforms, AI, data, student services, operational systems or other technologies. The emphasis should be on how the institution has implemented and used technology to address a clearly defined challenge or improve an aspect of higher education.

Judges will consider the quality of the implementation, the rationale behind the approach and the impact achieved in practice. Entries should provide evidence of outcomes such as improvements in teaching and learning, student experience, staff effectiveness, access, engagement, institutional efficiency or another clearly identified area. Collaboration, scalability, adoption, lessons learned and the effective integration of technology into existing practice may also form part of the assessment.

Sponsored by Thesis SM

Thesis SM is proud to sponsor Best Use of EdTech in Higher Education, celebrating the people and institutions using technology in meaningful and innovative ways to improve the student experience and deliver better outcomes.

A cloud-native Student Information System (SIS) purpose-built for higher education, Thesis SM works with institutions across the UK, Ireland and Canada and supports the student lifecycle from application through to award.

Explaining why it is supporting this category, Thesis SM says:

“At Thesis SM, we’re passionate about supporting higher education institutions as they use technology to innovate, improve the student experience, and deliver better outcomes.

That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the Best Use of EdTech in Higher Education award, celebrating the people and institutions using technology in meaningful and innovative ways to make a real difference across the sector. We’re delighted to partner with the EdTech Innovation Hub to recognise and champion the work shaping the future of higher education.

For us, sponsoring this award is about celebrating the power of technology in higher education and recognising the people and institutions turning innovative EdTech into positive, tangible change across the sector.”

Skills, Careers and Workforce Learning

Best Skills and Workforce Learning Solution

This category is open to technology that helps learners, employees and professionals build practical, technical or job-relevant skills for a changing workforce. Entries may include workplace learning platforms, professional development solutions, reskilling and upskilling programs, vocational or technical training, simulation-based learning, microlearning, credentialing or other digital solutions designed to strengthen capability and support progression. Solutions may be used by employers, education providers, training organizations or individual learners.

Judges will consider how effectively the solution develops relevant skills and translates learning into meaningful real-world outcomes. Evidence may include skills acquisition, learner progression, completion and engagement, employer adoption, quality of learning design, accessibility, scalability and measurable impact on workplace performance or employability. Alignment with genuine industry needs, alongside successful implementation and sustained use, will also form an important part of the assessment.

Best Careers and Employability Solution

This award recognizes technology that helps learners and jobseekers explore career pathways, develop employability and make more informed decisions about education, training and work. Entries may include career discovery platforms, employability tools, job-matching or pathway solutions, work-readiness programs, employer engagement platforms, skills profiling, mentoring or guidance technologies, or other digital solutions that support progression into employment or further career development.

Judges will be looking for evidence that the solution helps users move more effectively from education or training towards meaningful employment and career progression. This may include improved career awareness, confidence, job readiness, engagement with employers, placement or progression outcomes, quality of guidance, accessibility and user experience. Entries should also demonstrate a strong understanding of changing workforce needs and show how the technology connects users with relevant opportunities, information or support.

Reach, Evidence and Impact

Best EdTech Solution for a National or Regional Market

This award recognizes an education technology solution that has been developed, adapted or successfully implemented for the specific needs of a particular national or regional education market. Entries may come from any country or region and can include products, platforms, programs or services used across schools, higher education, professional learning or other education settings. The solution should demonstrate a clear understanding of its chosen market, whether through curriculum alignment, language, regulation, local infrastructure, institutional structures, cultural context or another clearly defined education need.

Judges will be looking for evidence that the solution is delivering meaningful impact within that market. Entries should demonstrate areas such as adoption, user engagement, measurable outcomes, successful implementation, responsiveness to local needs and the ability to operate effectively within the relevant education system. Where entry volumes support it, ETIH may divide this category into regional or national subcategories during the judging process.

Best Global Impact

Designed to recognize education technology delivering meaningful impact across multiple countries or education systems, this category is open to products, platforms, programs or projects with a proven international footprint. Entries should demonstrate more than global availability, showing how the solution has been successfully adopted, implemented or adapted across different markets while maintaining a clear and consistent educational purpose.

Assessment will focus on the scale, depth and sustainability of that impact. Evidence may include learner or institutional outcomes, access and participation, adoption across multiple countries, successful localization or adaptation, long-term use, partnerships, scalability and measurable improvements within the communities or education systems served. Particular weight will be given to entries that can show sustained impact across different contexts rather than isolated international activity.

Best Evidence-Based EdTech Solution

New for 2027

Focused on education technology backed by robust evidence of effectiveness, this category is open to products, platforms, programs or interventions that can demonstrate measurable impact through research, evaluation or high-quality outcome data. Entries may come from any area of education but should go beyond testimonials or usage figures to show how the solution has been assessed in practice. Evidence may include independent studies, randomized or controlled trials, longitudinal research, external evaluations, validated impact data or other rigorous approaches appropriate to the product and education setting.

Judges will be looking closely at the quality, relevance and credibility of the evidence presented, as well as the outcomes it demonstrates. Consideration will be given to factors such as research design, sample size, independence of evaluation, transparency of findings, measurable learning or institutional outcomes, and whether results can be replicated or sustained over time. Entries should also explain clearly how evidence has informed the development, implementation or continued improvement of the solution.

Companies and People

EdTech Thought Leader of the Year

Recognizing an individual who has made a significant contribution to the development of education technology thinking and practice, this award is open to leaders, educators, researchers, founders, practitioners, policymakers and other voices shaping the direction of the sector. Entries should demonstrate influence through areas such as research, writing, public speaking, advocacy, policy, professional practice, community leadership or the development of new ideas and approaches within EdTech.

The judging will consider the quality, relevance and reach of that contribution over the past 12 months. Evidence may include impact on sector debate, changes in practice or policy, influential research or commentary, leadership within professional communities, knowledge sharing and the ability to move important conversations forward. Particular consideration will be given to individuals whose work demonstrates substance and real-world influence rather than visibility alone.

Sponsored by Bett UK

Bett UK is back for 2027 and set to be bolder than ever, bringing together 37,000+ trailblazers from across the globe, from visionary educators and EdTech pioneers to policy powerhouses and charities.

With 400+ world-class speakers and the energy of the global education community all under one roof, Bett UK brings together the people, ideas and conversations helping to drive better education globally.

Its role in bringing leading voices from across education and EdTech together makes EdTech Thought Leader of the Year a natural fit for Bett UK, recognising individuals helping to shape discussion, influence thinking and drive the sector forward.

EdTech Startup of the Year

This award recognizes an EdTech startup demonstrating strong potential through innovation, market traction and a clear understanding of the education challenge it is addressing. Entries may come from any area of education technology and should show evidence of progress beyond the initial idea stage, whether through product development, user adoption, customer growth, partnerships, revenue, investment or other meaningful signs of momentum. The company should also be able to articulate a clear vision for its future development and the role its technology can play within the wider education sector.

Judges will be looking at the strength of the product or proposition, quality of execution, traction to date, evidence of impact, understanding of the market and future potential. Consideration will also be given to how effectively the company responds to user needs, differentiates itself from existing alternatives and demonstrates a credible route to sustainable growth.

EdTech Scale-Up of the Year

New for 2027

For EdTech companies that have moved into a clear growth phase, this category recognizes businesses demonstrating sustained expansion, increasing market traction and the ability to scale their technology effectively. Entries may come from any area of education technology and should show evidence of significant progress, such as growth in customers or users, revenue, geographic reach, institutional adoption, partnerships, team capability or product development. The company should be able to demonstrate that growth is supported by a strong proposition and a clear understanding of the market it serves.

The judging will focus on the quality and sustainability of that growth, alongside the company’s wider impact within education. Evidence may include commercial performance, customer retention, successful expansion into new markets, scalability of the product or service, measurable outcomes for users, operational maturity and continued innovation. Entrants should show not only that the business is growing, but that it is building the foundations for long-term success at greater scale.

Editorial and Overall Awards

Editor’s Choice Award

The Editor’s Choice Award is selected by the ETIH editorial team from across the full range of entries submitted to the ETIH Innovation Awards. It recognizes a company, product, platform, project or initiative that stands out for its originality, relevance, impact or overall contribution to education technology. There is no separate application process for this category, with all eligible awards entries automatically considered.

The ETIH team will look across the programme as a whole to identify work that has made a particularly strong impression, including entries that demonstrate clear value to learners, educators or institutions, respond to an important challenge, introduce a distinctive approach or show significant future potential. The award allows ETIH to recognize exceptional work that may extend beyond the criteria of an individual category or deserves additional editorial recognition.

EdTech Company of the Year

This award recognizes an education technology company that has demonstrated outstanding performance, innovation and sector impact over the past 12 months. Entries may come from any area of EdTech and from any market, with companies expected to show a strong overall record across product development, customer or user growth, market presence, organizational progress and contribution to education. The focus should be on the company as a whole rather than a single product or project.

Judges will consider the strength and consistency of the company’s performance, including evidence of innovation, adoption, commercial or organizational growth, customer or institutional impact, measurable outcomes and the ability to respond effectively to changing needs within education. Entries should also demonstrate a clear strategy, strong execution and a credible case for why the company has stood out within the EdTech sector during the judging period.

Category flexibility

The category structure will remain responsive throughout the entry period. ETIH may refine, combine or expand categories where entry patterns show that doing so would create a stronger and more competitive awards programme.