AI fluency, student privacy, beauty brands, and big investments drive this week’s EdTech round-up
From Anthropic’s new courses and advisory board to Amazon’s latest checkout-free university store and AI privacy warnings, here are the top ten EdTech stories of the week.
This week’s EdTech news highlights investment in AI-driven tools, new university strategies, student behavior insights, and evolving classroom practices. From Anthropic’s latest courses to research on GenAI privacy risks and new approaches to A-level teaching, the stories reflect growing momentum across the sector. Here are the top ten stories of the week:
10. Edumentors secures $2 million to develop interactive AI tutor
In at number ten, online tutoring platform Edumentors has raised $2 million in seed funding led by Magna Investments. The company says the funding will support the development of Edu AI, its new live AI-powered tutor that combines personalized learning, real-time feedback, and unlimited sessions. Edumentors joins a growing list of EdTech firms targeting global expansion through generative AI.
9. BearingPoint develops VR workplace safety platform for Suva
Taking the ninth spot, consultancy firm BearingPoint has collaborated with Swiss insurance provider Suva to launch Swiss Safety VR, an immersive training platform using VR, AR, and XR. The program focuses on high-risk tasks and includes a growing library of 20-minute scenarios. It’s already available in multiple languages and free for schools and other institutions.
8. Anthropic launches AI courses and appoints higher education advisory board
AI is back again at number eight as Anthropic introduces new AI fluency courses and a new advisory board chaired by former Yale president Rick Levin. The board includes leaders from Stanford, Michigan, and Rice, and will guide the use of Claude in higher education. The three new courses are free and customizable under a Creative Commons license.
7. New study warns GenAI browser tools are collecting personal data
Taking seventh place, researchers from UC Davis, UCL, and Mediterranea University have revealed that several popular GenAI browser assistants are collecting private data including social security numbers and health information. The findings, presented at the USENIX Security Symposium, call attention to gaps in compliance and transparency across widely used tools like Monica, Copilot, and ChatGPT for Google.
6. UNiDAYS Beauty Awards reveal top Gen Z wellness and skincare picks
At number six, UNiDAYS has revealed the student-selected winners of its 2025 Beauty Awards. Charlotte Tilbury took top honors in both lip and base makeup categories, while The Ordinary, Too Faced, MyProtein, and PureGym were also among the standout brands. With nearly 20,000 students voting, the results offer fresh insight into Gen Z’s self-care and fitness priorities.
5. Tech use and teacher adaptability driving A-level success, says Kahoot!
In at number five, Kahoot!’s Director of Education Liz Crawford tells ETIH that rising A-level performance reflects not just grading shifts but long-term change in classroom practice. She points to the growing use of AI and digital tools to support learning, despite recruitment pressures and engagement challenges. A recent survey shows 63 percent of teachers are optimistic about AI’s role in education.
4. Rice University creates new role to guide responsible AI use in teaching
Taking fourth place, Rice University is hiring an Assistant Director for AI and Education to lead innovation pilots and support staff with integrating generative AI into teaching. The role is part of a wider institutional push toward “responsible AI” and reflects increasing formalization of AI strategy across U.S. higher education.
3. ClassDojo fast-tracks adoption by joining national data privacy agreement
Coming in at number three, ClassDojo has joined The Education Cooperative’s Standardized Data Privacy Agreement, giving school districts in 14 U.S. states a quicker route to launch the platform. The move simplifies legal contracting while meeting student data protection requirements, supporting faster rollout at district level.
2. Covid-impacted GCSE cohorts could face widest learning gaps, new data shows
Just missing the top spot, new research from ParentPay Group suggests current Year 10 and 11 students may be the most affected by pandemic-era disruption. Nearly a quarter of teachers say today’s GCSE students are still behind expected standards, with absenteeism, behavior, and wellbeing challenges continuing to affect outcomes.
1. Amazon Just Walk Out store opens at Iona University as students return
And topping this week’s list, a checkout-free store powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology has launched at Iona University. The AI-driven retail experience allows students to grab items and leave without queuing, using computer vision, RFID, and sensors to automate payment. The store reflects the growing role of smart retail on university campuses.
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026
The EdTech Innovation Hub Awards celebrate excellence in global education technology, with a particular focus on workforce development, AI integration, and innovative learning solutions across all stages of education.
Now open for entries, the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the companies, platforms, and individuals driving transformation in the sector, from AI-driven assessment tools and personalized learning systems, to upskilling solutions and digital platforms that connect learners with real-world outcomes.
Submissions are open to organizations across the UK, the Americas, and internationally. Entries should highlight measurable impact, whether in K–12 classrooms, higher education institutions, or lifelong learning settings.
Winners will be announced on 14 January 2026 as part of an online showcase featuring expert commentary on emerging trends and standout innovation. All winners and finalists will also be featured in our first print magazine, to be distributed at BETT 2026.
To explore categories and submit your entry, visit the ETIH Innovation Awards hub.
