EdTech stories of the week: Microsoft’s $15B AI push, Google’s vibe coding, and pilots from Anthropic
AI research, creative learning, and major education partnerships lead this week’s ETIH Top Ten roundup.
From billion-dollar AI expansions to classroom-ready experiments, the week in EdTech shows how innovation is scaling fast across research, infrastructure, and learning. Microsoft, Google, and Anthropic dominate headlines with new programs shaping global education and workforce development, while creative initiatives from Outschool and STEM Racing spotlight the human side of technology, collaboration, creativity, and inclusion driving progress as AI continues to redefine what’s possible.
10. Alan Turing Institute unveils AI science and innovation program for UK security
In at number ten, the Alan Turing Institute announces a major restructuring, introducing a new science and innovation framework centered on defense, environment, and health. The program reflects the UK’s growing focus on AI as national infrastructure, from protecting utilities and transport networks to advancing AI-driven weather forecasting and digital health models.
9. Microsoft Research opens 2026 Fellowship call for global academic collaborations
Taking the ninth spot, Microsoft Research launches its 2026 Fellowship, inviting proposals from academics worldwide to tackle open challenges in AI, science, and human–AI collaboration. The program spans six continents, funding work on areas such as scalable reasoning, multimodal intelligence, and equitable access to generative AI.
8. Outschool teams up with KPop: Demon Hunters artist Audrey Nuna on new musical contest
At number eight, creativity takes the stage as Outschool partners with KPop: Demon Hunters artist Audrey Nuna for a global musical competition. The contest invites young people to write and perform original pieces exploring creativity and confidence, with winners earning a masterclass from Nuna and the chance to have their work featured on the platform.
7. STEM Racing celebrates women in motorsport with F1 Academy event in Singapore
At seven, STEM Racing highlights the growing role of women in motorsport with an F1 Academy event hosted at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Singapore. The gathering brought together alumni now working with Formula 1 teams and showcased how hands-on STEM learning is powering real-world engineering careers.
6. Microsoft stumps up $15.2 billion investment to UAE AI growth through 2029
Rounding out this half, Microsoft is back again, this time with a $15.2 billion investment to accelerate AI and cloud development in the United Arab Emirates. The move expands data centers, funds new AI training programs for students and teachers, and strengthens governance frameworks designed to ensure responsible and transparent AI deployment across the region.
5. Renaissance launches nationwide rap contest on inspirational historical figures through Flocabulary
Kicking off the top five, Renaissance launches a nationwide rap competition inviting students to write and perform about historical figures who inspire them. Through its Flocabulary platform, the contest merges music, literacy, and history, with the winning entries turned into educational videos shared across 20,000 schools during National Poetry Month 2026.
4. OpenAI partners with North Carolina Department of Public Instruction for hands-on AI workshop
In at number four, OpenAI collaborates with North Carolina’s Department of Public Instruction to deliver a statewide workshop on practical ChatGPT use in schools. The session brought together educators, policymakers, and AI experts for real-world training in ethical and effective AI integration, cementing North Carolina’s position as one of the first states with an established K–12 AI policy.
3. Google introduces vibe coding in AI Studio to speed prompt-to-app builds
AI is back again at number three, as Google unveils vibe coding, a new Gemini-powered feature in AI Studio that lets users build full AI apps from a single prompt. Designed to lower technical barriers, it turns ideas into working multimodal prototypes in minutes, reflecting Google’s broader mission to democratize app creation and empower both developers and non-coders alike.
2. Anthropic announces partnership with Iceland’s Ministry of Education in national AI education pilot
Taking second place, Anthropic joins forces with Iceland’s Ministry of Education to launch one of the world’s first nationwide AI pilots in schools. The initiative brings Claude to classrooms across Iceland, helping teachers personalize learning, streamline lesson planning, and safeguard local languages—marking a defining step in how governments approach practical, ethical AI in education.
1. Google DeepMind launches AI for Math Initiative with five leading institutions
And taking the top spot this week, Google DeepMind announces its AI for Math Initiative, partnering with five global research institutions to explore how AI can advance mathematical reasoning. The collaboration builds on DeepMind’s earlier breakthroughs with AlphaGeometry and Gemini Deep Think, setting out to uncover new frontiers in science through human–AI partnership.
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.
