ETIH Innovation Awards: Best Use of EdTech in Higher Education shortlist shows institutional impact
Universities using AI, digital platforms, and data-led systems show how institutional adoption is moving beyond pilots into scaled delivery.
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 category spotlight series continues with Best Use of EdTech in Higher Education, following more than 140 entries submitted across this year’s awards and reflecting the strength of institutional innovation across the sector.
This category recognizes universities and higher education institutions embedding EdTech to improve teaching, research, and operations, with winners set to be announced on May 11.
Where institutional adoption moves from strategy to delivery
This category centers on how higher education institutions are applying EdTech in practice rather than theory. Submissions include large-scale platform deployments, AI-supported learning systems, and structured digital programs that expand access, improve delivery, and support workforce readiness across campuses.
Judges are assessing how effectively technology is implemented and scaled. This includes whether solutions move beyond isolated pilots, how they integrate into existing systems, and whether they deliver measurable improvements in student experience, faculty workflows, or employability outcomes.
There is also a focus on evidence and sustainability. Strong entries demonstrate clear outcomes such as improved access to tools, more consistent delivery, or stronger links between learning and real-world application. At the same time, solutions are expected to remain usable at scale, rather than introducing additional complexity or reliance on specialist support.
Finalists
AppsAnywhere (Purdue University College of Engineering)
Purdue University’s College of Engineering transformed software access for 16,000+ students through its partnership with AppsAnywhere. Facing major challenges in licensing, hardware requirements and inconsistent access to high-performance engineering applications, Purdue implemented a unified, cloud-based delivery platform enabling students to launch critical tools like MATLAB, SolidWorks, and ANSYS from any device, anywhere. This digital transformation eliminated classroom disruptions, improved instructional efficiency and ensured equity in access regardless of device or location. The initiative now serves as a model for scaling software delivery across Purdue campuses, supporting both academic excellence and institutional efficiency.
Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU Tech Policy Hackathon 2025)
The APRU Tech Policy Hackathon 2025 is a multi-stage digital learning platform immersing students in AI- and data-driven problem-solving for underserved Southeast Asian communities. Unlike conventional hackathons, it delivers a blended learning curriculum across three experiential phases: a competitive application process, a policy brief submission, and a three-day mentor-guided prototype sprint with Google, NUS, NECTEC, and Microsoft.
Drawing 299 applicants from 40 universities across 15 economies, the platform produced 12 implementation-ready prototypes assessed on feasibility, ROI, and scalability.
A replicable, equity-driven model proving structured experiential learning delivers measurable, real-world outcomes at regional scale.
Blackboard is redefining what an LMS can do in higher education by combining first-to-market AI innovation, accessibility, analytics, and inclusive design in one cloud-based platform. Blackboard LMS helps institutions improve teaching efficiency, deepen student engagement, and support measurable student success at a time of increasing complexity across the sector. Features such as AI Design Assistant and AI Conversation reduced faculty workload, strengthened AI literacy, and created more interactive learning experiences. Built through educator co-design and grounded in a trustworthy AI approach, Blackboard stands out for delivering meaningful innovation that is practical, scalable, and directly aligned to institutional goals for quality, equity, and outcomes.
Impact Consulting has developed a scalable, technology-enabled work-based learning initiative that bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world experience.
Through a structured digital ecosystem including a student portal, skills-based quizzes and project delivery frameworks, the initiative enhances student readiness for the workplace while supporting universities in embedding employability into curricula.
By combining data-driven insights, digital learning tools and real client projects, Impact Consulting has improved student engagement, confidence and practical skill development. The initiative enables institutions to deliver measurable outcomes in employability, student satisfaction and industry collaboration at scale.
Explore the full shortlist
You can explore the full ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 shortlist to see the companies and platforms shaping this year’s awards. Winners will be announced on May 11.
