ETIH’s most-read stories last week: Pearson’s AI labs, quantum breakthroughs, and safer smartphones for kids
From partnerships pushing quantum computing forward to AI-focused innovation labs and safeguarding tech for families, this week’s headlines show just how broad the education and technology conversation has become.
Here’s our top 10 most-read ETIH stories from last week:
10. Universal Quantum teams up with Hamburg University of Technology on scalable quantum software
In at number 10, Universal Quantum Deutschland GmbH announced a major partnership with Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH).
The pair will create scalable software capable of supporting quantum systems with up to 100,000 physical qubits.
Backed by multi-million Euro funding from the Hamburg Innovation and Development Bank, the collaboration will deliver new programming interfaces, error-correction integration, and quantum benchmarking standards to support fault-tolerant computing.
9. MDPI signs first North American open-access agreement with Canadian research consortium
Next up, MDPI, the world’s largest open-access journal publisher, has signed its first North American consortium deal with Canada’s Federal Science Libraries Network (FSLN).
The two-year agreement gives Canadian federal agencies access to MDPI’s Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP), with discounted article processing charges for affiliated researchers.
8. Pearson launches new Innovation Lab to explore AI and immersive learning technologies
AI returns at number 8 as Pearson opened Pearson Labs at its London HQ to accelerate experimentation with AI, XR, and immersive learning.
The lab will act as a testbed for AI-driven prototypes, immersive experiences, and future product development, leveraging partnerships with Meta for Education, Google Android XR, and Vū Technologies.
7. AWS launches new AI upskilling programs for students and recent graduates
At number 7, Amazon Web Services unveiled two AI-focused training pathways to help students and early-career professionals gain generative AI and cloud skills.
Programs include a hands-on LLM League, where teams solve prompt engineering and fine-tuning challenges, and structured learning paths covering core AI and cloud tools. AWS will also award up to $2M in training credits to support participants.
6. MyTutor partners with DreamWorks Animation ahead of Bad Guys 2 film release
Sliding into number 6, UK tutoring platform MyTutor announced a marketing collaboration with DreamWorks Animation to promote Bad Guys 2 while linking summer tutoring to the movie’s characters and themes.
Families booking tutoring sessions are automatically entered into a competition to win a trip to Paris, with Bad Guys branding appearing across MyTutor’s site.
5. Arizona State University expands Aramark partnership with 15-year campus-wide hospitality deal
Kicking off the top five, Arizona State University (ASU) signed a 15-year agreement with Aramark, extending its partnership beyond dining halls to include athletics, vending, and workforce development.
The deal will see major upgrades to campus dining, sports concessions, and catering services, as well as new technology-driven micro-markets. Aramark will also collaborate with ASU’s Luminosity Lab to explore global hospitality innovations and offer students early career pathways through its Accelerate to Leadership program.
4. University of Westminster students visit LinkedIn HQ for AI and career insights in London
AI returns again at number 4 as students from the University of Westminster toured LinkedIn’s London headquarters and joined an AI Insider Watch Party on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of work.
The visit gave students direct insight into AI tools for job matching and profile optimization, plus career advice from LinkedIn staff.
3. Moldovan robotics teams reach quarter-finals in European competition as STEM education gains ground
At number 3, Moldova’s national robotics education program reached a milestone as four teams—Techno Storm, Sirius, Yunet Robotic, and RoboRangers, advanced to the play-offs of the FIRST Tech Challenge European Premier Event in Eindhoven.
The program, launched in 2014, now reaches 50,000+ students and 270 schools, with support from Innovate Moldova, Sweden, USAID, and UKAid.
2. World’s first ‘healthy iPhone’: is it time to rethink children’s access to technology?
This week’s runner-up is a comment piece from our very own News and Features Editor Rachel Lawler, who explored the rise of “healthy smartphones” for kids and teens.
Sage Mobile, launched by Techless, removes access to social media, browsers, and algorithm-driven apps, focusing on “trust by design” rather than restrictive parental controls. Experts like Dr. Patricia Britto highlighted the risks of early screen exposure, while campaigners called for stricter health and safety regulations on smartphones for children.
1. Preply launches The Better Duo campaign in response to Duolingo’s ‘AI-first’ model
And in at number 1, Preply responded to Duolingo’s pivot toward an AI-first model with its new campaign, The Better Duo, celebrating the human side of language learning.
The campaign highlights tutor-student success stories, such as Daniel, a U.S. mental health professional now able to conduct psychiatric evaluations in Spanish thanks to lessons with his tutor Jose Luis.
That’s the full countdown for this week’s top 10 stories
From quantum computing partnerships and AI labs to student visits, robotics triumphs, and a debate on children’s digital safety, this week’s headlines show the breadth of innovation, and the questions, shaping education right now.
We’ll be back next week with another roundup of the week’s most-read stories on ETIH.
