This week in EdTech: ETIH Innovation Awards are open for entries, AI policy expands, and esports go mainstream
From the launch of the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 to new global AI initiatives and esports in schools, here are the ten biggest stories shaping education this week.
This week’s EdTech news highlights the official launch of the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026, which will recognize innovation across K–12, higher education, workforce training, and lifelong learning. We also cover AI policy expansion in the US and Philippines, esports programs powered by Nintendo, curriculum developments, regional exam data, and a record-breaking performance at the world’s biggest hacking competition.
Here are the top ten stories of the week:
10. Asos Foundation backs OnSide to expand youth worker career pathway
In at number ten, OnSide has announced a new five-year partnership with the Asos Foundation to support youth workers across its network of UK Youth Zones. The initiative offers a structured career route from Level 2 qualifications through to degree level, with staff remaining in paid employment. Organizers say the program responds to a decade of youth service cuts and increasing demand for frontline support.
9. California partners with Adobe to deliver AI tools and literacy training in schools
Taking the ninth spot, the State of California has signed an agreement with Adobe to give students and teachers access to AI-powered creative tools, including Adobe Express and Firefly. The initiative focuses on workforce readiness and will include teacher training, student AI literacy programming, and content creation tools for use in lessons and career prep activities.
8. McGraw Hill launches K–5 Emerge! literacy curriculum
At number eight, McGraw Hill is preparing to pilot a new English Language Arts curriculum called Emerge!, built around its Science of Literacy framework. Developed with feedback from thousands of teachers and experts, the program uses real-time classroom data, small-group instruction, and curated text sets to support foundational literacy in early grades.
7. A-level results show rise in top grades but wider regional divides
Coming in at number seven, this year’s A-level results saw 28.3 percent of entries awarded A* or A, with improvements in England and Northern Ireland but a drop in Wales. Data also showed a growing divide between English regions, with the South East outperforming the North East. The findings have reignited debate about inequality in exam outcomes.
6. Carnegie Mellon takes ninth DEF CON hacking title
And in at number six, Carnegie Mellon’s Plaid Parliament of Pwning team secured its ninth win at DEF CON’s Capture-the-Flag contest. The team competed as Maple Mallard Magistrates, combining efforts with alumni and partners to top the leaderboard. The victory reinforces CMU’s status as a consistent leader in global cybersecurity competitions.
5. Nintendo brings esports to K–12 schools with Mario, Smash Bros, and Splatoon
Kicking off the top five, Nintendo has partnered with the Interstate Scholastic Esports Alliance (ISEA) to launch school-based gaming tournaments using some of its best-known titles. Starting this fall, over 80,000 students across 23 states will take part in competitions featuring Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Splatoon 3. The initiative includes free game codes and Switch Online memberships, aiming to boost student engagement and participation.
4. Pearson expands Study Prep AI learning platform to global markets
In at number four, Pearson has rolled out its AI-powered Study Prep platform to international learners. The tool offers subject-specific video content supported by an AI chatbot and personalized study plans, initially covering sciences, math, and psychology. The move follows Pearson’s recent partnership with HCLTech and forms part of its wider strategy to develop AI-driven, scalable education solutions.
3. Philippine government and Sutherland launch national AI Academy
Taking the number three spot, Sutherland and the Government of the Philippines have launched an AI Academy to deliver future-ready training in artificial intelligence and automation. The program will focus on upskilling workers across key sectors, with training in prompt engineering, cybersecurity, and AI integration. Backed by national and regional agencies, the initiative aims to strengthen digital capabilities across the country’s workforce.
2. German EdTech startup Paddy raises €1 million to support teachers with AI
Just missing the top spot, Berlin-based EdTech startup Paddy has raised €1 million in pre-seed funding to grow its AI platform for teachers. Designed by former educators, Paddy helps automate lesson planning and resource creation, with a current user base of over 12,000. The company says its tools are designed to reduce stress for teachers while also introducing students to practical AI usage in the classroom.
1. ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 officially open for entries
Taking the number one spot this week, the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 have officially launched. Open to companies, educators, and institutions worldwide, the awards will spotlight excellence in K–12, higher education, workforce learning, and lifelong development. With 23 categories covering everything from AI-powered platforms to student engagement tools and flexible learning solutions, the awards aim to set a new benchmark for the sector. Entries are open until 7 November, and winners will be featured in ETIH’s first print magazine, launching at BETT 2026.
