Top ten EdTech stories of the week: AI scale, global partnerships, and assessment pressure
From AI funding and research partnerships to higher education strategy, platform launches, and questions around assessment and integrity, last week’s developments showed how rapidly education systems are adjusting to AI-driven change.
Last week highlighted a period of acceleration across EdTech, with artificial intelligence continuing to reshape how education, research, and skills development are structured and delivered. Activity spanned policy, higher education, startups, and large technology platforms, with a growing emphasis on real-world deployment rather than experimentation. As AI becomes embedded across learning environments, attention is shifting toward impact, governance, and long-term value, setting the context for a week defined by strategic moves, new partnerships, and increasingly confident adoption across the sector.
10. Meta launches AI Glasses Impact Grants to back accessibility and social use cases
In at number ten, Meta announced a new grants program focused on AI glasses, with funding aimed at U.S.-based organizations working on accessibility, education, and other social impact applications. The initiative includes Accelerator Grants for established projects and Catalyst Grants for early-stage ideas, with a focus on hands-free, context-aware AI use across disability support, learning, and care settings.
9. BBC to launch YouTube channels for children alongside digital content training
Taking the ninth spot, BBC confirmed plans to launch new YouTube channels for children and young audiences as part of a wider partnership with YouTube. The deal also includes a national training program to upskill creators and producers in digital-first content, supported by the National Film and Television School and delivered across BBC hubs in the UK.
8. ETH Zurich, EPFL, and Stanford HAI formalize human-centered AI partnership
At number eight, ETH Zurich, EPFL, and Stanford HAI signed a transatlantic agreement to collaborate on human-centered AI research. The partnership focuses on open foundation models, evaluation frameworks, and responsible deployment, positioning academia as a counterweight to commercially driven AI development.
7. BETT 2026: Canva opens first UK higher education student ambassador program
Landing at number seven, Canva opened applications for its first UK-based higher education student ambassador program during Bett 2026. The Gen C initiative targets university and further education students already using Canva, with ambassadors supporting peer learning, campus events, and community-led content focused on design and AI-supported creativity.
6. Kazakhstan links MedTech strategy to higher education in AstraZeneca agreement
At number six, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science and Higher Education outlined how MedTech, data, and AI are being tied directly to national competitiveness following a new agreement with AstraZeneca. The partnership connects higher education, applied research, and real-world clinical data, with a focus on talent development, healthcare resilience, and long-term economic diversification.
5. BETT 2026: Turnitin warns assessment models must evolve as AI use accelerates
Rounding out the first half of the countdown at number five, Turnitin used a Bett 2026 session to address growing uncertainty around acceptable AI use in assessment. Chief Product Officer Annie Chechitelli argued that academic integrity now depends on transparency and process-based evaluation, with institutions still struggling to keep policy and pedagogy aligned with student behavior.
5. BETT 2026: Turnitin warns assessment models must evolve as AI use accelerates
Rounding out the top five, Turnitin used a BETT 2026 session to address growing uncertainty around acceptable AI use in assessment, with Chief Product Officer Annie Chechitelli arguing that institutions are still struggling to align policy, pedagogy, and student behavior. Speaking during a session titled How much is too much?, Chechitelli focused on transparency, process-based assessment, and the limits of detection-led approaches.
4. BETT 2026: Microsoft outlines major AI, Copilot, and classroom updates across education stack
In at number four, Microsoft used a series of BETT 2026 sessions to set out how AI, Copilot, and Minecraft Education are being embedded across teaching, assessment, and curriculum planning. Updates spanned Microsoft 365, Teams for Education, Learning Accelerators, and LMS integrations, with a focus on classroom-ready tools rather than standalone AI products.
3. Former Google General Manager launches new AI-first EdTech platform in the US and India
Entering the top three, former Google General Manager Peeyush Ranjan confirmed the launch of Fermi.ai, an AI-first EdTech platform focused on STEM learning across the US and India. The product emphasizes reasoning and problem-solving rather than answer generation, with early pilots showing consistent progress as students moved through structured practice and independent learning.
2. OpenAI sets Singapore Builder Lounge as APAC startup engagement expands
Taking the second spot, OpenAI announced it will host its first Builder Lounge in Singapore, signaling deeper engagement with AI-native startup founders across the Asia-Pacific region. The invite-only event is designed around hands-on building and direct access to OpenAI teams, rather than formal presentations.
1. UCL-founded AI startup acquired by Accenture in $1 billion deal
Claiming the top spot this week, a UCL-founded AI startup was acquired by Accenture in a deal reported to be worth more than $1 billion, making it the largest acquisition of a privately held AI company in the UK to date. Faculty, founded by UCL graduates, will see its 400-strong team join Accenture as the consultancy expands its AI advisory and delivery capabilities.
