Top ten EdTech stories of the week: OpenAI jobs platform, AI education pledges, and Turnitin’s new detection tool lead the week
From ChatGPT campus rollouts and new AI publishing rules to retail-based learning pilots and thought leadership shifts, these are the top EdTech stories of the week.
This week’s EdTech headlines spotlight AI infrastructure at scale, with OpenAI expanding into workforce development, Indiana University rolling out ChatGPT Edu to 120,000 users, and Turnitin facing questions over its new AI bypasser detection. There’s also fresh investment in career readiness, new faces at Pearson, and a retail learning model rolling out on campus.
10. Indiana University rolls out ChatGPT Edu to 120,000 students and staff
In at number ten, Indiana University has launched the second-largest ChatGPT Edu rollout in the country, giving institutional access to 120,000 students, faculty, and staff. The program includes AI-powered learning, teaching, and research tools, alongside a free GenAI 101 course. Students will get access in January 2026, with staff onboarding this autumn.
9. Accenture marketing lead Veronica Filgueira joins Pearson as Director of Thought Leadership
Taking the ninth spot, Accenture veteran Veronica Filgueira has joined Pearson Education as Global Director of Thought Leadership. She says the role aligns with her mission to help people evolve through learning, calling education “the heart” of her work. Pearson also released new data showing how AI tools are encouraging higher-order thinking across its Campbell Biology platform.
8. Follett and Saxbys partner on experiential campus retail pilot
At number eight, Follett Higher Education has teamed up with Saxbys to pilot an experiential learning model within campus bookstores. Launching at Northeastern University, the program will install Student CEOs to manage day-to-day bookstore operations, gaining full-time wages, academic credit, and leadership experience. A second site is set to open at Purdue in Spring 2026.
7. APA issues new AI policy for academic publishing
AI is back again in the seventh spot, with the American Psychological Association publishing updated guidelines on the use of generative AI in academic journals. AI must now be disclosed in manuscripts but cannot be listed as an author. The policy covers ethics, accuracy, and privacy, while stressing the need for human responsibility in research and review.
6. Turnitin’s AI bypasser detection tool prompts debate over effectiveness
And in at number six, Turnitin has rolled out new technology to detect content rewritten by AI “humanizers” designed to bypass detection. While the update expands its AI writing identification tool, academics have raised concerns about false positives, lack of transparency, and unclear metrics. Independent tests returned inconsistent results, reigniting debate over AI detection limits.
5. Pearson and Cognizant announce global workforce partnership
Kicking off the top five, Pearson has partnered with Cognizant to deliver AI and digital skills training for the global workforce. The deal will embed Pearson content across Cognizant platforms, supporting graduates, apprentices, and mid-career professionals. Pearson will also use Cognizant’s AI and cloud infrastructure to build new immersive learning solutions.
4. White House AI initiative backed by Google, Amazon, Anthropic, and others
In at number four, the White House has launched a national initiative focused on preparing students and teachers for the AI economy. Tech firms including Google, Amazon, Anthropic, and Brainly signed the Pledge to America’s Youth, committing funding, training, and resources. Google pledged $1 billion, including tools like Gemini for Education for every U.S. high school.
3. OpenAI launches new jobs platform and certification program
Taking the third spot, OpenAI has unveiled its Jobs Platform and Certifications initiative, supported by Walmart, Accenture, Indeed, and others. The platform will connect AI-trained talent with employers, while the certifications program will offer credentials in AI fluency and prompt engineering. OpenAI aims to certify 10 million Americans by 2030.
2. UNESCO publishes global roadmap for AI in education
Just missing the top spot, UNESCO has released a 160-page report on AI and the future of education, calling for policies that prioritize inclusion, ethics, and pedagogy over automation. Presented at Digital Learning Week in Paris, the report urges education systems to work with teachers, not replace them, and stresses the need for equity and public oversight in AI deployment.
1. OpenAI launches $50 million People-First AI Fund for nonprofits
And topping the list this week, OpenAI has announced a $50 million People-First AI Fund to support nonprofit and community-led innovation in the U.S. The fund offers unrestricted grants for organizations working in education, healthcare, and economic inclusion, with applications open through October 8. The move signals OpenAI’s intent to embed equity into its AI development roadmap.
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.
Winners will be announced on 14 January 2026 as part of an online showcase featuring expert commentary on emerging trends and standout innovation. All winners and finalists will also be featured in our first print magazine, to be distributed at BETT 2026.
To explore categories and submit your entry, visit the ETIH Innovation Awards hub.
