Top ten EdTech stories of the week: AI policy, infrastructure, and skills shift into focus
A week shaped by AI policy moves, institutional change, workforce strategy, and continued momentum around the ETIH Innovation Awards as the sector moves deeper into implementation.
Activity across the week points to a more settled phase for EdTech, where AI is no longer being introduced but worked into systems, policy, and day-to-day delivery. Attention is moving toward how institutions manage scale, how skills are built across education and workforce pathways, and how infrastructure holds up under growing demand. Alongside this, momentum continues to build around the ETIH Innovation Awards, with the conversation increasingly focused on real-world impact and measurable outcomes rather than early-stage experimentation.
10. University of Nottingham expands Infosys partnership to upgrade student systems
In at number ten, the University of Nottingham extended its partnership with Infosys to upgrade its student management system and supporting infrastructure. The work focuses on maintaining NottinghamHub while improving performance, security, and system resilience across its UK, Malaysia, and China campuses.
9. NSF commits $11 million to expand AI training for K-12 teachers
Taking the ninth spot, the National Science Foundation awarded $11 million to the Computer Science Teachers Association to scale AI training for K-12 educators. The initiative targets thousands of teachers across multiple states, focusing on building foundational AI and computer science knowledge in classrooms.
8. ETIH Innovation Awards 2026: judges spotlight on Scott Thompson
At number eight, EdTech Innovation Hub named Scott Thompson as a judge for the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026, bringing experience across technology journalism, AI, and digital transformation. His appointment adds further editorial and industry perspective to the panel as entries move into the assessment phase.
7. MIT and HPI launch 10-year AI and creativity hub
Landing at number seven, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Hasso Plattner Institute launched a joint AI and Creativity Hub, structured as a 10-year program linking research, teaching, and academic exchange. The initiative brings together computing, design, and interdisciplinary collaboration across both institutions.
6. Google DeepMind appoints Jasjeet Sekhon as Chief Strategy Officer
Taking sixth place, Google DeepMind appointed Jasjeet Sekhon as Chief Strategy Officer, expanding leadership across research, commercialization, and policy. The role reflects a shift toward more integrated decision-making as AI development accelerates and scrutiny increases around deployment and governance.
5. White House outlines national AI policy framework with focus on skills and education
Entering the top five, the White House set out a national AI policy framework linking AI development with workforce training and education systems. The proposals focus on embedding AI skills into existing programs, expanding labor market analysis, and establishing a more consistent federal approach to regulation.
4. ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 judges spotlight on Emma Cate Thompson
At number four, EdTech Innovation Hub named Emma Cate Thompson as a judge for the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026, adding classroom leadership experience alongside ongoing editorial insight into AI, EdTech, and workforce development.
3. ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 judges spotlight on Richard Govada Joshua
Breaking into the top three, EdTech Innovation Hub confirmed Richard Govada Joshua as part of the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 judging panel, bringing experience in AI, enterprise systems, and workforce development across public and private sector environments.
2. OpenAI launches search for student AI talent with ChatGPT 26 program
Taking the runner-up position, OpenAI launched its ChatGPT 26 initiative to identify and support students building with AI across the US and Canada. The program offers funding, access to tools, and visibility for individuals applying AI beyond academic settings, as competition for early-stage talent increases.
1. ETIH Innovation Awards judges rollout continues with Kate Owbridge announcement
Claiming the top spot, EdTech Innovation Hub confirmed Kate Owbridge as a judge for the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026, bringing experience across school leadership, inspection, and system-level evaluation. The announcement adds further depth to a panel focused on assessing real-world implementation and measurable outcomes.
