Weekly EdTech Roundup: AI in Education, New Partnerships, and Funding News

As we settle into November, we’re bringing you the latest developments from the world of educational technology to keep your classrooms and learning environments energised.

Here’s to a productive and insightful November! Let’s dive into this week’s top stories:

Buddy.ai secures $11M to boost AI tutoring for kids, tackling global education gaps

Buddy.ai, an AI-powered tutoring platform for young learners, has raised $11 million in a seed funding round led by BITKRAFT Ventures, with support from Educapital and others.

“The traditional 1-on-1 teacher-to-child education model is unaffordable for many families and not scalable for teachers,” explained Jasper Brand, Partner at BITKRAFT Ventures. “Buddy.ai is uniquely positioned with a threefold combination of technical depth, expertise in Early Learning, and a knack for positively engaging content.”

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Learning Care Group announces new CFO and Chief Growth Officer to drive expansion

Learning Care Group (LCG), the second-largest for-profit early education and child care provider in North America, has announced key leadership changes effective November 1, 2024.

Adam Schober has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO), while Douglas R. Baker, the current CFO, will take on the newly created role of Chief Growth Officer (CGO). Both will report directly to Mark Bierley, LCG’s Chief Executive Officer.

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teamLab Planets Tokyo announces major 2025 expansion with interactive educational spaces

The popular Tokyo-based art museum teamLab Planets TOKYO nets TOKYO DMM will unveil a large-scale expansion on 22 January 2025.

The new spaces will include the Athletic Forest, which features complex, three-dimensional environments intended to engage visitors physically and mentally. Installations within the Athletic Forest include “Rapidly Rotating Bouncing Spheres,” “Multi Jumping Universe,” and “Aerial Climbing through a Flock of Colored Birds.”

These exhibits allow visitors to navigate various terrains and structures, encouraging the perception of space through bodily movement.

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illanova University appoints Marilou Smith as Vice President for facilities management

Villanova University has named Marilou Smith as Vice President for Facilities Management, following a national search that attracted candidates from across the country.

In her new role, Smith will oversee all aspects of facilities management at Villanova, including facility planning, design and construction, building and grounds maintenance, custodial services, and environmental safety.

She will also join Villanova’s leadership team, working with university executives to support campus development and ensure the university’s facilities align with the institution’s mission and growth objectives.

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University of Arizona and Springboard launch online tech bootcamps for career advancement

The University of Arizona’s Continuing & Professional Education (CaPE) and online learning platform Springboard have introduced five new online bootcamps focused on key technology skills.

Andrew Moers, president of consumer business at Springboard, stated:

"Today's workforce is increasingly tech-driven, and it is crucial to provide learners with the skills needed to thrive in this evolving landscape.

"We're incredibly excited to partner with University of Arizona Continuing & Professional Education, an innovator in continuing education, to provide flexible, high-quality programs for learners looking to advance or change their careers."

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