November's top edtech news: AI advances, strategic partnerships, and global education innovations
As November has come to a close, ETIH takes a look at the biggest edtech stories that shaped the month. From groundbreaking AI advancements to impactful partnerships and acquisitions, this month has been packed with innovation and progress in education technology.
Let’s take a look at the top ten stories of the month:
10. UNiDAYS and Zalando team up to launch Europe-wide student discount program
UNiDAYS, a global platform specializing in verified student discounts, has announced a new partnership with German online retailer Zalando.
The collaboration marks Zalando’s first venture into student discounts, offering university students in Germany and across Europe a 10% discount on Zalando’s wide range of fashion and lifestyle items.
9. Twinkl acquires Natterhub to strengthen online safety and digital citizenship tools for schools and parents
Twinkl, a global provider of educational resources and tools for schools, educators, and parents, has announced its acquisition of Natterhub, a platform designed to teach children aged 5-11 how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
The acquisition will integrate Natterhub into Twinkl’s existing ecosystem of educational solutions, strengthening its focus on supporting schools, parents, and students with online safety education.
8. MedAssist GPT introduced to advance AI-powered medical education in the UK
Trustwise, Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex (Health Innovation KSS), Hitachi Digital Services, and Further have launched MedAssist GPT, a generative AI application for medical education in the UK.
The tool is designed to provide UK medical students with real-time, evidence-based clinical guidance aligned with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines and NHS formulary data.
7. Multiverse and Microsoft introduce AI-powered apprenticeship for workforce training
Multiverse has partnered with Microsoft to support its “Get On” campaign, which wants to equip one million people with skills for an AI-driven economy by 2025.
As part of this collaboration, Multiverse has launched the AI-Powered Productivity apprenticeship, the UK’s first accredited program to integrate Microsoft 365 Copilot.
6. Rise Up acquires Yunoo to monetize training programs and expand LMS capabilities
Rise Up, a provider of adaptive learning solutions, has announced its acquisition of Yunoo, an e-commerce application for Learning Management Systems (LMS).
This acquisition integrates Yunoo’s features into Rise Up’s platform, enabling organizations to monetize training programs and align learning with business goals.
5. Multiverse expands leadership with appointments of Baroness Martha Lane Fox and Jillian Gillespie
Multiverse has announced the appointment of Baroness Martha Lane Fox to its board of directors, along with Jillian Gillespie as Chief Financial Officer.
The additions come as the edtech company expands its focus on addressing global skills gaps, particularly in AI and technology.
4. Accenture boosts cloud, wireless and 5G training with new Award Solutions acquisition
Accenture has announced the acquisition of Award Solutions, a Texas-based provider of training and consulting services in advanced wireless and network technologies, including 5G, IoT, and cloud solutions.
The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
3. Rising demand for AI courses in UK universities shows 453% growth as students adapt to an AI-driven job market
The demand for artificial intelligence courses in UK universities has surged dramatically over the past five years, with enrollments increasing by 453%, according to a recent study by Currys, a UK tech retailer.
The study, which analyzed UK university admissions data and surveyed current students and recent graduates, reveals how the growing influence of AI is shaping students' educational choices and career paths.
2. Biggest pressure facing teachers is ‘lack of respect’ says UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer today identified a “lack of respect” as one of the greatest challenges currently facing teachers.
Starmer made the remarks at a reception at Downing Street dedicated to celebrating teachers and teaching assistants, acknowledging the range of pressures the profession has faced in recent years.
1. 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 funding, which brings Buddy.ai’s total to $13 million, will support the company’s mission to bridge educational gaps through affordable, AI-based tutoring solutions designed for children.
