Year-End Special Part 2: 2026 AI & EdTech Predictions from Google, YouTube, Reach Capital, Owl Ventures & More!

Dec 31, 2025

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Amanda Bickerstaff

Guest

Join Jean-Claude Brizard, Sofia Fenichell, Amit A. Patel, and others as they predict the future of AI in education by 2026. Brizard discusses the shift from basic tools to engaging learner-centric assessments. Fenichell forecasts AI-driven tutors enhancing reading and testing, while Patel emphasizes the need for consistent AI performance to build trust. Rosier highlights peer tutoring through micro-assessments. The conversation also covers AI literacy’s rise and the importance of balancing technology with the central role of teachers in the classroom.

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ADVICE

Make Educators Co-Designers

Involve educators as co-designers, not passive users, to improve product relevance and adoption.
Jean-Claude Brizard urges companies to design with teachers and researchers for better outcomes.

INSIGHT

From Generic Assistants To Instructional AI

Move from generic AI helpers to curriculum- and science-informed instructional intelligence.
Sunil Gandaria predicts evidence-anchored AI combining curriculum, learning, and instructional science.

ADVICE

Adopt SAFE AI Principles

Adopt SAFE principles: safe, accountable, fair, effective when deploying AI in learning.
Sunil Gandaria recommends aligning educators, companies, and policymakers around that goal.

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In Part 2 of our year-end reflections, Alex speaks with educators, founders, investors, and platform leaders about what 2026 may bring for AI and learning at scale.

🎙️ Featuring insights from:

Shantanu Sinha, Director of Education, Google for Education
Katie Kurtz, Managing Director & Global Head of Youth & Learning, YouTube
Amit Patel, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Owl Ventures
Jomayra Herrera, Partner, Reach Capital
Jean-Claude Brizard, President & CEO, Digital Promise
Sunil Gunderia, Co-Founder & CEO, Stealth
Sofia Fenichell, Founder & CEO, Study Hall.AI
Soren Rosier, Founder, PeerTeach
Dan Carroll, Co-Founder, Clever
Juliette Reid, Director of Market Research, Reading Horizons
Amanda Bickerstaff, CEO, AI for Education

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