Introduction
The landscape of education is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and innovative approaches to learning. Educational technology, or edtech, has become a cornerstone of modern education, transforming how we teach, learn, and interact with knowledge. This article highlights the 100 most influential individuals who are shaping the future of edtech in 2025.
These visionaries come from diverse backgrounds – educators, entrepreneurs, technologists, policymakers, and thought leaders. They are united by their passion for leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences and outcomes. From artificial intelligence and virtual reality to personalized learning platforms and accessibility tools, these influencers are at the forefront of educational innovation.
Our selection criteria for this list include:
- Impact on the edtech industry
- Innovative contributions to educational technology
- Influence on education policy and practice
- Thought leadership in the field
- Ability to drive change and inspire others
Let’s explore the individuals who are revolutionizing education through technology.
The List
1. Salman Khan – Founder, Khan Academy
Salman Khan continues to be a pivotal figure in online education. Khan Academy’s free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere has expanded its reach to over 100 million users globally. Khan’s focus on AI-driven personalized learning has set new standards in adaptive education.
2. Sebastian Thrun – Co-founder and CEO, Udacity
Sebastian Thrun’s work in AI-enhanced learning and nanodegrees has redefined professional education. Udacity’s partnerships with major tech companies have created a direct pipeline from education to employment in cutting-edge fields.
3. Daphne Koller – Co-founder, Coursera and Insitro
Daphne Koller’s contributions to online learning platforms and her recent work in applying machine learning to life sciences education have positioned her as a key innovator in interdisciplinary edtech.
4. Byju Raveendran – Founder and CEO, BYJU’S
Byju Raveendran has transformed BYJU’S into the world’s most valuable edtech company. His focus on gamified learning and personalized education has revolutionized K-12 education, especially in emerging markets.
5. Anant Agarwal – Founder and CEO, edX
Anant Agarwal’s leadership has made edX a cornerstone of the MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) movement. His advocacy for micro-credentials and modular learning has influenced higher education globally.
6. Mike Feerick – CEO and Founder, Alison
Mike Feerick’s commitment to free education and skills training has made Alison a leader in workforce development. His focus on certificates and diplomas for practical skills has empowered millions of learners worldwide.
7. Luis von Ahn – Co-founder and CEO, Duolingo
Luis von Ahn’s gamification of language learning has made Duolingo the world’s most popular way to learn a language. His innovative approach to user engagement and adaptive learning has influenced numerous other edtech platforms.
8. Reshma Saujani – Founder, Girls Who Code
Reshma Saujani’s work in promoting gender diversity in technology education has had a lasting impact on the tech industry. Girls Who Code has expanded globally, inspiring a new generation of female technologists.
9. Satya Nadella – CEO, Microsoft
Under Satya Nadella’s leadership, Microsoft has become a major player in edtech. Microsoft Teams for Education and investments in AI-driven learning tools have positioned the company at the forefront of educational technology.
10. Tim Cook – CEO, Apple
Tim Cook has continued Apple’s legacy in education, with initiatives like Everyone Can Code and augmented reality tools for learning. Apple’s focus on accessibility in education has set industry standards.
11. Sundar Pichai – CEO, Google and Alphabet
Sundar Pichai has driven Google’s educational initiatives, including Google Classroom and Chromebooks for Education. Google’s AI-driven tools for education have become essential in classrooms worldwide.
12. Jennifer Carolan – Co-founder and General Partner, Reach Capital
Jennifer Carolan’s work in edtech venture capital has funded numerous groundbreaking startups. Her focus on equity in education technology has influenced the direction of the industry.
13. Sal Khan – Founder, Khan Academy
Sal Khan’s continued innovation in online learning, including the integration of AI tutors and expanded subject offerings, has kept Khan Academy at the forefront of free, accessible education.
14. Evan Spiegel – Co-founder and CEO, Snap Inc.
Evan Spiegel’s focus on augmented reality in education through Snapchat has opened new avenues for immersive learning experiences.
15. Cindy Mi – Founder and CEO, VIPKid
Cindy Mi’s platform connecting English learners with native speakers has revolutionized language education. VIPKid’s expansion into AI-assisted learning has set new standards in online language instruction.
16. Dan Rosensweig – CEO, Chegg
Dan Rosensweig has transformed Chegg from a textbook rental company into a comprehensive digital learning platform. Chegg’s focus on personalized learning and academic support has made it indispensable for millions of students.
17. Jessie Woolley-Wilson – President and CEO, DreamBox Learning
Jessie Woolley-Wilson’s leadership in adaptive learning technology has made DreamBox a leader in K-8 math education. Her focus on using data to personalize learning experiences has influenced the entire edtech industry.
18. Chip Paucek – Co-founder and CEO, 2U
Chip Paucek’s work in partnering with universities to deliver online degree programs has reshaped higher education. 2U’s expansion into short courses and boot camps has created new pathways for lifelong learning.
19. Matt Glotzbach – CEO, Quizlet
Under Matt Glotzbach’s leadership, Quizlet has evolved from a simple flashcard app to a comprehensive study platform. Quizlet’s use of machine learning to personalize study plans has set new standards in adaptive learning.
20. Mitch Kapor – Partner, Kapor Capital
Mitch Kapor’s investments in edtech startups focused on closing opportunity gaps have had a significant impact on educational equity. His advocacy for diversity in tech education has influenced the entire industry.
21. Audrey Watters – Writer and Scholar
Audrey Watters’ critical analysis of edtech trends and policies has shaped important conversations about the role of technology in education. Her work challenges the industry to consider the broader implications of educational technology.
22. Andrew Ng – Co-founder, Coursera and deeplearning.ai
Andrew Ng’s contributions to AI education have made complex topics accessible to millions. His work in developing AI curricula has influenced how technology is taught globally.
23. Kimberly Bryant – Founder and CEO, Black Girls Code
Kimberly Bryant’s work in promoting diversity in tech education has inspired numerous similar initiatives. Black Girls Code’s expansion and partnerships have created new opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech.
24. Vicki Davis – Teacher and Creator, Cool Cat Teacher Blog
Vicki Davis’ practical insights into classroom technology use have made her a trusted voice for educators worldwide. Her podcast and blog continue to bridge the gap between edtech innovation and classroom implementation.
25. Todd Rose – Co-founder and President, Populace
Todd Rose’s work on personalized learning and the “science of the individual” has influenced how edtech companies approach learner variability. His advocacy for moving beyond one-size-fits-all education has shaped industry trends.
26. Angela Duckworth – Founder and CEO, Character Lab
Angela Duckworth’s research on grit and character development has influenced how edtech platforms approach non-cognitive skills. Character Lab’s tools for educators have become widely adopted in schools.
27. Sugata Mitra – Professor of Educational Technology
Sugata Mitra’s “Hole in the Wall” experiments and work on self-organized learning environments continue to influence approaches to technology in education, especially in developing countries.
28. Esther Wojcicki – Educator and Journalist
Esther Wojcicki’s TRICK (Trust, Respect, Independence, Collaboration, and Kindness) approach to education has influenced how many edtech platforms design for student engagement and autonomy.
29. Michael Horn – Co-founder, Clayton Christensen Institute
Michael Horn’s work on disruptive innovation in education has shaped how many view the role of technology in learning. His insights continue to influence edtech strategy and policy.
30. Daphne Bavelier – Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Daphne Bavelier’s research on the impact of video games on learning has influenced the development of educational games and cognitive training programs.
31. Jaime Casap – Education Evangelist
Jaime Casap’s work in promoting digital equity and his insights into the future of work have influenced how edtech companies approach workforce development and skills training.
32. Aileen Lee – Founder and Partner, Cowboy Ventures
Aileen Lee’s investments in edtech startups have helped bring innovative ideas to market. Her focus on founder diversity has influenced the edtech startup ecosystem.
33. Betsy Corcoran – Co-founder and CEO, EdSurge
Betsy Corcoran’s leadership of EdSurge has made it a key source of information and analysis for the edtech industry. Her work has shaped how educators and entrepreneurs understand the edtech landscape.
34. John Hattie – Director, Melbourne Education Research Institute
John Hattie’s research on visible learning has influenced how many edtech platforms approach feedback and assessment. His work continues to shape evidence-based practices in educational technology.
35. Wendy Kopp – CEO and Co-founder, Teach For All
Wendy Kopp’s global network of education leaders has been instrumental in bringing innovative practices, including edtech solutions, to classrooms worldwide.
36. Demis Hassabis – Co-founder and CEO, DeepMind
Demis Hassabis’ work in artificial intelligence has profound implications for personalized learning and adaptive educational systems. DeepMind’s educational initiatives are pushing the boundaries of AI in education.
37. Kaya Henderson – Former Chancellor, DC Public Schools
Kaya Henderson’s work in urban education reform, including the integration of technology in schools, has influenced how many districts approach edtech implementation.
38. Daphne Koller – Co-founder, Coursera and Insitro
Daphne Koller’s continued innovations in online learning and her work applying machine learning to life sciences education have kept her at the forefront of edtech innovation.
39. Sal Khan – Founder and CEO, Khan Academy
Sal Khan’s ongoing work in expanding Khan Academy’s offerings and his experiments with AI-powered tutoring continue to shape the landscape of free online education.
40. Anant Agarwal – Founder and CEO, edX
Anant Agarwal’s leadership in the MOOC space and his advocacy for micro-credentials continue to influence higher education and lifelong learning trends.
41. Sebastian Thrun – Co-founder and CEO, Udacity
Sebastian Thrun’s focus on AI education and workforce development through Udacity’s nanodegree programs continues to bridge the gap between education and industry needs.
42. Byju Raveendran – Founder and CEO, BYJU’S
Byju Raveendran’s expansion of BYJU’S into new markets and subjects has solidified its position as a global leader in K-12 edtech.
43. Luis von Ahn – Co-founder and CEO, Duolingo
Luis von Ahn’s continued innovations in language learning technology, including the use of AI for personalized instruction, have kept Duolingo at the forefront of educational apps.
44. Reshma Saujani – Founder, Girls Who Code
Reshma Saujani’s expansion of Girls Who Code’s programs and her advocacy for women in tech continue to address gender disparities in STEM education.
45. Tim Cook – CEO, Apple
Tim Cook’s leadership in making Apple products and software integral to modern classrooms has maintained the company’s significant influence in education technology.
46. Sundar Pichai – CEO, Google and Alphabet
Under Sundar Pichai’s leadership, Google’s educational tools and platforms have become ubiquitous in schools worldwide, shaping how technology is integrated into education.
47. Satya Nadella – CEO, Microsoft
Satya Nadella’s focus on cloud-based educational tools and accessibility features has kept Microsoft at the forefront of educational technology.
48. Jennifer Carolan – Co-founder and General Partner, Reach Capital
Jennifer Carolan’s investments in innovative edtech startups continue to shape the future of the industry, with a particular focus on equity and access.
49. Cindy Mi – Founder and CEO, VIPKid
Cindy Mi’s expansion of VIPKid’s services and her focus on cultural exchange through education have maintained the platform’s position as a leader in online language learning.
50. Dan Rosensweig – CEO, Chegg
Dan Rosensweig’s leadership in expanding Chegg’s services beyond textbooks into comprehensive academic support has made it an essential resource for students.
51. Jessie Woolley-Wilson – President and CEO, DreamBox Learning
Jessie Woolley-Wilson’s continued innovation in adaptive learning technology has kept DreamBox at the forefront of personalized math education.
52. Chip Paucek – Co-founder and CEO, 2U
Chip Paucek’s work in expanding 2U’s partnerships and program offerings has continued to reshape online higher education.
53. Matt Glotzbach – CEO, Quizlet
Matt Glotzbach’s leadership in enhancing Quizlet’s AI-powered study tools has maintained its position as a go-to platform for students worldwide.
54. Mitch Kapor – Partner, Kapor Capital
Mitch Kapor’s ongoing investments in edtech startups focused on equity and inclusion continue to drive important conversations in the industry.
55. Audrey Watters – Writer and Scholar
Audrey Watters’ critical analysis of edtech trends continues to provide important perspective and challenge the industry to consider the broader implications of technology in education.
56. Andrew Ng – Co-founder, Coursera and deeplearning.ai
Andrew Ng’s ongoing work in AI education and his development of new courses and programs continue to make cutting-edge technology accessible to learners worldwide.
57. Kimberly Bryant – Founder and CEO, Black Girls Code
Kimberly Bryant’s expansion of Black Girls Code’s programs and her advocacy for diversity in tech education continue to create opportunities for underrepresented groups.
58. Vicki Davis – Teacher and Creator, Cool Cat Teacher Blog
Vicki Davis’ ongoing work in bridging the gap between edtech innovation and classroom implementation continues to provide valuable insights for educators worldwide.
59. Todd Rose – Co-founder and President, Populace
Todd Rose’s continued advocacy for personalized learning and his research on learner variability continue to influence how edtech companies approach product development.
60. Angela Duckworth – Founder and CEO, Character Lab
Angela Duckworth’s ongoing research on non-cognitive skills and her development of tools for educators continue to shape how edtech platforms approach character development.
61. Sugata Mitra – Professor of Educational Technology
Sugata Mitra’s continued work on self-organized learning environments and his experiments with technology in education continue to influence approaches to learning, especially in developing countries.
62. Esther Wojcicki – Educator and Journalist
Esther Wojcicki’s TRICK approach continues to influence how edtech platforms design for student engagement and autonomy.
63. Michael Horn – Co-founder, Clayton Christensen Institute
Michael Horn’s ongoing analysis of disruptive innovation in education continues to shape strategies in the edtech industry.
64. Daphne Bavelier – Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Daphne Bavelier’s continued research on the cognitive effects of video games influences the development of educational games and cognitive training programs.
65. Jaime Casap – Education Evangelist
Jaime Casap’s ongoing work in promoting digital equity and his insights into the future of work continue to influence how edtech companies approach workforce development.
66. Aileen Lee – Founder and Partner, Cowboy Ventures
Aileen Lee’s investments in edtech startups and her focus on founder diversity continue to shape the edtech startup ecosystem.
67. Betsy Corcoran – Co-founder and CEO, EdSurge
Betsy Corcoran’s leadership of EdSurge continues to provide crucial information and analysis for the edtech industry.
68. John Hattie – Director, Melbourne Education Research Institute
John Hattie’s ongoing research on visible learning continues to influence how edtech platforms approach feedback and assessment.
69. Wendy Kopp – CEO and Co-founder, Teach For All
Wendy Kopp’s global network continues to bring innovative practices, including edtech solutions, to classrooms worldwide.
70. Demis Hassabis – Co-founder and CEO, DeepMind
Demis Hassabis’ ongoing work in AI continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in personalized and adaptive learning.
71. Kaya Henderson – Former Chancellor, DC Public Schools
Kaya Henderson’s continued advocacy for urban education reform, including the integration of technology, influences how many districts approach edtech implementation.
72. Shanna Peeples – 2015 National Teacher of the Year
Shanna Peeples’ insights into classroom technology use and her advocacy for teacher voice in edtech development continue to influence the industry.
73. Salman Khan – Founder, Khan Academy
Salman Khan’s ongoing innovations in online education, including experiments with AI tutoring, continue to shape the landscape of free, accessible learning.
74. Daphne Koller – Co-founder, Coursera and Insitro
Daphne Koller’s work in applying machine learning to education and life sciences continues to push the boundaries of interdisciplinary learning.
75. Sebastian Thrun – Co-founder and CEO, Udacity
Sebastian Thrun’s focus on AI education and workforce development continues to bridge the gap between traditional education and industry needs.
76. Byju Raveendran – Founder and CEO, BYJU’S
Byju Raveendran’s expansion of BYJU’S into new markets and subjects continues to solidify its position as a global leader in K-12 edtech.
77. Luis von Ahn – Co-founder and CEO, Duolingo
Luis von Ahn’s innovations in language learning technology, including AI-powered personalization, keep Duolingo at the forefront of educational apps.
78. Reshma Saujani – Founder, Girls Who Code
Reshma Saujani’s ongoing work in expanding coding education for girls continues to address gender disparities in STEM fields.
79. Tim Cook – CEO, Apple
Tim Cook’s leadership in integrating Apple products and software into classrooms maintains the company’s significant influence in education technology.
80. Sundar Pichai – CEO, Google and Alphabet
Under Sundar Pichai’s leadership, Google’s educational tools continue to shape how technology is integrated into education globally.
81. Satya Nadella – CEO, Microsoft
Satya Nadella’s focus on cloud-based educational tools and accessibility features keeps Microsoft at the forefront of educational technology.
82. Jennifer Carolan – Co-founder and General Partner, Reach Capital
Jennifer Carolan’s investments in innovative edtech startups continue to shape the future of the industry, with a focus on equity and access.
83. Cindy Mi – Founder and CEO, VIPKid
Cindy Mi’s expansion of VIPKid’s services and focus on cultural exchange through education maintain the platform’s position as a leader in online language learning.
84. Dan Rosensweig – CEO, Chegg
Dan Rosensweig’s leadership in expanding Chegg’s services into comprehensive academic support continues to make it an essential resource for students.
85. Jessie Woolley-Wilson – President and CEO, DreamBox Learning
Jessie Woolley-Wilson’s innovations in adaptive learning technology keep DreamBox at the forefront of personalized math education.
86. Chip Paucek – Co-founder and CEO, 2U
Chip Paucek’s work in expanding 2U’s partnerships and program offerings continues to reshape online higher education.
87. Matt Glotzbach – CEO, Quizlet
Matt Glotzbach’s leadership in enhancing Quizlet’s AI-powered study tools maintains its position as a go-to platform for students worldwide.
88. Mitch Kapor – Partner, Kapor Capital
Mitch Kapor’s investments in edtech startups focused on equity and inclusion continue to drive important conversations in the industry.
89. Audrey Watters – Writer and Scholar
Audrey Watters’ critical analysis of edtech trends provides important perspective and challenges the industry to consider the broader implications of technology in education.
90. Andrew Ng – Co-founder, Coursera and deeplearning.ai
Andrew Ng’s work in AI education and development of new courses continue to make cutting-edge technology accessible to learners worldwide.
91. Kimberly Bryant – Founder and CEO, Black Girls Code
Kimberly Bryant’s expansion of Black Girls Code’s programs continues to create opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech education.
92. Vicki Davis – Teacher and Creator, Cool Cat Teacher Blog
Vicki Davis’ work in bridging the gap between edtech innovation and classroom implementation provides valuable insights for educators worldwide.
93. Todd Rose – Co-founder and President, Populace
Todd Rose’s advocacy for personalized learning and research on learner variability influence how edtech companies approach product development.
94. Angela Duckworth – Founder and CEO, Character Lab
Angela Duckworth’s research on non-cognitive skills and development of tools for educators shape how edtech platforms approach character development.
95. Sugata Mitra – Professor of Educational Technology
Sugata Mitra’s work on self-organized learning environments influences approaches to learning, especially in developing countries.
96. Esther Wojcicki – Educator and Journalist
Esther Wojcicki’s TRICK approach continues to influence how edtech platforms design for student engagement and autonomy.
97. Michael Horn – Co-founder, Clayton Christensen Institute
Michael Horn’s analysis of disruptive innovation in education shapes strategies in the edtech industry.
98. Daphne Bavelier – Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Daphne Bavelier’s research on the cognitive effects of video games influences the development of educational games and cognitive training programs.
99. Jaime Casap – Education Evangelist
Jaime Casap’s work in promoting digital equity and insights into the future of work influence how edtech companies approach workforce development.
100. Aileen Lee – Founder and Partner, Cowboy Ventures
Aileen Lee’s investments in edtech startups and focus on founder diversity continue to shape the edtech startup ecosystem.
Conclusion
The individuals on this list represent the diverse and dynamic nature of the edtech industry. From entrepreneurs and educators to researchers and investors, each person has made significant contributions to how we understand and implement technology in education.
As we look to the future, several key trends emerge from the work of these influencers:
- Personalization and Adaptive Learning: Many of the leaders on this list are focused on using AI and data analytics to create truly personalized learning experiences.
- Accessibility and Equity: There’s a strong emphasis on making quality education accessible to all, regardless of geographic or economic barriers.
- Skill-based Learning: With the rapidly changing job market, many influencers are focused on providing practical, job-ready skills through innovative educational platforms.
- Lifelong Learning: The concept of education as a lifelong journey, rather than a finite period, is reflected in many of the platforms and philosophies represented here.
- Interdisciplinary Approaches: Many of these leaders are breaking down traditional subject barriers, recognizing that the complex problems of the future will require interdisciplinary solutions.
- Global Perspective: The list reflects the increasingly global nature of education, with influencers working to connect learners and educators across borders.
- Critical Thinking and Creativity: Beyond just delivering content, many of these influencers are focused on developing critical thinking skills and fostering creativity.
As technology continues to evolve, so too will the landscape of education. The individuals on this list are at the forefront of this evolution, shaping not just how we learn, but what we learn and why. Their work will continue to influence educators, learners, and policymakers for years to come, helping to prepare current and future generations for the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly digital world.
The future of edtech is bright, filled with potential to make education more engaging, effective, and equitable. As we move forward, it will be crucial to balance technological innovation with pedagogical best practices, always keeping the needs of learners at the center of the conversation. The leaders on this list are doing just that, and their continued efforts promise to revolutionize education in ways we’re only beginning to imagine.
