From Editorial Board
Debonita Saha
M.Sc. Physics, Christ University, Bangalore, Deputy Manager, Global R-Hub
Over the past few years, India’s EdTech landscape has witnessed remarkable growth, especially in the domain of competitive exam preparation for JEE, NEET, and similar entrances. These platforms played a vital role in expanding access to quality education at scale, often bridging geographic and economic divides.
However, as the sector matures, a quiet shift is underway. Many students and parents alike are beginning to seek more than just test scores, they’re searching for meaningful learning that connects with the real world.
So, the question now is: What’s next for EdTech in India?
We’re seeing a quiet rise in programs that help students build real-world skills, whether it’s coding, working with Arduino boards, or learning how to analyse data. But it doesn’t stop there. More students are now applying these tools to investigate problems around them, like building tech-enabled solutions for water conservation, studying public health trends, or designing early-stage prototypes for persistent social challenges.
This is where research becomes a game-changer. It’s not just about learning topics in isolation, it's about connecting domains, asking questions, and creating something new. And EdTech is slowly becoming the platform that enables this kind of thinking.
In this edition, we explore how India’s EdTech space is evolving, why fresh ideas are needed, what’s happening globally, and how research is emerging as a powerful new pillar of learning.
Let’s begin by stepping beyond borders to see how EdTech is transforming education around the world.
Big Global Research News
1. British Council Supports AI & EdTech Action Research in Schools
The British Council’s Partner Schools programme has launched its second year of Action Research grants funding educator-led projects across 9+ countries. These initiatives focus on using AI and digital tools to improve teaching quality and student outcomes, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based innovation in classrooms.
2. Students Solving Real Problems with Coding & Arduino
At NeoCity Academy (Florida) and similar global schools, students are using tools like coding and Arduino to research local issues, ranging from building energy-efficient systems to designing sensors for community challenges. This is a powerful example of EdTech enabling hands-on research from a young age.
3. Bringing Computational Thinking into K–12 Education
A pilot led by the ENSICO association has integrated computational thinking and programming into core math and science classes, reaching over 4,500 students across 35 schools and supported by 100 teachers. The program emphasizes modelling and problem-solving, showing how interdisciplinary research skills can be built early on.
Expert Mentor’s Corner
Arun Reddy
M.S. & B.S., Carnegie Mellon University, Co-Founder, Globus Learn Corp
India’s EdTech Must Move Beyond Exams
India’s EdTech sector has seen rapid growth over the last decade driven largely by test-preparation platforms. With over 70% of EdTech revenue coming from exam-focused apps and millions of students relying on them, especially through expanded 4G and 5G access, exam performance has improved significantly.
But this model risks sidelining something essential: curiosity.
Having worked across India and the U.S., I believe we’re reaching an academic tipping point. Around the world, what sets students apart is not just their scores but their ability to think beyond them. A study by the National Association for College Admission Counselling revealed that 30% of U.S. admissions officers value independent research or original academic work. Similar trends are seen in the UK, Singapore, and Europe, where creative and interdisciplinary projects influence university admissions.
Globally, high schoolers are already building environmental prediction models, analysing social media psychology, and using public data for urban planning without expensive labs. What they do have is mentorship, guidance, the freedom to ask meaningful questions, and the opportunity to conduct research across diverse fields to achieve remarkable outcomes.
Indian students possess the same talents we see it in their achievements in Olympiads, coding competitions, and global innovation challenges. What’s missing, however, is a structured platform that nurtures inquiry and original thinking.
If the past decade was about mastering exams, the next must enable students to explore ideas from how AI can improve agriculture to how history shapes today’s narratives. This doesn’t replace test prep. It complements it. And in a world that rewards original thinkers, it may be the most valuable preparation of all.
Impact of Student Research
1.Project Zul: Mumbai Teen Arav Kaul Ignites Robotics and Coding Passion in J&K Schools:
Arav Kaul, a 17-year-old from Mumbai, spearheaded Project Zul, a pioneering STEM initiative1. This project aims to ignite a passion for robotics and coding among students in Jammu and Kashmir, equipping them with hands-on skills in microcontroller programming12. Through his efforts, Arav is making STEM education accessible and enjoyable, fostering innovation and technological growth in the region.
2.To NASA and Beyond: Jahnavi’s Journey:
Jahnavi Dangeti, a second-year Electronics & Communications undergraduate from Andhra Pradesh, made history in 2025 as the first Indian to complete NASA’s International Air and Space Program (IASP) at the Kennedy Space Center and now training for a 2029 space mission. Her journey covered zero‑gravity simulations, Cessna piloting, and leading a 16‑member international team. Jahnavi’s rise is a shining example of how a research-oriented mindset, cultivated from school years, can launch students into global opportunities and beyond.
Research Spotlight: Global R-Hub Student Project!
Exploring 3D Bioprinting for Breast Cancer: An Emerging Hope for India Through GLOBOCAN-Based Secondary Analysis
Student: Meghala Rajeev | Mentor: Dr. Pooja Bachani, Ph.D. | Global Faculty: Dr. Shivendu S.
Motivated by a personal connection to breast cancer, Meghala conducted secondary research analysing age-specific disparities using GLOBOCAN data. Her review highlighted consistently higher Mortality-to-Incidence Ratios (MIR) in women aged 60 and above, suggesting late-stage detection and limited care access. Recognizing these gaps, she explored literature on 3D bioprinting as a future-ready solution in cancer modelling and drug testing.
Her work proposes that India’s 3D bioprinting policy should integrate age-stratified data like MIR to prioritize high-risk populations. This evidence-based, secondary research advocates for inclusive, age-aware innovation in cancer care, linking public health data to emerging biomedical strategies.
Did you know?
1.Funding free‑fall
Global venture capital investment in ed‑tech plunged to $2.4 billion in 2024, a sharp decline from the $17–21 billion peak in 2021, marking its lowest point since 2014
2.Adaptive gains
A 2024 scoping review of 69 university studies found that 59 % of them reported higher grades and 36 % saw improved engagement following adoption of adaptive‑learning platforms
3.Completion gap
While typical MOOCs (massively open online courses) have finish rates below 10 %, cohort‑based, peer‑supported online programs like Harvard’s case-method courses can see completion rates of 85 % or higher.
Global R-Hub Updates
Latest Parent Interaction Video with The Team of Global R-Hub is Out Now!
We’re excited to share our newly released Global R-Hub Parent Interaction Video, where parents speak candidly about their experiences and why they chose research for their children through Global R-Hub.
The video captures meaningful conversations between the R-Hub team and parents who’ve seen their children grow in confidence, clarity, and curiosity through structured research mentorship.
Watch the video here:
Mentors & Global Faculties:
1. Dr. Akansha Chaubey
Ph.D. Marketing, Assistant Professor, Alliance University, Bangalore
With 7+ years in teaching and research, Dr. Akansha empowers students to explore marketing, consumer behaviour, and sustainability through real-world research projects. Her blend of academic insight and industry relevance helps students build impactful, publication-worthy work.
2. Dr. Arpit Sardana
Ph.D. Environmental Engineering, Environmental Engineer at Geosyntec Consultants
Dr. Arpit Sardana brings deep expertise in environmental modelling, water resource management, and sustainable development. With a PhD in Environmental Engineering from NC State University and a strong record in both academia and applied research, Dr. Sardana mentors R-Hub students to explore sustainability-driven research in engineering and environmental sciences. His guidance helps students create meaningful, impactful work aimed at addressing today’s pressing ecological challenges.
Stay tuned for our next edition, where we introduce more powerhouse mentors
and global faculty shaping the future of research and innovation!
With every edition, we strive to bring you inspiring stories, impactful insights, and the latest updates from the world of research. Keep innovating, keep growing, and stay tuned for more exciting updates in our next edition!
Want to explore our programs or create your research journey with us? Connect with us and be part of the global research revolution! You can reach out to us at: globalresearchhub@globuslearn.com