Companies betting on ML and AI to disrupt edtech

The rise of edtech, or educational technology, has created many new learning opportunities, especially since the global pandemic began in 2020. Now, three years later, edtech is advancing even faster, with companies using digital technologies like AI, ML (machine learning), and augmented and virtual reality.

Prashant A Bhonsle, CEO and founder of Kuhoo Technology, an online student loan platform, says that technology is not only making education more innovative but also more accessible for students, including those with special needs. Now, students can access audio and virtual lectures from anywhere, anytime, without needing to be physically present. They can also learn at their own pace, which wasn't possible before. In the future, traditional teaching methods may be replaced by these new and innovative tech-driven ways of learning.

One exciting development is the use of cloud-based, AI-powered software that customizes course content based on each student's knowledge and abilities. This means that lessons can be tailored to a student's progress, recognizing that everyone learns at different rates and in different ways. Machine learning-powered teaching assistants, like chatbot programs, are also helping students by answering their questions and even creating, delivering, and grading assignments. These tech innovations make education more convenient, flexible, and accessible, and you can access them on your mobile phone or personal devices.

As technology continues to transform education, new startups are emerging to provide human expertise and mentorship to help students achieve their dreams and succeed in their careers. Athena Education, for example, offers curated mentorship programs that help students set goals, strategize to achieve them, and monitor their progress with counselors and subject specialists. They also encourage students to work on projects that combine skills, creativity, and social impact.

Building startups from the ground-up, Venture Catalysts has been a leading investor in the early-stages, and has a number of edtech startups in its portfolio. 7Classes, founded by the alumni of IIT, NIT and Super 30, is a one-of-its-kind Confidence Based Education Platform that provides customised education programs based on analysis of a candidates confidence levels.

Another such startup is ImaginXP, a leading higher edtech organisation in future skills that offers degrees, for-credit and standalone certification programs for university aspirants and working professionals via tie-ups with Indian universities. Another startup in Venture Catalysts’ portfolio is helping Indian students prepare for government exams in their very own language. Called Pariksha, it is a vernacular test preparation app that provides free daily tasks, mock test series, preparation strategies and mentoring to students.