The Next Frontier in EdTech
tl;dr
Breaking Silos: EdTech leaders like Ash Kaluarachchi emphasize collaboration across sectors to create seamless learning experiences for students at critical transitions.
Innovative Companies: ESAI uses AI to guide college applicants through personalized storytelling, while Schoolio empowers parents to create customized, decentralized learning models.
Future Vision: EdTech pioneers are redefining education, focusing on accessibility, self-discovery, and meaningful change beyond traditional school systems.
"The future of EdTech is in breaking down the silos.” Ash Kaluarachchi, StartEd
The EdTech space is ripe with opportunity, particularly in the transition areas—those critical moments when learners move from one stage to the next, such as deciding on a college, shifting careers, or reskilling for a new job. If you ask Ash Kaluarachchi, founder of StartEd, it’s these often-overlooked gaps where the potential for innovation is greatest. While education is typically divided into five sectors—early childhood, K-12, higher education, workforce learning, and adult education—the most transformative changes are happening in the spaces between them, where students navigate the next step in their personal and professional journeys.
"The future of EdTech is in breaking down the silos between these sectors," Kaluarachchi explains. "It's about creating a more seamless experience for learners, no matter where they are in their journey. We need collaboration across educators, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to truly tackle the challenges we face."
Read on for Disruption’s spotlight on the companies reshaping EdTech and driving meaningful change in how we learn and work.
ESAI - Julia Dixon, Founder and CEO
What motivated you to start ESAI?
I was a college advisor, and while I loved helping students craft their stories for their dream schools, it bothered me that only wealthy families could afford this kind of support. I believed AI could make this process more affordable and effective, leveling the playing field. It also offered the potential for students to discover more about themselves and make intentional decisions.
What sets ESAI’s tools apart?
We specialize in storytelling and helping students make unique connections. Unlike other platforms, we don’t offer just a chatbot or a "chance me" tool. ESAI’s gamified AI tools guide students through the admissions process, identifying themes in their hobbies, values, family life, strengths, and more. We then help them frame their story to match specific schools and programs. Our proprietary coaching method and connections algorithm contributed to 87% of our beta users being accepted to at least one of their top-choice schools last year.
What are some key challenges ESAI faced when building its technology?
We wanted to create something intuitive and fun for Gen Z. However, AI-native platforms are still new, and getting users comfortable with a suite of AI tools can be challenging. Our goal was to make the experience feel more like a game or horoscope app than a complicated EdTech platform.
How does ESAI envision shaping the future of EdTech?
AI can’t be truly helpful until students have defined their values and goals, which most 17-year-olds haven’t. ESAI aims to help students build their personal story, starting with discovering their values and strengths. Using AI, we reflect these stories back to them through narrative summaries, context adjustments, and visual infographics. This not only helps with college applications but gives them a foundation for their college and career journey.
Schoolio Learning Corp. - Lindsey Casselman, Co-Founder/Head of Learning
What motivated you to start Schoolio?
As a teacher and parent of neurodivergent children, I saw how the traditional school system fails many kids, especially those with unique needs. Its outdated approach leaves children unprepared for the real world. In contrast, homeschoolers thrived with customized learning, but it isn’t accessible to everyone. As a homeschool mentor, I saw gaps in content, tools, and support for this community. My co-founder’s children attended public school and noticed similar issues during the pandemic. We believe education is ready for disruption—decentralized and parent-controlled. Homeschools and microschools are leading this revolution, and we aim to create a platform making alternative education customizable and accessible for families.
What sets your tools apart?
Most EdTech companies focus on improving efficiency within the traditional school model, creating tools to support teachers and boost test scores. Schoolio stands out by offering tools to create a new education model—customized for each child, fostering self-discovery, and preparing them for the future. Our platform simplifies designing robust learning programs while empowering parents to establish "microschools." Whether teaching their own children or a small group, parents can create personalized learning journeys. This decentralizes education, enabling anyone to design and run a "school" of their own.
What are some key challenges Schoolio faced when building its technology?
Creating disruptive technology comes with challenges, especially while others profit from efficiency tools for the traditional model. Many investors and advisors question why we don’t focus on selling to schools and districts. The traditional system resists adopting new models, and our goal is to empower parents with customized, decentralized learning. Another challenge in creating a new category is user onboarding. Early adopters quickly grasp our mission and become advocates, but helping others move beyond the narrow concept of “school” often requires educating the user.
How does Schoolio envision shaping the future of EdTech?
I see Schoolio redefining what "school" means. Just as Airbnb transformed a "vacation stay" from a standard hotel into a movement empowering anyone to offer unique, customized experiences, Schoolio will revolutionize education. With technology and access, traditional schools no longer gatekeep knowledge. People are recognizing the system's inefficiencies and embracing the idea that the solution lies in choice.
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