IBM and Pearson Team Up, MetaMetrics Appoints New CBO, and AI Education Grants Surge - AI in Education #36

December 17, 2025 - AI in Education
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Welcome to this week's edition of AI In Education Weekly.

MetaMetrics has appointed Nadja Young as its first Chief Brand Officer, effective December 2025, to enhance AI-driven growth in education. Meanwhile, a study by Perplexity and Harvard University shows that AI agents are increasingly utilized for cognitive tasks, with 57% of activity focused on productivity and learning, challenging their perception as mere digital assistants. In another development, GSV has released the 2026 GSV 150 Market Map, highlighting AI's role in transforming digital learning and workforce skills, featuring over 3,000 companies impacting over 3 billion learners globally.

MindHYVE.ai and the Inter-University Council for East Africa have partnered to enhance AI education and workforce development in East Africa, impacting over 170 universities. Dr. Joleen Liang of Squirrel Ai discussed the role of AI in education at the Web Summit 2025, focusing on human-AI collaboration to enhance teaching and learning. Additionally, the 2025 AI and Youth Empowerment International Forum was held in Taipei, focusing on youth involvement in AI governance and featuring awards for innovative projects.
MetaMetrics Appoints Nadja Young as Chief Brand Officer
MetaMetrics has appointed Nadja Young as its first Chief Brand Officer, effective December 2025, to enhance AI-driven growth in education. Read more
AI Agents Used for Cognitive Tasks, Study Finds
A study by Perplexity and Harvard University shows that AI agents are increasingly utilized for cognitive tasks, with 57% of their activity focused on productivity and learning. Read more
GSV Unveils 2026 Market Map on AI in Education
On December 15, 2025, GSV released the 2026 GSV 150 Market Map, highlighting AI's transformative impact on digital learning and workforce skills. The map features over 3,000 companies, emphasizing AI's role in educational models. Read more
MindHYVE.ai and Inter-University Council Partner for AI Education
MindHYVE.ai and the Inter-University Council for East Africa have partnered to enhance AI education and workforce development in East Africa, offering advanced AI platforms and training to over 170 universities. Read more
Squirrel Ai's Dr. Liang on AI in Education at Web Summit 2025
Dr. Joleen Liang of Squirrel Ai discussed the role of AI in education at the Web Summit 2025, focusing on enhancing teaching through human-AI collaboration. Read more
2025 AI and Youth Empowerment Forum Held in Taipei
The 2025 AI and Youth Empowerment International Forum was held in Taipei, focusing on youth involvement in AI governance and featuring awards for innovative projects. Read more
Siegel Family Endowment Invests $15.6M in AI Education Grants
The Siegel Family Endowment has allocated $15.6 million in grants to advance education, workplace technology, and community innovation, supporting organizations like AFL-CIO Technology Institute and Code.org. Read more
IBM and Pearson Partner for AI Learning Solutions
IBM and Pearson have announced a global partnership to develop AI-powered learning tools aimed at improving skills and learning efficiency across various sectors. Read more
SkillWaze, Pangea Learning, and DAP Launch Career Program for Athletes
SkillWaze, Pangea Learning, and DAP have formed a strategic alliance to create a career-ready talent pipeline for collegiate athletes at over 500 universities. The initiative aims to bridge the global skills gap by offering training and verification in key industries. Read more
Agilix Labs Unveils Ethical AI Framework at Summit
Agilix Labs will present its ethical AI framework for education at the NEXTEN Summit in Dakar, focusing on transforming education and workforce development. Read more
TutorABC Expands Globally with AI Solutions
TutorABC is expanding its global presence by leveraging AI technology and strategic partnerships, with new representative offices worldwide to support its user base. Read more
Alpha School Featured in 'Nature' for AI Education Model
The Alpha School in Austin, Texas, has been highlighted in 'Nature' for its AI-driven educational approach, combining AI personalization with human mentorship as a potential model for future universities. Read more
BoodleBox Secures $5 Million for AI in Education
BoodleBox has raised $5 million in seed funding to enhance AI collaboration in higher education, with plans to expand services and move headquarters to Colorado Springs. Read more
Cognizant Expands Synapse Initiative to Upskill Millions
Cognizant has announced an expansion of its Synapse initiative, aiming to upskill two million individuals by 2030. The program focuses on preparing the workforce for the digital age, addressing the impact of AI on jobs. Read more
UbiSim Introduces AI Tool for Nursing Education
UbiSim has launched AI Narrative Analysis to assist nursing educators by transforming simulation data into actionable insights, enhancing learner readiness for clinical challenges. Read more
Ellucian Wins SaaS Organization of the Year
Ellucian has been awarded the title of SaaS Organization of the Year for its AI advancements in higher education, showcasing its commitment to improving educational outcomes. Read more

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