NextEdu launches the third edition of its European programme for EdTech startups
Applications are now being accepted for the third edition of NextEdu, the international acceleration programme dedicated to startups in the Education Technology sector. The programme is the result of a collaboration between Fondazione Sviluppo e Crescita CRT, the impact-oriented arm of Fondazione CRT, xEdu, an EdTech startup accelerator, and OGR Torino.
The programme's objective is to enhance the education ecosystem and provide 10 startups with support in creating transformative learning solutions with a strong pedagogical impact.
NextEdu 2025 will address a range of issues, from emerging learning technologies to new models of access to education, with a cross-cutting approach to educational innovation. The thematic verticals it focuses on include experiential and adaptive learning technologies, artificial intelligence applied to teaching, microlearning, blended learning, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), learning support tools for neurodiversity and accessibility, corporate training and talent development, and alternative financial models to promote more equitable access to education.
Significant space is also dedicated to solutions for reskilling and upskilling with a view to the future, in response to the growing need to train new digital and professional skills to drive strategic transformation and innovation in corporate processes, thereby enhancing their global competitiveness. Over the past twelve months, global investments in skills development initiatives have surpassed $500 billion, with a significant portion, $470 billion to be precise, allocated for digital and AI training.
The 2025 edition is scheduled to commence in October at OGR Tech, where the selected start-ups will participate in an intensive four-month programme. The call for applications will remain open until 22 September and can be found on the website www.xedu.co/nextedu.
A programme to innovate education through the use of technology
NextEdu's mission is to fortify the EdTech ecosystem in Italy by providing educational solutions that are highly pedagogical. The programme includes personalised coaching, specialised boot camps, ongoing mentoring and access to a global network of investors and strategic partners. Newly established companies will benefit from a comprehensive programme of events at OGR, which includes dedicated workspaces, networking events and real-world environments for experimentation.
According to forecasts, by 2030 the global education market will reach $10 trillion, driven by population growth in emerging markets and growing demand for reskilling and upskilling in advanced economies. In the contemporary business world, artificial intelligence is emerging as a pivotal instrument for personalising learning processes. This development is contributing to the enhancement of flexibility, accessibility and integration with the world of work.
The numbers from previous editions
In its first two editions, NextEdu accelerated 16 startups active in areas such as e-learning, learning management systems (LMS), artificial intelligence applied to education, open innovation and inclusive educational environments.
The programme enabled them to validate their products, gain access to foreign markets and strengthen their positioning through events such as Slush and xcitED.
A global community with a focus on acceleration
In addition to the intensive programme, NextEdu offers startups the opportunity to enter a global EdTech community, thereby facilitating connections with other innovators within the OGR Tech ecosystem. The programme also includes participation in international events and ongoing support even after the programme has ended.
The deadline for applications is 22 September 2025.
Further information is available at www.xedu.co/nextedu.