NEW DELHI, Feb. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Central Square Foundation (CSF) hosted the EdTech and AI Convening – Education Dialogues, a key satellite event of the India AI Impact Summit. This gathering brought together senior government leaders, philanthropies, and innovators in the EdTech sector to explore how technology and artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance learning on a large scale.
During the event, Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the role of technology in achieving a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, noting that quality education for all is essential for preparing young people for future job markets. “Under the leadership of PM Modi, Digital India has truly come alive as a powerful means of empowerment,” he stated. The Minister highlighted the growing integration of technology in daily life, asserting that education must serve as the foundation for this transformation.
Shri Pradhan’s remarks coincided with the launch of the second edition of the Bharat Survey for EdTech (BaSE), which provides comprehensive insights into the access and use of technology for education among 12,500 households across 10 Indian states. The survey found that 90% of households own at least one smartphone, and 63% of children are already utilizing technology for learning. This report is seen as a significant step in strengthening evidence-based policymaking in school education, especially within underserved communities.
Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy, echoed the importance of integrating technology throughout education systems to sustain and accelerate the gains achieved through initiatives like NIPUN Bharat. He emphasized that the BaSE report will aid in identifying gaps in technology adoption and resource allocation, ultimately enhancing learning outcomes on a national scale.
CSF Founder-Chairperson Ashish Dhawan noted that India stands at a pivotal moment, where its strong digital infrastructure combined with AI advancements can dramatically reimagine education. “Innovation must remain intentional, pedagogically grounded, and relentlessly equity-first,” he said, stressing the need for equitable access to educational technology.
In her welcome address, Shaveta Sharma-Kukreja, CEO of CSF, remarked on the transformative impact of technology in classrooms over the past decade. With AI rapidly emerging, she called for a balanced approach that combines optimism with responsibility to ensure technology effectively serves every learner.
The event also featured insights from Benjamin Piper, Director of Global Education at the Gates Foundation, who discussed the global moment for AI in education. Piper underscored the necessity for context-sensitive implementation and rigorous evidence to ensure AI benefits all learners, particularly those in low-resource settings. The convening showcased various innovative applications of AI in EdTech, demonstrating how technology can enhance educational practices.
Former NITI Aayog CEO Shri Amitabh Kant introduced the BaSE 2025 report, describing it as a critical resource for understanding the current state of EdTech in India. He pointed out that while access to digital devices is no longer the primary barrier, the pivotal question remains whether this access translates into improved learning outcomes.
Nobel Laureate Prof. Michael Kremer, who leads the Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago, emphasized the importance of evidence-based approaches to maximize AI’s potential in education. He advocated for a shift from pilot initiatives to scalable impact, calling attention to the need for effective partnerships and sound policy frameworks.
Discussions also centered on building the necessary infrastructure for the responsible deployment of AI in education, with leaders outlining India’s vision for democratizing AI through digital public infrastructure. The Bodhan AI Centre of Excellence was highlighted as a vital initiative aimed at creating scalable, responsible AI solutions for public education systems.
During a session on AI literacy for underserved communities, Maggie Johnson, Global Head of Google.org, underscored the importance of community involvement in the design and implementation of technology solutions. She stressed the need for solutions that consider the local context and are designed for scalability from the outset.
The convening ultimately set the stage for ongoing dialogues on the intersection of education and technology, underscoring the collective commitment to ensuring that every learner can access quality education, supported by the advances in AI. As the educational landscape evolves, stakeholders remain focused on harnessing technology to create equitable opportunities for all students in India and beyond.
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