The new Khan TED Institute will expand access to world-class learning and career pathways, developed in partnership with leading corporates including Google, Microsoft, Accenture, Bain & Company, McKinsey, and Replit.
VANCOUVER, BC, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — During the TED conference in Vancouver, nonprofit organizations ETS, Khan Academy, and TED unveiled plans to establish the Khan TED Institute, a higher education initiative designed for an AI-driven era. The institute aims to equip learners for the evolving job market while fostering essential human skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern life and work amid technological advancements.
Combining the strengths of its founding organizations—Khan Academy’s educational platform, TED’s community of thought leaders, and ETS’s expertise in skill measurement—the Khan TED Institute seeks to redefine higher education. The program will focus on providing a comprehensive learning experience that integrates rigorous academic foundations, applied artificial intelligence, and soft skill development. The initiative aims to keep costs accessible, with tuition expected to be under $10,000, and applications are anticipated to open within 12 to 18 months.
“We’re at a moment when education and the world are evolving quickly, and people need new ways to learn, build, and demonstrate their capabilities,” said Sal Khan, founder and CEO of Khan Academy and TED Vision Steward. “Khan Academy’s mission has always been to make world-class education accessible to all. The Khan TED Institute is an extension of that vision to higher education, creating new paths that help more people find meaningful ways to contribute to the world around them.”
Students enrolled in the Khan TED Institute will progress based on demonstrated competency rather than traditional metrics like seat time, allowing for personalized pacing. The inaugural program will revolve around three core pillars: core knowledge in mathematics, statistics, economics, computer science, science, history, and writing; applied AI skills such as AI-assisted app development and team-based deployment projects; and communication and leadership skills developed through collaborative activities.
“What’s inspiring is learning that leads to real-world opportunity,” remarked Amit Sevak, CEO of ETS. “This collaboration helps open new pathways into the AI economy where skill-based measurement becomes the critical link between learning and livelihood.” To maintain relevance in a rapidly changing job landscape, corporate partnerships will play an essential role in shaping the Khan TED Institute’s curriculum. Collaborators like Google, Microsoft, Accenture, Bain & Company, McKinsey, and Replit will help ensure the program reflects the skills that employers most value.
In addition to its educational offerings, the Khan TED Institute aims to create a global community of learners, drawing from the millions already engaged with TED’s TED-Ed initiative. Through live talks, Q&A sessions, and community-based learning, students will connect theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges and opportunities.
“For nearly 40 years, TED has been connecting people with powerful ideas—and in the process, quietly educating millions,” said Logan McClure Davda, CEO of TED. “At a time when learning is changing quickly, we now need new ways to help people engage with ideas, develop judgment, and apply what they learn. The Khan TED Institute is an effort to expand what education can look like in the age of AI.”
The Khan TED Institute represents a significant step toward adapting education to meet the demands of a technological society while promoting a collaborative environment that nurtures innovation and inclusivity. As it seeks to bridge the gap between learning and employment, the initiative underscores the necessity of evolving educational paradigms to prepare individuals for a future where adaptability and continuous learning are paramount.
About ETS
ETS is a global education and talent solutions organization dedicated to enabling lifelong learners to be future-ready. Committed to preparing over 100 million people for the next generation of jobs by 2035, ETS utilizes trusted assessments and skills solutions such as TOEFL, GRE, and Praxis. Operating in more than 200 countries and territories, ETS assists millions in measuring their proficiency and unlocking opportunities.
About Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a nonprofit organization with the mission of providing free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. Since its inception in 2008, it has aimed to provide high-quality learning resources globally, engaging over 200 million registered learners across 190 countries and more than 50 languages.
About TED
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to sharing ideas that spark conversation and deepen understanding. Established in 1984, TED has expanded its initiatives to include podcasts, educational series, and a wide array of community engagement programs that explore global issues and inspire change.
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