ShikshaNext, an ambitious initiative launched on October 10, 2023, aims to provide over 13 million children across India with access to meaningful, technology- and AI-enabled learning opportunities by 2029. This initiative is backed by a coalition of philanthropic organizations and ecosystem partners dedicated to improving educational outcomes through technology.
The initiative is anchored by the Reliance Foundation and the Gates Foundation as Founding Strategic Partners, alongside the Central Square Foundation acting as Managing Partner, and receiving funding from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. ShikshaNext seeks to blend catalytic philanthropy with deep expertise, focusing on execution and measurable impact.
During the launch event, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Education, emphasized the significance of technology and AI in enhancing educational quality, empowering teachers, and preparing youth for future job markets. He stated, “This is an important platform where Sarkar, Samaaj aur Sanstha have come together to make EdTech truly Sabka EdTech. The next step is to turn this into a Jan Andolan that ensures technology benefits every learner. India will present a model to the Global South that makes quality EdTech affordable and accessible for all.”
The initiative will operate through three interconnected programs: EdTech ScaleX, which aims to scale proven EdTech and AI solutions integrated with state education systems; EdTech Accelerator, designed to support the development of high-quality educational technologies tailored for India’s diverse classroom needs; and EdTech & AI Innovation Hub, a collaborative space to test and validate emerging EdTech and AI innovations focusing on India-centric solutions.
All three programs emphasize a strong commitment to rigorous evidence generation, ensuring that insights on effective technology integration are based on empirical data about its efficacy across different contexts. This structured approach aims not only to improve educational outcomes but also to create a scalable model that can be replicated in other regions.
Partners expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential. Prachi Jain Windlass, Head of India at the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, remarked, “Students catch up and move ahead when learning adapts to their needs. Personalised, technology-enabled tools can make that possible at scale. Entering the AI era, India is building on a decade of education reforms, stronger early learning, and tools that already deliver results in classrooms.”
B. Srinivasan, Executive Lead of the Reliance Foundation, shared a vision of inclusivity, stating, “Every child in India should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and realise their dreams. The rapid expansion of digital connectivity and 5G over the past decade has unlocked unprecedented possibilities to deliver quality education to every corner of our country.” He further emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among philanthropy, government, and educators to transform technology in education into measurable outcomes.
Benjamin Piper, Director of Global Education at the Gates Foundation, added, “When EdTech is rooted in strong pedagogy and evidence, we now know it can drive real learning gains at scale. Initiatives like ShikshaNext can channel catalytic funding and partnerships to ensure these technologies are designed for low-resource classrooms.”
From the perspective of the Central Square Foundation, CEO Ishmeet Singh noted, “With ShikshaNext, CSF is bringing together committed partners, rigorous evidence, and learning-focused capital so that EdTech and AI translate into real, measurable gains in classrooms.”
The launch event gathered senior officials from the Ministry of Education, representatives from leading philanthropic organizations, EdTech innovators, educators, and partners from across the country. This collective commitment aims to leverage AI and technology to enhance learning outcomes for every child in India, establishing a framework that could serve as a model for similar initiatives globally.
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