Evidence Must Be the Foundation

One of the most encouraging developments in the sector is the growing recognition that EdTech must be grounded in evidence. Too often, educational innovation has been driven by enthusiasm rather than impact. At this event there was a clear appetite for a more rigorous approach.

The panel at Redefining Learning Forum, hosted by DOHE EdTech Hub at the House of Commons, highlighted the need for a national research council and innovation taskforce to help guide strategic growth across the sector. The message was clear: if education technology is to earn the trust of schools, policymakers and investors, we need stronger evidence and a shared language, especially in the age of AI. The EdTech Together evening was a lively event and reminded everyone that there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” approach. Ernest Gavor, EdTech Strategist and leader of the Africa EdTech Exchange, highlighted the importance of context. What works for one country and environment, may not for another. And Atul Thakor, founder of SchoolGPT, made a plea to do the obvious - spend time in the classroom with the teachers and students to learn how they are using technology. And remember to keep analysing data and seeing what impact a product is actually having on each learner.Pickatale’s Evidence Journey

At Pickatale, much of this all resonates with our own journey. We are proud to have recently been accepted into UNICEF’s Learning Cabinet, joining organisations committed to demonstrating measurable educational impact. For startups especially, evidence is no longer a nice-to-have; it is becoming an essential part of building sustainable and scalable solutions. But to start your evidence journey, it doesn't need to be expensive!

If you’re part of BESA EdTech Special Interest Group, you can hear me talk more about our evidence journey at the next event on July 21st 2026.

Evidence for Start Ups

Pickatale started our evidence journey in 2023 with the help from the International Centre for EdTech Impact, who we commissioned to help Pickatale develop our Theory of Change and Logic Model. And this summer, the ICEI are working with researchers on a project trialling Pickatale Create (our AI picture book creator) with children and families to see how it impacts engagement with reading, writing and future-ready skills. There are now FREE resources and support available to start ups, such as the Chartered College of Teaching’s EdTech Logic Builder and DOHE EdTech Hub’s Global EdTech Resource Hub. The work of organisations such as Digital Promise, where Pickatale has been spotlighted in their Powerful Learning with Emerging Technology Report, offer supportive information for EdTechs and schools alike.

“Success for all” Takeaways for Schools

Inclusion was another key theme in this year’s EdTech London event. Seshni Jacob, MD Hachette Learning, highlighted the importance of every child feeling they are a success. Technology (when implemented effectively) can play a significant part in supporting educators to make that happen.

For schools looking for excellent practice around integrating the latest technologies, especially AI, then look no further than the work taking place at the Leo Academy Trust in collaboration under the leadership of their Digital Director Cheryl Shirley with support from Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith (founder of PedTech).

Pickatale’s FREE National Year of Reading Library

Around all the discussion of AI, evidence frameworks and innovation strategies, one fact remains unchanged: children need books!

Research consistently shows the importance of reading for pleasure, literacy development and lifelong learning. Technology can help remove barriers and increase access, but the goal remains the same as it has always been - helping children find stories, knowledge and a love of reading.

As official partners of the UK’s National Year of Reading, Pickatale is working alongside outstanding publishers and children’s brands to help inspire more children to discover the joy of reading. UK schools can register for free access to a special NYR platform with over 200+ books for children to read in the summer holidays and academic year. You can read more and sign up for free here.

For more on the National Year of Reading, check out the Go All In campaign, spearheaded by the National Literacy Trust.

I would personally like to thank Yuliana who has really supported my work since we first met at London Ed Tech Week last year and again at UNESCO’s summit in March. Thanks also to BESA and the Publisher’s Association whose support has opened a lot of opportunities for Pickatale UK. So if you’re not a member then join and if you are a member, make sure you're making the most from awesome industry groups!

You’ll find London EdTech’s round up from the week here: London EdTech Week 2026: Five Days That Defined a Sector.