Overall trends from this year’s collection of submitted innovations encompass the categories of sustainability, wellbeing, 21st century skills, collaborative learning, and digital tools.
Word Cloud of Key Words Innovators Used to Describe Their Innovations
In particular, there is a huge rise in the use of technology and AI. Compared to last year’s collection, there is an over 100% increase in selected innovations using some sort of EdTech, with 55 out of 100 either fully digital or blending tech into their programs.
Non-traditional schooling has also been a popular feature in this year’s collection. One way is by using microschools as a solution to bridge educational gaps - serving those whose needs are not being met by public school systems or who are living in communities with limited or no access to quality education. Innovators like Cherry Creek Innovation Campus and Raster Master, Three Generations Learning Model serve unique populations whose needs are better met by targeted learning solutions.
Individualised learning has also increased, with innovations like Jade, Goniter Jhuli, and Graphogame using data collection and insights to adapt learning experiences to allow for personalised and inclusive learning tailored to students’ individual needs and progress.
About the Global Collection 2025
The Global Collection 2025 features 100 innovations from 53 different countries that were selected from over 3000 innovations in the HundrED database.
Map featuring the distribution of selected innovations
From the 3000+ innovations in the database, 700+ submitted for the open call; the HundrED research team shortlisted 244 innovations which were reviewed by 230 Academy Members (including youth, aged 16+) and 15 Junior Academy Members (aged 12-15). In total, they conducted 4,135 reviews to make the final selection.
In the one hundred selected innovations honoured in our Global Collection 2025 we see innovators addressing the needs of a post-COVID world - the call for learner-centred, sustainable, and inclusive programmes. The collection addresses key educational trends, with innovations prominently focusing on sustainability, wellbeing, 21st-century skills, collaborative learning, and digital tools.
Future Directions
As we prepare for the 2026 Global Collection, here are some themes that HundrED hopes to see more of:
1) Digital Citizenship
In response to the rapid rise of technology usage, it is essential that students receive instruction on digital citizenship to prevent overuse and abuse of digital platforms. We hope to see more innovations using far-reaching and holistic approaches to prepare young people to use technology safely, respectfully and ethically.
2) Teacher Wellbeing
What are some ways, beyond teacher professional development, in which innovations can uniquely address the needs of the people who make education possible? While we have seen many innovations working on student wellbeing, teacher wellbeing is equally important with teacher retention and burn-out being long-standing issues. When educators are cared for, students are cared for.
3) Innovative Learning Environments
Learning environments have shifted from solely physical classrooms to incorporate virtual locations, which allow for increased access. Alongside these virtual spaces, we see a push to prioritise outdoor learning; encouraging teachers and learners to reconnect with nature. We would like to see more innovations expanding our horizons about the potential for different learning spaces.
4) Climate Resilience and Education
Access to education is being affected by climate change. How can education systems remain resilient in response to the rise of climate-related disasters? We want to see more innovations that are not only teaching about climate change, but are also ensuring that education and learning spaces are climate resilient.
5) Quality Education for All
In line with SDG4’s call to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all, we would like to see more community-driven or -involved models that have innovatively approached the challenge of reaching all learners. We hope that the Global Collection 2026 will encourage more innovators who are working at this level to create systems changes.
To learn more about the Global Collection 2025, download the report or explore the innovations through our database.