Spotlight on EdTech Thought Leader of the Year for the 2026 Innovation Awards
The ETIH Innovation Awards for 2026 are highlighting the category of EdTech Thought Leader of the Year. This year, over 140 entries have been submitted, showcasing the important blend of influence and product development in educational technology.
This award recognizes individuals who are shaping the future of edtech through their writing, research, public speaking, and advocacy. The announcement of winners is set for May 11.
Driving Change through Influence
This category emphasizes how insights and ideas transition into real-world applications. The judges will look for leaders who contribute to public discussions, influence educational strategies, and help shape the adoption of technology in schools and universities.
Judging will consider how influence goes beyond just being visible. The focus will be on how well ideas are received, where they are implemented, and whether they make a difference in decision-making at the institutional or policy level. It’s not enough to have a big following; there needs to be clear evidence of making an impact.
Consistency is also important. The best entries showcase ongoing contributions rather than isolated comments. Furthermore, thought leadership must be grounded in real-world practice, especially when claims are made about transformative changes.
Finalists
Elspeth Briscoe (Learning with Experts)
Elspeth founded Learning with Experts in 2015, focusing on the idea that completion issues in education are about design, not the learners themselves. Over ten years, she has built a platform that serves over 100,000 learners across 91 countries, securing partnerships with NHS and receiving two Innovate UK grants. Her work challenges traditional success measures in education.
Matt Sauri (Wimmer Solutions)
Matt is the founder of Wimmer Solutions, a technology consulting firm established in 2002. Under his leadership, the company has been featured in the Inc. 5000 list and named one of Washington’s Best Workplaces. He has dedicated years to the Boys & Girls Clubs and supports various charitable organizations. Recently, he has focused on establishing STEM labs in underserved communities in the Philippines, filling gaps where students have lacked technology access.
Myriam Da Silva (CheckIT Learning)
As CEO of CheckIT Learning, Myriam leads the development of Cleo, an AI mentor based on neuroscience. With over 15 years in language education, she offers an evidence-based perspective on future learning. Myriam is a lifelong learner and has authored a book titled The Black Sheep, which argues that uniqueness drives contribution.
Tom Reynolds (EdenFiftyOne)
Tom, who has dyslexia, is a passionate advocate for inclusive education. He has over 20 years of teaching and leadership experience and founded EdenFiftyOne, a platform that breaks literacy down into 51 key skills. As a university educator and education advisor, Tom connects classroom practice with digital innovation. His platform features ‘EFO,’ an AI assistant designed to promote equitable literacy education for teachers and students alike.
Explore the Full Shortlist
To see more companies and platforms that are making waves in this year’s awards, be sure to check out the full shortlist for the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026. The winners will be revealed on May 11.
