The rise of EdTech: Transforming education through entrepreneurial ventures

Abstract

This paper examines the rise of educational technology (EdTech) through the lens of entrepreneurial ventures and assesses its impact on the educational sector. It describes how entrepreneurial startups have driven EdTech innovation by identifying gaps in traditional education models and developing technology-based solutions. Three theoretical frameworks — the theory of disruptive innovation, the technology acceptance model and the transformative learning theory — are applied to understand how EdTech innovations disrupt markets and influence user adoption. The evolution of EdTech is explored, from early developments such as online learning platforms and adaptive learning technologies to the accelerated integration of digital tools post-COVID-19. Illustrative examples of successful startups like Coursera, Khan Academy and Duolingo demonstrate how entrepreneurial ventures have democratised access to education. The paper also analyses how EdTech transforms teaching methodologies, enhances student engagement and enables personalised learning through data analytics. The application of EdTech across K-12, higher education and vocational settings is discussed. While beneficial, equitable implementation remains a challenge. The social and ethical implications of data privacy, algorithmic bias and the digital divide are also examined.