Over the past five years, global education systems have undergone a profound transformation. Few platforms reflect this shift as clearly as the Bett exhibition, whose evolving agenda mirrors the growing maturity of EdTech as a field. For UNOWA, this evolution provides an important analytical framework for understanding where inclusive, AI-enabled education is heading — and how technology can meaningfully support learners, educators, and institutions at scale.
UNOWA works at the intersection of inclusive EdTech and artificial intelligence, focusing on full-cycle solutions that connect diagnostics, analytics, educator support, and everyday classroom practice. Against this background, the transformation of Bett from 2020 to 2025 offers valuable insight into how innovation has shifted from experimentation to responsibility, scalability, and real educational impact.
From experimentation to maturity: what changed between 2020 and 2025
In 2020, Bett showcased a wide spectrum of emerging technologies — from robotics and interactive hardware to early AI applications. At that stage, innovation was often driven by enthusiasm for new tools themselves. However, even then, early signals pointed toward a deeper change: effective learning outcomes depended less on devices and more on how technology aligned with pedagogy, inclusion, and system needs.
The global pandemic accelerated this shift. By 2021, as Bett moved online, digital tools became essential infrastructure rather than optional enhancements. Issues of access, continuity, and equity moved to the forefront, forcing education systems worldwide to reassess not only what technologies they used, but why and how they were deployed.
With the return to in-person engagement in 2022, the focus turned to long-term transformation. Hybrid learning models, structured digital strategies, and teacher wellbeing gained prominence. EdTech increasingly needed to demonstrate sustainability and measurable value, not just innovation. By 2023, artificial intelligence became a central theme. Rather than abstract debates, discussions focused on practical use cases: reducing teacher workload, supporting differentiated instruction, and improving feedback quality. At the same time, ethical considerations and responsible implementation began to shape the conversation.
The years 2024 and 2025 marked a further consolidation of these trends. Inclusion and accessibility moved from niche solutions to core design principles, aligned with Universal Design for Learning. AI-powered tools became embedded in everyday educational workflows, while immersive and game-based methodologies matured into practical teaching instruments. Across the agenda, evidence-based decision-making and scalability replaced novelty as the main criteria for adoption.
A detailed review of this evolution has been published by UNOWA, outlining how Bett’s changing focus reflects the broader maturation of EdTech and the priorities of education systems today. Building Inclusive EdTech: Insights from Global Leaders at Bett UK 2026
Key themes defining the current EdTech landscape
Several stable trends now define the sector.
Artificial intelligence has become a working tool rather than a futuristic concept. From adaptive algorithms to generative models, AI supports both educators and learners — provided its use is guided by clear ethical frameworks and professional training. Examples of AI-powered inclusive solutions such as AI Agent MIKKO illustrate how technology can assist specialists and teachers without replacing human expertise.
Inclusion and accessibility are now foundational requirements. Assistive features once considered specialised are increasingly integrated into mainstream products, enabling broader participation and reducing barriers for diverse learners. Importantly, this shift is accompanied by professional development that helps educators apply these tools effectively.
STEM education has expanded into a wider focus on digital and AI literacy, reflecting the skills students need in contemporary societies. At the same time, hybrid learning models and high-quality digital resources have become a permanent part of school ecosystems, enabling greater personalisation and resilience.
Finally, wellbeing — for both students and teachers — has emerged as a critical dimension of EdTech innovation. Solutions increasingly address workload balance, emotional health, and sustainable teaching practices alongside academic outcomes.
What this means for UNOWA — and for the sector
For UNOWA, these developments confirm the importance of a full-cycle approach to inclusive education: responsible use of AI, accessibility by design, and solutions grounded in real educational contexts. As Bett 2026 goes under the theme “Learning without limits”, the lessons of the past five years highlight a shared direction for the sector — toward more personalised, inclusive, and effective education systems.
UNOWA continues to contribute to this dialogue as an active participant in shaping future-oriented EdTech, working with institutions and governments to rethink education together.
Rethinking education, together
We help governments and institutions implement inclusive classrooms and education systems with STEM equipment, AI-powered and locally adaptable solutions.
Speak to an expert: https://www.unowa.eu
Article Submitted by:
Anastasiia Medianyk
Poland
About UNOWA
UNOWA is an innovative education technology company focused on inclusive, scalable solutions for modern learning systems. Its flagship product, MIKKO, is the world’s first full-cycle inclusive education system, already implemented in national programmes like Kazakhstan’s Project 8709-KZ. UNOWA also leads with Ulabs, a next-generation STEM platform using AI and sensor-based tools to deliver immersive, hands-on learning. With a strong focus on localisation and policy alignment, UNOWA supports governments in achieving measurable impact in education.
