Stronger Together in EdTech: Joining forces between KU Leuven and Vives to accelerate value creation in educational technology and AI in education

AI serves as a powerful lever for innovation in education and training, yet confronts the growing EdTech sector with technological, pedagogical-didactical, legal, and ethical challenges. Through this Type 4 IOF mandate, KU Leuven Kulak and VIVES bring together complementary expertise to — in close collaboration with the broader EdTech ecosystem — realise responsible and explainable AI-driven EdTech that demonstrably strengthens learning and training. Three goals drive this mandate: (1) developing a roadmap for AI-driven EdTech, (2) initiating matchmaking to shape joint project proposals (cf. Horizon Europe), and (3) establishing industrial collaborations through bilateral cont(r)acts and funding channels such as VLAIO. The mandate addresses two complementary angles: leveraging AI to personalise and adapt learning processes, and harnessing AI to strengthen educators in their daily practice. The IOF fellow functions as a connecting link between KU Leuven Kulak–VIVES and the broader EdTech ecosystem, with EdTech Station and Flax – House of AI as key anchors.