(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) Start-ups Transforming the Landscape of Education & Skill Development

(JANUARY-2026)

Start-ups Transforming the Landscape of Education & Skill Development

Context:

AI startups focus on creating and growing innovative products and services by identifying opportunities and developing solutions using technology and artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Modi emphasizes that startups are job creators, not job seekers.

Start-up Culture in India

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, India saw the growth of IT companies like Infosys, Wipro, and TCS, leading to a new wave of innovation. The rise of tech-savvy young entrepreneurs and the internet boosted India’s startup culture, with successes like MakeMyTrip, Flipkart, and Zomato.

Start-up India Initiative

Government Initiatives

Focus on entrepreneurship education, training, advocacy, and support networks
Start-up India initiative launched in 2016
Aims to create an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem

Digital Infrastructure

Initiatives like Digital India, Aadhaar, UPI, and BharatNet
Build a robust digital public infrastructure
Lower entry barriers for entrepreneurs
Expand access and reduce costs

Economic Impact

Strong innovation ecosystem through tax benefits and simplified compliance
Growth of unicorns: from 4 in 2014 to 118 by mid-2025
Creation of over 12 lakh direct jobs
Millions of indirect opportunities generated
India has the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem with over 1.4 lakh registered startups
New unicorn emerging every 20 days

Start-up in Education

India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

Advocates for moving away from rote learning
Supports innovation and entrepreneurship culture
Aims to create job creators instead of job seekers
Focuses on skill-based, hands-on, and multidisciplinary learning from an early age
Addresses disconnect between education and livelihoods
Introduces flexible entry and exit options for students
Empowers learners to explore skills and ideas during their academic journey

Role of Startups in Education

Fuel startup growth linked to academic improvement
Changed educational landscape from school to higher education and research
Covid pandemic led to innovations in education delivery models
Startups reshape education with engaging, accessible learning tools
Develop digital platforms with multimedia content, gamification, and interactive quizzes
Provide hands-on learning through robotics programs, coding camps, and workshops
Use data analytics and AI for personalized learning solutions
Improve engagement and retention catering to diverse learning styles
Democratize access to quality education for socially and economically disadvantaged groups
Collaborate with educational institutions to integrate innovations into curricula
Connect students with industry mentors for insights into future careers

Technology Integration in Education

NEP 2020 recommends integrating technology in the education system
Startups like BYJU’S, Physics Wallah, Cuemath, and Vedantu expand digital access
Encourage inquiry-based learning, robotics, and coding in STEM education
Startups like KYT, SpeakX, and Flintobox focus on play-based early childhood education
Kalam Labs merges gaming with learning, providing an innovative K-12 education experience
Expanded to advanced defense-tech, building UAVs for surveillance and defense

Way Forward

Startups in Education

Focus on foundational literacy and numeracy
Implement PM Poshan Shakti Nirman scheme
Ease STEM education
Support researchers and vocational skill learners

Teacher Training and Support

Crucial for effective solution implementation
Educators need skills and knowledge for tech use
Professional development programs and workshops recommended
Ongoing support empowers teachers to adopt new methods
Collaboration with edtech startups can enhance training

Challenges for Edtech Startups

Issues with scalability and sustainability
Need for strong technological infrastructure
Ongoing updates and support required
Collaboration with investors and organizations is essential

Collaboration in Edtech

Must work with educators and institutions
Co-create innovative educational solutions
Gain insights from teachers and experts
Develop relevant edtech tools for educational settings

Conclusion:

Apart from this, Educational startups have the opportunity to make a global impact by reaching students in remote areas, underserved communities, and developing countries. With the power of online platforms, mobile apps and accessible technologv Educational and Skill development startups car transcend geographical boundaries to provide quality education and bridge the education gap and empower learners worldwide.