Aligning innovation with education’s real needs
9 sep. 2025
EdTech is growing at an incredible pace. New tools launch every week, investments are rising, and expectations are high. On September 10, vision will meet practice. SUA’s CEO Peter Mandalh will moderate a panel of Nordic experts on how the sector can turn innovation into real solutions that create lasting impact.
"Without alignment and real evidence, credibility breaks down. The future of learning has to rest on both."
Innovation flourishes, but true progress comes when it is anchored in the realities of higher education. The panel will look at how startups can strengthen collaboration with universities, better understand institutional needs, and design tools that provide lasting pedagogical value.
- If innovation doesn’t tackle the daily challenges of educators, it won’t last, says Peter Mandalh.
From pilots to proven practice
Pilot projects play an important role in experimentation. But the real potential of EdTech is unlocked when promising pilots grow into sustainable solutions. The discussion will highlight how companies can demonstrate measurable outcomes, improve efficiency, and provide transparent data that benefits both learners and institutions.
Aligning innovation with education’s real needs
EdTech is growing at an incredible pace. New tools launch every week, investments are rising, and expectations are high. On September 10, vision will meet practice. SUA’s CEO Peter Mandalh will moderate a panel of Nordic experts on how the sector can turn innovation into real solutions that create lasting impact.
Innovation flourishes, but true progress comes when it is anchored in the realities of higher education. The panel will look at how startups can strengthen collaboration with universities, better understand institutional needs, and design tools that provide lasting pedagogical value.
- If innovation doesn’t tackle the daily challenges of educators, it won’t last, says Peter Mandalh.
From pilots to proven practice
Pilot projects play an important role in experimentation. But the real potential of EdTech is unlocked when promising pilots grow into sustainable solutions. The discussion will highlight how companies can demonstrate measurable outcomes, improve efficiency, and provide transparent data that benefits both learners and institutions.
"Without alignment and real evidence, credibility breaks down. The future of learning has to rest on both."
"Without alignment and real evidence, credibility breaks down. The future of learning has to rest on both."
Teachers as catalysts for change
AI and digital tools are transforming the classroom, yet teachers remain at the heart of learning. Their role is evolving from content delivery towards mentorship and guidance. The panel will explore how EdTech can empower educators, support this transition, and ensure that AI is used responsibly to build trust and protect students.
Towards impact and trust
Taken together, these perspectives point to a constructive path forward: aligning innovation with real educational needs, demonstrating evidence of impact, and using technology to strengthen rather than replace human expertise.
- Without alignment and real evidence, credibility breaks down. The future of learning has to rest on both, says Peter Mandalh.
Panelists
Marko Lukic, AI Lead, UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Pekka Koponen, Chair, HigherEd Hub Finland
Rachel Forsyth, Senior Educational Developer, Lund University
Teachers as catalysts for change
AI and digital tools are transforming the classroom, yet teachers remain at the heart of learning. Their role is evolving from content delivery towards mentorship and guidance. The panel will explore how EdTech can empower educators, support this transition, and ensure that AI is used responsibly to build trust and protect students.
Towards impact and trust
Taken together, these perspectives point to a constructive path forward: aligning innovation with real educational needs, demonstrating evidence of impact, and using technology to strengthen rather than replace human expertise.
- Without alignment and real evidence, credibility breaks down. The future of learning has to rest on both, says Peter Mandalh.
Panelists
Marko Lukic, AI Lead, UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Pekka Koponen, Chair, HigherEd Hub Finland
Rachel Forsyth, Senior Educational Developer, Lund University
About Nordic EdTech Summit
Nordic EdTech Summit is Northern Europe’s leading event for education technology, uniting startups, educators, researchers, investors, and policymakers. It serves as a platform to showcase innovation, share knowledge, and build collaborations that drive meaningful impact in education.
