The GEC makes BusinessCloud’s EdTech 50 ranking for 2026
Innovation ranking celebrates UK businesses of all sizes creating technology for education and workplace development.
The Global Equality Collective (GEC) has been named 9th in BusinessCloud’s EdTech 50 for 2026, recognising the UK’s most innovative companies developing technology for education and workplace development. The EdTech 50 celebrates businesses of all sizes creating original technology to transform education and workplace development.
“This year’s EdTech 50 showcases how emerging technologies such as AI, immersive platforms and short-form video are being used in schools, higher education and the workplace.”
“These companies - at all stages of growth - are helping children to improve their maths and English; assisting teachers in the creation of lessons; developing tools to support inclusion, neurodiversity and emotional wellbeing; empowering exam prep and marking; and helping businesses to upskill their workforces. It’s a privilege to shine a light on them.”
Jonathan Symcox, editor of BusinessCloud
BusinessCloud called on its readers to vote for companies from the 104-strong shortlist over seven days. A combination of these votes and choices from an expert judging panel determined the top 50. The judging panel was comprised of:
• Rachel Vecht, founder, Educating Matters
• Dan Sandhu, CEO, Education Development Trust
• Tim Holmes, education, training and human capital M&A, Alvarez & Marsal
• Jonathan Symcox, editor, BusinessCloud
The GEC positioned 9th in the ranking, recognised for its research-informed approach to inclusion, belonging and workforce sustainability in education systems. Founded by Dr Nicole Ponsford, the GEC integrates research, technology and expertise to provide an Inclusion Intelligence Layer for schools, trusts and regional systems. The GEC Platform captures lived experience from over 34,500 students and staff across 30 countries. Through its Kaleidoscopic Data methodology — an intersectional, mixed-methods approach validated through doctoral research — the organisation translates lived experience into actionable intelligence via an evidence-led Inclusion Audit, structured Inclusion Index and implementation support through its Champion Hub. Alongside the Platform, the GEC Circle operates as a dedicated intelligence network of over 400 researchers and practitioners, supporting systems to interpret data and embed measurable improvement.
“We are proud to be recognised in BusinessCloud’s EdTech 50. This ranking reflects the sector’s growing recognition that inclusion must move beyond aspiration to measurable, research-informed infrastructure. Our work has always been built with schools and shaped by lived experience. Being included alongside some of the UK’s most innovative education companies is an important milestone for our team and partners.”
Dr Nicole Ponsford, Founding CEO of the GEC
As accountability frameworks evolve and inclusion becomes increasingly central to governance and workforce sustainability, the GEC continues to expand its partnerships across schools, trusts and regional systems in the UK and internationally.
Find out more about the GEC Platform
Media enquiries:
office@thegec.education
Website: https://www.thegec.education/