#162:Are we ready for this?

Education Next- Hundred and sixty-first Edition

Author

Priyanka Modi
June 21, 2025

Welcome to this week’s EducationNext newsletter, where we explore the intersection of education and cutting-edge technology. From transformative AI initiatives to insights from industry pioneers, we’re spotlighting stories that shape the future of learning. Let’s dive in!

UK’s £187M TechFirst Programme: Equipping Students for an AI Future

On June 9, 2025, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled the £187 million TechFirst programme, a bold step in the UK’s Industrial Strategy to prepare students for tech-driven careers. This initiative aims to equip young people with AI and digital skills, break down barriers to opportunity, and foster economic growth.

By investing in students from all backgrounds, TechFirst ensures the next generation is ready to thrive in an AI-powered world, regardless of where they grow up.

UK Launches AI Skills Drive to Empower Young People in Tech

UK Launches AI Skills Drive to Empower Young People in Tech

www.educationnext.in/posts/uk-launches-ai-skills-drive-to-empower-young-people-in-tech

Amazon’s AI Vision: A New Era of Learning and Work

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy recently shared an inspiring vision for Generative AI, emphasizing its potential to transform education and work. Jassy highlighted AI agents—autonomous systems that handle tasks such as research and problem-solving—as game changers for students and educators.

“AI agents will change how we all work and live, making our jobs more exciting and fun.”

These agents could reduce repetitive tasks, allowing educators to focus on creative teaching and students to engage in deeper learning, accelerating innovation in education.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy Urges Employees to Embrace AI, Signals Job Transformation

Amazon’s AI Revolution: Andy Jassy’s Vision for Transforming Customer Experiences and Work

www.educationnext.in/posts/amazon-ceo-andy-jassy-urges-employees-to-embrace-ai-signals-job-transformation

Geoffrey Hinton: The Godfather of AI on Learning and Risks

On the DOAC podcast, Jeffrey Hinton, known as the “Godfather of AI,” reflected on his pioneering work in neural networks and raised concerns about AI’s future. His brain-inspired approach to AI, rooted in how humans learn, has shaped modern education tools. Yet, Hinton warns of AI’s potential risks, urging educators to balance innovation with caution.

Hinton’s insights remind us to teach learners not just how to use AI, but how to think critically about its impact.

The Godfather of AI Speaks: Jeffrey Hinton’s Warnings on the Future of AI

The Godfather of AI Speaks: Jeffrey Hinton’s Warnings on the Future of AI

www.educationnext.in/posts/the-godfather-of-ai-speaks-jeffrey-hintons-warnings-on-the-future-of-ai

Michael Truell’s AI Coding Revolution

Michael Truell, co-founder of Anysphere, shared on How to Build the Future how his AI coding platform Cursor (valued at $9 billion with $100 million ARR) is shaking up software development.

Truell’s vision? Replace tedious coding with a “vibe coding” future where developers describe ideas, and AI makes them real.

But for big projects, he warns, “The vibe coding style... is not something we recommend if you're going to have the code stay around for a long time.”

Truell sees AI as both a helper and a super-smart compiler, turning high-level ideas into code while keeping developers in control. The catch? Huge codebases (think 100 million tokens) and long-term tasks are still tricky for AI.

Michael Truell and Cursor: Leading the Fastest-Growing SaaS Revolution in Coding

Michael Truell and Cursor: Leading the Fastest-Growing SaaS Revolution in Coding

www.educationnext.in/posts/michael-truell-and-cursor-leading-the-fastest-growing-saas-revolution-in-coding

Alexandr Wang’s AI Mission: Inspiring the Next Generation

At 28, Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang is joining Meta to lead a new AI “Superintelligence” lab, backed by a $14.3 billion investment. Wang’s journey from a math prodigy in Los Alamos to a global AI leader offers a powerful example for students. His work on artificial superintelligence (ASI) could redefine educational tools, blending human and AI capabilities.

His secret? “If you’re hyper-focused and invest the time and effort, you can make really fast progress.”

Wang’s story inspires educators to nurture curiosity and ambition, preparing students for a world where AI amplifies human potential.

Alexandr Wang’s Rise: Powering Meta’s AI "Superintelligence" Lab with a $14.3B Boost

Alexandr Wang’s Rise: Powering Meta’s AI "Superintelligence" Lab with a $14.3B Boost

www.educationnext.in/posts/alexandr-wangs-rise-powering-metas-ai-superintelligence-lab-with-a-14-3b-boost

From the UK’s bold education reforms to AI’s transformative potential in classrooms, the future of learning is bright—and complex. Join us next week as we explore more ways technology is reshaping education.

Have ideas or stories you’d like us to cover? Write to us at [email protected]

The EducationNext Team

88 Thought Leaders

In this episode, I speak with Rekha Megan, co-founder of Boundless Life, as she shares her powerful vision for the future of education and learning.

We discuss the essential skills young people need today, from adaptability and creativity to emotional intelligence and global awareness.

Rekha opens up about how Boundless Life is redefining education by helping families live, learn, and travel together, allowing children to learn from diverse cultures, environments, and real-world experiences.

It's a refreshing take on how we can nurture globally minded, self-aware, and future-ready learners.

🔥 Stay Ahead of the Curve

The future is happening NOW. The question is—are you evolving with it?

👉 Subscribe to stay ahead → educationnext.beehiiv.com

🎯 Please share this with someone who needs to hear it.

Let’s Stay Connected!