How EdTech Companies Can Turn Research into a Competitive Advantage

Insights from LearnPlatform by Instructure and the ICEI-WiKIT

It’s no secret: high-quality research is expensive. And for many EdTech companies, research budgets are either small or nonexistent. Even when companies recognize the importance of building an evidence base through independent studies, a key question remains: How can EdTech companies use research-backed evidence to boost sales and stand out in a crowded market?

This very topic took center stage at two recent events hosted by Instructure, featuring expert insights from the International Centre for EdTech Impact and Digital Promise. The discussions tackled a pressing challenge in the industry: while evidence-based claims can enhance credibility and trust, many EdTech companies struggle to integrate research effectively into their marketing and sales strategies.

So, how can EdTech businesses leverage evidence to drive adoption and growth? Let’s dive into some key takeaways from these conversations.

At the international EdTech conference BETT 2025 in London, Instructure hosted an event focused on the critical role of evidence in EdTech “Making Waves in Edtech Evidence: A Roundtable Reception”. This exclusive roundtable reception focused on two key topics: impact and evidence-building for EdTech founders. The panel (Daniel Stanhope from Instructure, Natalia Kucirkova from ICEI and Parker van Nostrand from Digital Promise), discussed how evidence is key for EdTech companies, offering a sales advantage and enhancing the credibility of their products. This is especially important when companies enter new markets, like the U.S., where the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires evidence-based practices. Instructure’s free tool, the Education Policy Atlas, helps companies navigate ESSA standards across various states, helping them understand the evidence needed to meet these requirements and compete for federal funding opportunities.

Together, panelists emphasized the need for rapid efficacy trials in EdTech, particularly focusing on the design features of tools that matter most to educators and learners. They also unpacked the limitations of these studies, which are often overlooked but essential for understanding how tools can have a direct impact on classroom outcomes.

The panel also reflected on the role of certifications in signaling evidence. ESSA certifications as well as those by EduEvidence offer further validation for EdTech tools and help schools identify which products align with evidence-based practices. These certifications play an essential role in ensuring that schools adopt tools with proven efficacy, creating a trustworthy environment for educators and learners alike.

One key takeaway from the panel was how ESSA studies can be conducted efficiently, maintaining research integrity while also offering fast results. The discussion highlighted the need for a balanced approach, where speed doesn’t compromise the quality or rigor of research. As EdTech continues to grow and evolve, it is clear that evidence and certifications will play an increasingly significant role in shaping the tools used in classrooms.

The panelists agreed that as this field evolves, stakeholders across the education ecosystem, from EdTech developers to policymakers, must prioritize the importance of evidence, research integrity, and the need for meaningful certifications. Demonstrating effectiveness is vital to build trust and improve educational outcomes for all students.

If you want to get some tangible take-aways, you can watch the video from the on-demand webinar EdTech Strategy: Using Evidence as a Competitive Advantage.