Here are 11 of the most exciting early-stage edtech startups to check out during ISTE 2025. Some are fresh out of stealth, others have recently raised funding or joined startup accelerators, and many are already being used in classrooms across the country.

VibeGrade

YC-backed and newly launched, VibeGrade helps teachers grade essays up to 10x faster by embedding directly into Google Docs, Canvas, and Google Classroom. It uses rubric-based AI feedback and supports plagiarism and AI-generated text detection. Since launching publicly this spring, it has already helped teachers review over 12,000 essays.

Knowlej

Knowlej is a learn-to-earn platform that helps schools boost student attendance and engagement. Students complete gamified learning challenges to earn real-world rewards like gift cards, headphones, or even fractional stock. Knowlej integrates with platforms like Google Classroom and Schoology while providing real-time analytics to educators.

Pangram Labs

Pangram Labs builds what’s quickly becoming the go-to AI-writing detector for schools and universities. It boasts a false positive rate under 0.01%, supports over 20 languages, and has built-in integrations for Google Classroom, Canvas, and more. The team recently raised a $4M seed round to expand the product's reach.

Short Answer

Created by Stanford Learning Design alums, Short Answer is a writing platform that uses peer-to-peer feedback and gamification to improve student writing. It’s already in use across all 50 U.S. states and over 10 countries, and has won recognition from the ASU+GSV Elite 200 and Stanford’s Learning Design Challenge.

NeuraPoints

NeuraPoints introduces a "cognitive code" framework that helps students visualize and refine their thinking before writing. It pairs this framework with AI tools like ChatGPT to support clearer communication and stronger reasoning. The product is gaining traction in both academic and professional learning circles.

Socrait

Socrait saves teachers time by automating classroom management tasks like behavior tracking, lesson summaries, and attendance. Founded by educator and edtech veteran Maria Andersen, it recently launched a mobile app and has begun rolling out in classrooms for real-time feedback.

StoryPlans.ai

Spun out of LIRA Learning, StoryPlans helps K–5 teachers generate inquiry-based, standards-aligned read-aloud lesson plans. Educators can choose a book and receive a full set of AI-generated prompts and interactive questions tied to SEL and literacy goals. A beta version is now live for classroom pilots.

Ople

Ople is a social learning platform for PK–12 educators, built around short, classroom-tested videos. Teachers share what works in their own classrooms while learning from peers, helping schools scale professional learning without top-down PD. Since its launch in late 2024, Ople has onboarded hundreds of teachers.

Snorkl

Snorkl lets students record themselves explaining how they solved a problem, giving teachers real insight into student thinking. The platform provides instant AI-generated feedback to students, while educators get analytics on reasoning and understanding. It’s already being used in schools around the world.

Struggly

Struggly is a digital math platform for K–6 students that builds number sense and confidence through playful challenges. Grounded in cognitive science and growth mindset research, the platform is used by over 120,000 students and has been nominated for multiple design and education awards.

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