Week in EdTech 12/03/25: PhysicsWallah IPO Shakes Indian EdTech, Google & OpenAI Escalate AI Race, Higher Ed Adopts AI, New AI Leaderboard Launches, and More! Feat. Andrew Carlins of Songscription and Eric Tao & Austin Levinson of MegaMinds

Dec 12, 2025
1h 34m

Episode Description

Send a text

Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they break down the biggest shifts in global edtech. From PhysicsWallah’s major IPO to Google–OpenAI competition, higher-ed adoption of AI, and new benchmarks shaping the future of learning.

 ✨ Episode Highlights
[00:07:00] PhysicsWallah’s IPO reshapes Indian edtech and signals renewed global momentum
[00:15:00] Google and OpenAI escalate the AI race with Gemini 3, Nano Banana Pro, and OpenAI’s “garlic” model
[00:31:00] Higher education shifts from AI resistance to AI integration across teaching and majors
[00:39:00] Rural districts test new connected learning models backed by major tech partners
[00:40:00] Learning Agency launches the first Education AI Leaderboard for model benchmarking

Plus, special guests:
[00:45:30] Andrew Carlins, Co-Founder & CEO of Songscription on AI-powered music transcription and access

[01:01:10] Eric Tao, Founder & CEO of MegaMinds, and Austin Levinson, Director of Learning at MegaMinds on immersive AI simulations for CTE and AI literacy

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

See all episodes