When we started ThinkZone a decade ago, Edtech wasn’t a buzzword.
It was a belief that technology, when used the right way, could help children learn better, no matter where they lived, how much their parents earned, or whether their schools had internet.
But over the years, I’ve watched the meaning of Edtech slowly drift.
During COVID-19, the word exploded. With schools shut and learning disrupted, countless digital platforms promised to “fix” education. Apps, dashboards, and video classes became the face of learning almost overnight.
Yet as the dust settled, something became clear:
👉 Technology alone cannot solve the education crisis.
Edtech Is a Tool, Not a Teacher
Somewhere along the way, Edtech began to mean just apps. Or videos. Or online classrooms.
But to us, it’s always meant more.
At ThinkZone, we’ve implemented technology-enabled, evidence-backed programs across rural and underserved communities. And what we’ve learned is this:
The power of Edtech comes alive when it complements, not replaces human connection.
Standalone solutions can increase access. But real, long-term learning gains happen when tech is paired with offline systems, community processes, and the unwavering support of teachers and parents.
It’s not fast. It’s not flashy. But it works.
Scaling with Integrity
This year, we released our 2024–25 Annual Report: EdTech for Education Equity.
It documents a year of bold growth, hard lessons, and meaningful impact:
- In FY 2022–23, we impacted 50,000 children
- In 2023–24, that number grew to 1 lakh
- In 2024–25, we reached 3 lakh children
- And now, as I am writing this, we’re already supporting more than 1 million children this year
But numbers aren’t the full story.
Behind every number is a child who deserves the right support.
We’ve always believed that equity, not scale, is the real north star. That’s why our solutions are designed to work regardless of device availability, internet access, or geography.
Whether it’s a parent receiving SMSes, or a teacher using our tools offline, we ensure that the child’s learning is never compromised.
The Bamboo Tree Approach
This journey hasn’t been overnight. If anything, our growth reminds me of the Chinese bamboo tree: it spends years growing strong roots underground before it suddenly shoots up.
ThinkZone’s roots were laid in a small learning center in rural Odisha.
Today, we’re proud to be scaling our work across the state in close collaboration with the Government of Odisha and many like-minded partners.
It’s a reminder: Edtech is not about shiny dashboards. It’s about resilient systems. And resilient people.
What We Believe In
As we mark 10 years, our belief remains unchanged:
💡 Technology can unlock access. But lasting change comes from trust, systems, and people.
The journey ahead is exciting, and the responsibility is bigger than ever. We know that as we scale, we must ensure that quality never gets diluted, and that every child continues to be seen, supported, and empowered.
Read the Full Report
This year’s annual report, titled EdTech for Education Equity, offers a deeper look at our approach, our milestones, and our next steps. You can explore the full journey here.
If you’re working in education, policy, or technology and are interested in collaborating, I’d love to connect. Feel free to email me at binayak@thinkzone.in.
