How Women Edupreneurs Are Redefining Education With AI Innovation

Women entrepreneurs are reshaping global education through innovation, scalability, and learner-centric approaches. These changemakers are not only reshaping how education is delivered but are also contributing significantly to economic growth through brand licensing models and technological advancements.

Addressing Access and Equity

Due to geographic isolation, gender inequality, and poverty, millions of children around the world still lack access to high-quality education. As of 2023, UNESCO estimates that 244 million children were not attending school. Entrepreneurs are closing this gap with innovative and scalable solutions, like affordable schools and online learning environments.

Through franchised community schools, organisations offer reasonably priced education, giving kids in underprivileged areas access to high-quality resources. By providing education that is adapted to local contexts, these programs immediately address inequities and make learning efficient and accessible even in remote locations.

Personalisation and Learner-Centric Models

Students learn in unique ways, a fact often missed by traditional education. Like Duolingo and Khan Academy, women leaders are changing the game with AI and data-driven tools, tailoring learning experiences to individual needs.

According to research, tailored approaches greatly improve student performance and engagement while giving students the confidence to take control of their education. These developments are especially important because they enable students with different skills and interests to flourish in a system tailored to their own needs.

Brand Licensing: Engines of Economic Growth

Brand licensing is transforming the delivery of education while simultaneously generating revenue and it also enables women thought leaders to scale successful models, promotes local entrepreneurship, and increases access to education. Individuals can own and run educational facilities with strong support networks through preschool ventures.

Over the past five years, education franchises in India have driven consistent growth, contributing significantly to the economy. Indian education franchises have increased by 15% a year based on increasing demand for quality education in urban and rural locations. In the services sector, which makes up 54% of India's GDP, private education market leader franchises have reached $225 billion in FY 2025, also providing jobs and female empowerment in Tier 2 and 3 cities. Government initiatives like "Skill India" and an increase in budget further spur growth through public-private partnerships

These franchises blend economic impact with social progress by bridging gaps in education access and quality.

Technology: The Game-Changer in Education

The edupreneurial movement is fueled by technology, which makes education more accessible and interactive. AI, VR, and gamification are examples of tools that improve 21st-century skill development by offering immersive experiences and individualised feedback.

Lifelong Learning and Skills Development

Women Entrepreneurs recognise the importance of lifelong learning in today’s fast-changing world. Online platforms offer flexible, career-oriented courses for adults and professionals, enabling them to reskill and upskill. By focusing on critical thinking, digital literacy, and problem-solving, these programs ensure learners stay competitive in evolving job markets.

Transforming Lives Through Education

Beyond students, edupreneurial projects have a cascading effect. They empower local communities and encourage new generations to have higher dreams by democratising education. For instance, franchise models increase household earnings and gender equity by enabling women entrepreneurs to launch enterprises.

Additionally, these initiatives advance society. According to the World Bank, additional years of schooling reduce poverty and promote economic growth with about a 10% increase in each year of education.

Challenges and Opportunities

Although the potential for transforming educational processes, women edupreneurs still face regulatory hurdles, funding limitations, and traditional resistance.  Governments, nonprofits, and private sectors should work together to overcome such obstacles. Policies that incentivise innovation and provide financial support for educational ventures can significantly amplify their impact.

Edupreneurs are redefining education by integrating innovation, accessibility, and learner-focused strategies. Their impact goes beyond classrooms, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving lives through scalable franchise models and technological breakthroughs.

As global challenges in education persist, women entrepreneurs offer a hopeful and sustainable solution, ensuring inclusive and transformative learning for generations to come.

Authored by Preeti Bhandary, Co-Founder and Director Curriculum, Little Elly. Views expressed by the author are their own.