President Trump’s latest initiative to overhaul artificial intelligence (AI) education policy is poised to make a significant impact across the global education and EdTech sectors. The renewed focus on early skills development and ensuring US dominance in AI technologies aims to create a “new global benchmark,” according to Ashish Khosla, Co-Founder and President of Innovation at Shoolini University.
“President Trump’s AI education push, emphasizing early skills development and US dominance, will attempt to set a new global benchmark,” stated Khosla, highlighting the shift towards prioritising AI literacy from a young age.
Impact on Global EdTech and Education Standards
As the United States moves to integrate AI literacy into foundational education, universities worldwide may need to revise their admissions processes, while companies might reframe their hiring strategies. “For education and EdTech globally, this raises the bar: AI literacy will be expected from an early age, reshaping how universities admit students and how companies hire talent,” Khosla noted.
This proactive approach by the US is likely to influence global education systems, pushing other nations to adopt similar frameworks or risk falling behind.
Challenges for International EdTech Companies
International EdTech companies face two major hurdles: conforming to US-centric standards and vying for influence in an increasingly American-defined AI landscape. “International EdTech companies will face two key challenges: aligning with US-centric standards and competing for influence in a landscape increasingly defined by American frameworks for ‘bias-free’ AI,” Khosla explained.
Emerging players, particularly from developing nations, may initially struggle to adapt but could find significant opportunities by aligning early. “It’s also a major opportunity — especially for Indian EdTech firms to level up and ride the global surge,” he added.
Tougher Competition for Indian and International Students
Khosla also warned that heightened AI education initiatives could intensify competition for job placements in the United States. “For Indian and international students, competition for US jobs could intensify, as a more AI-trained domestic workforce may limit OPT and work opportunities for foreign graduates without standout skills,” he said.
Students globally will need to equip themselves with advanced AI capabilities to remain competitive.
Risks of Widening Educational Inequity
While the US moves ahead, there is a growing concern about the widening global educational gap. Khosla pointed out, “On equity and inclusion, the risk is that countries without large-scale AI education investments could be left behind, widening existing gaps.”
He stressed that other nations must take similarly proactive steps to democratise AI education to ensure equitable global growth.
