Eight Startups Selected for EdTech Week Shark Tank Finale

NEW YORK, Oct. 16, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Eight founders have been selected to pitch in the EdTech Week 2026 Shark Tank Finale, a competition that will award $250,000 in pledged capital to the winning startup. The finalists, chosen from 57 semifinalists across eight investor-judged tanks, will present their innovative education and workforce technology solutions to a room of 50+ Sharks, including partners and principals from 50+ specialist investors, on October 15 at Teachers College, Columbia University. The event will be the finale of EdTech Week 2026, an annual gathering of founders, investors, educators, and institutional leaders shaping the future of learning and work.

The eight finalists represent a diverse range of educational and workforce technology solutions. Coraltalk, based in Toronto, offers a scalable way for universities and business schools to verify that students truly understand their work. Founded by Melissa Morgan, Coraltalk is designed to combat the issue of AI-generated content that can mimic student submissions.

Druid Learning, based in New York, is an AI-powered learning technology platform developed in partnership with educational publishers. Niamh Faller, the CEO of Druid Learning, aims to provide universities and schools with a tool to enhance the learning experience by leveraging artificial intelligence.

Mia & Codie, a preK innovation company based in Nyack, New York, is tackling a significant educational challenge. Nearly 70% of U.S. fourth graders cannot read proficiently, and Mia & Codie is developing a solution to address this issue. The company's founders, Don Moody, are dedicated to improving early childhood education and literacy rates.

Jinso Labs, based in Durham, North Carolina, is focused on the critical issue of workforce training effectiveness. The company brings rigorous evaluation to the sector, which often operates on faith, and aims to provide governments and training providers with the data they need to improve their programs. Jay Lee-Gopalan, the CEO of Jinso Labs, is committed to ensuring that government investments in workforce training are effective and have a positive impact.

RxPharmacist, based in Tampa, is addressing a pressing problem in the healthcare industry. Pharmacists and allied health professionals often carry significant debt into their licensure exams, which can be a significant barrier to their entry into the workforce. RxPharmacist provides them with the support and resources they need to succeed, ensuring they can cross the finish line and begin their careers.

Legit Leader, based in Oceanside, California, is focused on improving the role of principals in schools. Judy Nguyen, the CEO of Legit Leader, is working to support and empower principals, who are often the highest-leverage role in a school but are often the least supported. By providing principals with the tools and resources they need, Nguyen aims to improve school operations and outcomes.

DAIGON Esports, based in Malta, is addressing the need for esports programs in elementary and middle schools. Elliot Mack, the CEO of DAIGON Esports, is developing a curriculum that can be implemented without the need for expensive gaming equipment, specialist coaches, or high-school-only playbooks. This approach makes esports accessible to a wider range of schools and students.

Valoi, based in Chicago, is focused on improving reading outcomes for students with dyslexia. Tristan Nevotne, the CEO of Valoi, is working to provide dyslexic learners with the tools and resources they need to succeed, starting with their reading skills.

The finalists represent a diverse range of innovative solutions in the education and workforce technology space, and their presentations at the EdTech Week 2026 Shark Tank Finale will showcase the potential of these solutions to improve education and workforce outcomes. The competition will bring together investors, educators, and industry leaders to support and invest in these promising startups.