Innovating the heart of education through human conversation.
We’re proud to share that Breakout Learning has been named a 2026 EdTech Award Finalist in the category of EdTech Company Setting a Trend. The EdTech Awards are presented by EdTech Digest to recognize organizations shaping the future of education and technology, and we’re honored to be in the middle of it.
Why This Matters
Today, only 38% of U.S. college students report feeling actively engaged in their studies.
At the same time, AI has made it easier than ever to shortcut traditional assignments like essays and discussion boards.
The result? A growing gap between participation and genuine understanding.
So how do you spark real effort and verify true understanding?
Breakout Learning was built to solve exactly that.
A New Model for Learning
Breakout Learning puts human conversation back at the center of education and uses AI to scale it.
Our platform transforms passive coursework into structured, scenario-based small group discussions where students engage in real time, explain their thinking, and respond to one another.
AI enhances the experience by:
- Moderating discussions in real time
- Evaluating contributions against custom rubrics
- Surfacing insights on critical thinking and equity of voice
The result: instructors gain clear visibility into true understanding, and students do the cognitive work together.
The Impact
So far?
- 16,000+ students across 225+ institutions
- Used by 17 of the top 20 U.S. business schools
- 91% retention rate
- 95% of students report greater engagement
Faculty report a noticeable shift, with broader participation and more active classrooms.
Setting the Trend
Higher education has long faced a paradox: discussion is essential for learning, but difficult to scale.
Breakout Learning resolves that challenge by combining real-time conversation with AI-powered evaluation.
If we had to name the trend we’re setting? Using AI to strengthen, not replace, authentic peer learning.
Even more than we're honored to be recognized — we're grateful to the educators and students helping drive this shift forward.
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