Reflections from Bett '25

Bett UK has been THE place to go to observe innovation in education, and this year’s event, marking its 40th anniversary, was no exception. From the busy show floor to the insightful sessions hosted by Intel and our partners, it was clear that the future of education is actively being shaped by technology, thoughtful collaboration, and a shared commitment to empowering educators and learners.

As I reflect on my time at Bett UK, I came back inspired by the progress our collective team is making as an industry and the opportunities that lie ahead.? ?

Transforming Teaching (and Learning) Experiences with AI

No surprise here but AI continues to capture public consciousness in education. But I believe this year was a step forward in having real conversations about what one can do with AI, particularly with AI devices. Last year we had initial conversations but I believe it was more conceptual and possibility thinking-base. This year was far more real; in fact, a keynote that was led by Intel's Cigdem Ertem was entitled "Getting Real about AI in Education" where we had a thoughtful conversations on this topic with a powerhouse panel of experts.

From a device perspective, AI PCs were prominently showcased by our partners (OEMs) with Intel ? Core? Ultra. ?These devices are no longer abstract concepts - they are becoming practical tools that can help to simplify lesson planning, enhance classroom engagement, and support personalized learning.

There were many announcements during or around Bett that got me excited about the pace of innovation that is coming into education. ?This will be a journey but there is no doubt in my mind that technology, specifically an AI PC, is shaping up to help educators reduce the burden of administrative tasks and allow teachers to focus on what matters most: their students.

At Intel’s Tech User Labs, I witnessed firsthand how educators explored these technologies with intrigue and enthusiasm, gaining hands-on experience with AI PCs that demonstrated their potential to improve or enhancing teaching practices.? I look forward to sharing some examples from our “Take Control of Your Day with AI” session very soon.?

New Tools for Modern Learning and Teaching: Chromebook Plus

Chromebook Plus devices were everywhere this year at Bett; to my knowledge, this was a first real showing of this class of devices at Bett this year.? These devices have a richer hardware configuration compared to traditional Chromebooks and target both students and teachers, offering enhanced functionality tailored to educational needs. ?As I have shared here, we’re excited that many new designs will be coming to market with our latest Intel? Core? 3 Processor.? This is why we were excited to partner with Google and Canopy Education to actually show what teachers can do with a Chromebook Plus device at one of our Tech in Action sessions during the event.?

The Rise of eSports: More Than Just Gaming

As I have learned, eSports is no longer just a niche activity - it’s a movement reshaping education. Gaming PCs powered by Intel were front and center on the show floor with many of our partners.? In fact, MSI – a major player in gaming – made a debut this year at Bett to feature their gaming designs targeting eSports. ?The global eSports market is projected to grow over the coming years depending on the source one prefers, and its impact on education is undeniable based on its strong showing at the show. eSports programs are proving to be powerful tools for engaging students who might otherwise feel disconnected from traditional learning environments.

Sustainability: A Shared Responsibility

Sustainability was another key theme at Bett UK 2025. This reflects a growing priority across the education ecosystem. From durable device designs to eco-friendly supply chains, OEMs showcased their commitment to reducing environmental impact. According to a study by the Princeton Review, 61% of students consider an institution’s sustainability efforts when deciding where to study. This underscores the importance of this focus for both recruitment at the higher education level but we can say that the significance extends beyond this.? At Intel, we recognize that sustainability is not just a trend but a responsibility. By driving innovations that align with sustainable practices—such as energy-efficient devices—we aim to support educational institutions in their journey toward a greener future.

Final Thoughts: Continued Collaboration at the Heart of Progress

Bett UK 2025 simply reinforces why we do what we do at Intel: to empower educators and learners through technology. The conversations we had with partners underscored the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful outcomes that are mutually beneficial while also being rooted on the needs of learning and teaching. Whether it’s aligning on AI PC strategies or exploring new opportunities in our go-to-market efforts, these partnerships are critical to shaping the future of education on a global scale.? The future of personalized learning lies at the intersection of technology and learning and together with our partners across the ecosystem, we’re building it today. ?Events like Bett remind us that while challenges remain, our collective efforts can create an educational landscape where every student and teacher has the tools they need to succeed.?

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