Top Hat has been named one of TIME’s World’s Top EdTech Companies 2026, recognizing its leadership in helping educators create more engaging, evidence-based learning experiences through AI-powered innovation.
TORONTO – July 22, 2026 – Top Hat, the leader in student engagement solutions for higher education, today announced it has been named one of the World’s Top EdTech Companies by TIME Magazine. The annual ranking, presented by TIME and Statista, recognizes the world’s leading education technology companies based on both financial strength and industry impact. This year’s evaluation assessed approximately 6,500 companies worldwide, with the top 500 earning recognition. This is the second time Top Hat has been recognized on TIME’s annual World’s Top EdTech Companies list, reflecting its continued commitment to innovation and educator success.
“This recognition reflects something much bigger than Top Hat—it reflects the growing importance of technology in helping educators spark curiosity and critical thinking,” said Maggie Leen, Chief Executive Officer at Top Hat. “We’re committed to building tools that help students engage with ideas, develop their thinking and demonstrate the skills they’ll carry with them long after graduation.”
Since 2009, Top Hat has empowered educators to create classrooms where learning is active, visible and engaging. Top Hat helps educators bring every class to life with interactive questions, discussions and activities that encourage participation while giving instructors real-time insight into student understanding. Together, these tools help institutions create richer learning experiences that improve engagement, strengthen outcomes and prepare students with the critical thinking skills they’ll need to be successful in their careers. This approach closely aligns with the industry impact areas recognized by TIME and Statista, including learner-centered teaching, educational content, learning analytics, assessment, tutoring and testing and STEM education.
Today, Top Hat is building on that legacy with Top Hat Ace, an AI-powered teaching assistant that saves educators time while reducing barriers to learning. Ace Content Enhancer instantly transforms static course materials into interactive, accessible learning experiences. Ace’s chat-based study assistant and on-demand practice sessions give students course-specific support whenever they need it—all within the context of the materials their instructor has assigned.
“The most powerful use of AI in education isn’t generating answers. It’s helping educators create learning experiences that are more personalized and more engaging for every student,” said Hong Bui, Chief Product Officer at Top Hat. “With Top Hat Ace, educators spend less time creating and updating course materials and more time teaching. At the same time, every learner receives personalized support that encourages deeper thinking, consistent practice and lasting understanding.”
About Top Hat
As the leader in student engagement solutions for higher education, Top Hat enables educators to employ evidence-based teaching practices through interactive content, tools, and activities in in-person, online, and hybrid classroom environments. Thousands of faculty at 750 leading North American colleges and universities use Top Hat to create meaningful, engaging and accessible learning experiences for students before, during, and after class. To learn more, please visit tophat.com.
