In a remarkable celebration of innovation and excellence in online education, Coursera has unveiled the winners of its prestigious 2025 Partner Awards. This event recognizes the pioneering efforts of leading universities and companies that have made significant strides in transforming the landscape of digital learning. Held during the 13th annual Coursera Conference in Las Vegas on September 9th, 2025, this event acknowledged six partners whose contributions have set new benchmarks in the field of online education.
The Coursera platform, a prominent entity in the world of online education, partners with over 350 renowned universities and companies to deliver top-notch educational content to millions of learners in more than 190 countries. The platform’s Partner Awards are designed to honor those institutions that have brilliantly utilized Coursera to create innovative and impactful learning experiences, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in digital education.
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award is a tribute to a new partner that has swiftly demonstrated exceptional innovation and impact through its collaboration with Coursera. This year, the award went to Heriot-Watt University. Their MSc in Computer Science program, launched this year, has revolutionized the approach to accessible higher education. By combining flexible and affordable design with performance-based admissions, Heriot-Watt University has paired degree programs with free access to over 500 industry certificates. This model stands as a powerful example of inclusive and career-oriented higher education, addressing learners’ needs and preparing them for future endeavors.
AI Innovation Award
The AI Innovation Award celebrates a partner that has successfully harnessed artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create more personalized and innovative learning programs. The accolade was awarded to Fractal, a trailblazer in the field of online education. Fractal has redefined the learning experience by being the first Coursera partner to utilize AI-driven content creation and digital cloning technology. Their multilingual dubbing capabilities and skills-based learning pathways have created an accessible and globally connected future for education, tailored to diverse learner needs and preferences.
Engagement Excellence Award
Recognizing an institution that has excelled in cultivating creative engagement strategies, the Engagement Excellence Award was bestowed upon Adobe. Adobe’s commitment to the complete learner journey is evident from discovery through progression. By implementing a bold, data-informed strategy, Adobe places learners at the heart of their approach. Their global reach, innovative content design, and focus on meaningful outcomes have established seamless, high-impact learning pathways that deeply engage learners and sustain participation across diverse audiences.
Trailblazer Award
The Trailblazer Award celebrates a partner that consistently pioneers new approaches in online education and pushes the boundaries of possibility. This year, the award was presented to Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois. As the first institution to launch a degree program on Coursera, Gies College of Business has fundamentally reimagined higher education delivery. Their rapid adoption of AI tools and continuously evolving content and learning experiences demonstrate their unwavering commitment to accessible, high-quality education and solidify their position at the forefront of educational innovation.
Vision and Values Award
The Vision and Values Award recognizes a partner that embodies shared values while advancing the future of learning. Duke University was honored with this award for exemplifying innovation with intention, principle, and purpose. As a deeply engaged member of Coursera’s Innovation Team, Duke University has helped shape new features and capabilities. Through strategic stewardship of their Coursera portfolio, content optimization, and data-driven, learner-first experimentation, Duke ensures the future of online education is equitable and transformative for learners worldwide.
Maximizing Impact Award
The Maximizing Impact Award celebrates institutions that have achieved significant outcomes for their learners, organizations, or regions. This includes improved employability, enhanced learner capabilities, and meaningful social impact. The award was given to Universidad de los Andes, a powerhouse since joining the Coursera community in 2015. With five degree programs and nearly 100 open courses on the platform, Universidad de los Andes has reached learners on an unprecedented scale. Their commitment to experimentation and excellence in online education delivery is evident through innovative admissions and credit strategies and early adoption of AI tools.
These six exemplary partners represent the pinnacle of what collaborative innovation can achieve in education. They have transformed our thinking about accessibility, engagement, and impact in online learning while maintaining an unwavering commitment to learner success.
Coursera extends its gratitude to its partner community of over 350 leading universities and companies. Their dedication to creating world-class educational content continues to expand opportunities for millions of learners worldwide. Together, they are building an ecosystem where quality education transcends geographical boundaries, and innovation serves the fundamental goal of transforming lives through learning.
For those interested in joining this transformative movement, Coursera offers an invitation to join an ecosystem of leading universities and companies dedicated to revolutionizing education worldwide. This collaboration aims to unlock human potential through the power of learning, ensuring that education remains a transformative force in society.
For more information about Coursera’s partnerships and the impact they are making in the world of online education, visit Coursera Partnerships.
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