Dr Paul Atherton is the founder of Fab AI, a non-profit dedicated to improving educational systems through innovative technological solutions. Fab works closely with governments, donors and big tech to both develop AI and data-driven systems that strengthen educational planning and delivery and to guide the development of AI EdTech, ensuring that technology serves the needs of learners and educators in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Under his leadership, Fab launched the AI-for-Education.org initiative – an open-source platform supporting scalable quality assurance and research and development for AI EdTech in low- and middle-income countries. This included developing its own AI benchmarks, such as the Pedagogy Benchmark, which tests the capabilities of AI models on education tasks.

Fab also develops Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to optimise school locations and protect infrastructure from environmental challenges such as heat and flooding, and deploys tools that promote equitable access to quality teaching.

Fab has developed its own AI-based tools such as TheTeacher.AI in Sierra Leone – a WhatsApp chatbot providing 24/7 support for teachers in lesson planning and professional development – and a similar tool designed to assist school inspectors during visits. It has also invested in R&D solutions, most notably in Voice AI for assessments, given its strong potential to improve learning outcomes.