SmartLab wins 2026 CODiE Award for best STEM instructional solution

SmartLab won the 2026 CODiE Award for Best STEM Instructional Solution and placed its SmartLab Explorer product as a Product of the Year finalist. The recognition highlights a career-connected STEM model aimed at building student engagement, STEM identity and career readiness across K-12 classrooms.

Why it matters: - SmartLab’s win gives independent validation to a STEM model built around hands-on learning, educator support and career-connected projects. - The recognition matters for schools looking for ways to improve student engagement, technical skills and confidence in STEM pathways. - SmartLab Explorer’s finalist placement adds another signal that the company’s product set is gaining attention in the education technology market.

What happened: - SmartLab announced that its career-connected learning solution won the 2026 CODiE Award for Best STEM Instructional Solution. - SmartLab Explorer was named a finalist for Product of the Year. - The company was selected from 228 finalists across 75 categories in the 2026 CODiE Awards program. - The awards recognize innovation and excellence across technology and education. - Independent industry experts evaluated entries on innovation, functionality, market impact and overall value.

The details: - SmartLab’s model combines hands-on, project-based curriculum with industry-relevant tools, customized learning environments, facilitator professional development and ongoing implementation support. - The program is designed for K-12 students and emphasizes student-centered “Ah-HA!” moments. - SmartLab says the approach is meant to build confidence and durable skills needed in an AI-powered world. - Students work through eight STEM applications: Engineering, Robotics, Scientific Data & Analysis, Digital Media, Environmental Science, Circuitry & Electronics, Software Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing. - Projects are career-connected and tied to authentic industry pathways and real-world careers. - Students investigate challenges, design and test solutions, collaborate with peers and communicate their ideas. - The company says the experience is built to strengthen technical knowledge and develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, adaptability and problem-solving. - SmartLab’s approach centers on STEM identity, which the company defines as a learner’s belief that they belong, can master rigorous challenges and make a meaningful contribution. - Students move through an active learning cycle that includes exploring, planning, creating, reflecting and sharing. - Educators act as facilitators who guide inquiry, support collaboration and connect classroom experiences to future opportunities. - SmartLab supports educators with professional development, instructional guidance, technical assistance and ongoing partnership. - The company offers dedicated classroom setups or flexible modular systems, along with standards-aligned curriculum and teacher training.

Between the lines: - The award suggests buyers and schools are valuing STEM products that connect content, classroom setup and educator support into one system rather than treating software or equipment as standalone purchases. - SmartLab’s messaging also reflects a broader shift in STEM education toward identity-building and workforce readiness, not just technical instruction. - The emphasis on AI-era skills signals that the company is positioning its program as preparation for both STEM careers and broader academic success.

What’s next: - SmartLab said it will keep advancing its curriculum, learning environments, professional development and support model. - The company also plans to expand access to career-connected STEM experiences in schools and communities. - A full list of 2026 CODiE Award winners is available on the CODiE Awards website.

The bottom line: - SmartLab’s CODiE win reinforces demand for STEM instruction that blends hands-on learning, teacher support and real-world career connections.