Raya Bidshahri

Iranian-Saudi education innovator creating post-national learning systems

Dubai-based Raya Bidshahri founded Awecademy at 24 – the first school teaching ‘scientific wonder’ as core curriculum. Her platform serves 180,000 students in conflict zones through AI-personalized courses blending STEM with philosophical inquiry.

Rejecting traditional diplomas, Bidshahri's ‘Skill DNA’ system maps 47 cognitive abilities using blockchain. Controversially, she partners with both Israeli and Arab states on climate education while banning national flags in virtual classrooms. Her TED Talk on ‘Education Without Borders’ has 9M+ views.

Unique impact: Bidshahri coordinates the Mars Education Protocol – a global consortium preparing interplanetary curricula. She's piloting VR refugee camps converted into digital universities, challenging traditional humanitarian education approaches.