Willow named finalist for Microsoft education award for AI use
Willow has been named a finalist for the 2025 Microsoft Education Partner of the Year Award, recognised for its work in using artificial intelligence to help educational institutions manage and optimise their campuses. The honour highlights the company's approach to creating more adaptable, sustainable and responsive learning environments through technology.
AI in education
The company delivers its technology via an Operational AI platform built on Microsoft Azure. Willow's platform enables educational institutions to monitor real-time variables such as classroom occupancy, energy consumption, equipment performance, and even carbon emissions. The platform has been used to help schools and universities tailor building operations, aiming for greater efficiency and improved campus experiences.
By integrating heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, sensors and a range of IoT devices, Willow offers a centralised system for data analysis and decision-making. This allows educational institutions to make targeted adjustments that can lower emissions, reduce operational costs and maintain optimal conditions for staff and students.
Recognition for collaboration
The award from Microsoft acknowledges Willow's role as a technology partner, with particular attention to the use of cloud and AI tools. The 2025 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards received over 4,600 nominations across various sectors, with Willow selected for its impact in the education category.
"We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition from Microsoft, a partner that has been foundational to Willow since our inception. Buildings are no longer static assets. They are becoming intelligent participants in our operations, energy systems and even climate strategies. Together with Microsoft, we are helping educational institutions lead this transformation, creating campuses that sense, learn, and improve for the benefit of the students, teachers and staff they serve," said Bert Van Hoof, CEO, Willow.
Changing building management
Industry observers note that educational institutions are increasingly seeking digital solutions to optimise resources and meet sustainability targets. Willow's system is part of a shift in how buildings are managed, moving from automation to systems capable of continuous self-optimisation, making use of integrated data and AI analytics.
Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer and Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, commented on the breadth of submissions for the awards and the resulting selection.
"Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the 2025 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards. This year, our partners harnessed the transformative power of Microsoft's Cloud and AI platforms to deliver transformative solutions that redefine the boundaries of innovation. The energy and ingenuity across our ecosystem continue to inspire us. The 2025 honourees exemplify what's possible when technology and vision unite to empower customers around the world," said Dezen.
Sector developments
The awards recognise companies that deliver services and solutions built using Microsoft technology, with categories focusing on diverse areas such as cloud applications, services, devices and AI. For Willow, the recognition comes as educational campuses continue to adapt to new challenges around digital transformation and environmental goals.
