The annual list honors groundbreaking technologies with the potential to reshape industries and redefine the way we work and live
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Acely, an edtech company building a more personalized approach to SAT and ACT preparation, today announced it has been named to Fast Company's Next Big Things in Tech, an annual list recognizing breakthrough technologies with the potential to transform industries and shape the future.
Acely was selected in the Education category for using adaptive technology to bring personalized test preparation, once largely limited to students who could afford private tutoring, to a much broader audience.
Acely's technology turns test preparation into a continuous personalization loop. The platform continuously analyzes how students perform across practice questions and full-length exams, identifies the skills where they need the most support, and builds a study plan around their goals, timeline and performance. As students improve, their preparation changes with them. The result is a more individualized approach to test prep that can serve students at scale, with plans starting at $49 per month, a fraction of the cost of traditional private tutoring.
Traditional test prep gives students the same lessons, questions and practice regardless of what they already know. Private tutoring offers a more individualized approach, but at a cost that puts it out of reach for many families. Acely was built to close that gap.
The approach is already being used at scale. More than 50,000 students have used Acely to prepare for exams, the company grew revenue 300% year over year in 2025 and surpassed $10 million in annual revenue two years after launch.
"This technology has the potential to change not just how students access educational content, but how individualized instruction is delivered," said Ron Schneidermann, CEO of Acely. "For decades, the most effective form of test preparation has been a great tutor who can understand exactly where a student is struggling and know what to do next. That model has always been limited by time and cost. We're using technology to make that kind of personalized support available to far more students, and we're honored Fast Company recognized the potential of that shift."
Fast Company's Next Big Things in Tech recognizes innovative technologies developed by established companies, startups, and research teams that are making meaningful progress toward transforming the lives of consumers, businesses, and society. This year's honorees span industries, with each innovation demonstrating the potential to create significant impact in the years ahead.
"The most exciting technology innovations are the ones that move beyond promise to demonstrate real potential for impact," said Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. "The companies and teams recognized on this year's list are tackling ambitious problems with new ideas, products, and approaches that have the potential to fundamentally shape the years ahead."
For more information or to view the complete Fast Company 2026 Next Big Things in Tech list, visit here.
About Acely
Launched in 2024, Acely is a digital test prep platform helping students reach their goal scores on the SAT, ACT, PSAT, and select AP exams. Acely combines expert-crafted content with adaptive technology, customized study plans, and an AI tutor to personalize preparation for each student. The platform offers more than 14,000 expert-crafted practice questions and 50 full-length practice tests. More than 50,000 students have used Acely to prepare for their exams, with plans starting at $49 per month.
About Fast Company
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.
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