TLDR: Willow, a technology company specializing in operational AI, has been named a finalist for the 2025 Microsoft Education Partner of the Year Award. The recognition is for its innovative use of artificial intelligence and digital twin technology to help educational institutions manage and optimize their campuses, focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and improved learning environments. Willow’s platform, built on Microsoft Azure, enables real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making for various campus operations.
Willow, a leading technology firm, has been distinguished as a finalist for the prestigious 2025 Microsoft Education Partner of the Year Award. This accolade acknowledges Willow’s pioneering efforts in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to transform how educational institutions manage and optimize their campus environments. The company’s approach emphasizes creating more adaptable, sustainable, and responsive learning spaces through advanced technology solutions.
At the core of Willow’s offering is its Operational AI platform, which is built on Microsoft Azure. This platform empowers educational institutions to monitor a wide array of real-time variables, including classroom occupancy, energy consumption, equipment performance, and even carbon emissions. By integrating data from heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting, sensors, and various Internet of Things (IoT) devices, Willow provides a centralized system for comprehensive data analysis and informed decision-making. This capability allows schools and universities to make targeted adjustments that can significantly reduce operational costs, lower carbon emissions, and maintain optimal conditions for students, teachers, and staff.
Bert Van Hoof, CEO of Willow, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, stating, “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.”
The 2025 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards saw over 4,600 nominations across diverse sectors, with Willow’s selection highlighting its significant impact within the education category. Industry observers note a growing trend among educational institutions to adopt digital solutions for resource optimization and to achieve sustainability targets. Willow’s system is at the forefront of this shift, moving building management beyond simple automation to systems capable of continuous self-optimization through integrated data and AI analytics.
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Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer and Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, extended congratulations to all winners and finalists, underscoring the breadth and innovation showcased in this year’s submissions.
