Instructure Launches Foundry to Accelerate AI-Driven Innovation

The new organization functions as an autonomous unit, utilizing AI-native teams to iterate on emerging solutions without the constraints of maintaining legacy architecture. Chief Product Officer Shiren Vijiasingam noted that the structure allows for rapid testing of ideas that might otherwise be delayed by the rigid annual planning cycles of the company’s core business. By separating these lanes, Instructure intends to satisfy institutional demands for consistent, reliable software while simultaneously pursuing experimental technologies that may redefine classroom workflows.

CEO Steve Daly confirmed that Foundry is backed by incremental funding, ensuring that its exploratory work does not cannibalize the resources allocated to Canvas, Mastery, and Parchment. The first output from this venture is Project Athena, an AI-powered study coach designed to integrate directly into the existing Canvas environment. Launched at the InstructureCon event in Louisville, Kentucky, the initiative reflects a broader corporate pivot toward agile, partner-led development. By co-developing features directly with educators, Foundry seeks to validate new products through real-world classroom application before they reach a wider release.