BETT 2026: Innovation meets education in London
Four days at ExCeL London with more than 30,000 educators: what schools told us about device longevity, charging safety and VR in the classroom.
For four busy days in January we joined more than 30,000 educators and EdTech professionals at BETT 2026 at ExCeL London. BETT is the world's leading education technology show – and this year it gave a clear picture of where digital learning is heading.
Our goal was simple: show our smart charging solutions, strengthen partnerships and understand the challenges schools face when they manage devices at scale.
Our stand
In the Innovation Zone we showed the full Formcase range – from smart charging carts and protective cases to VR storage with PICO headsets. One of the best moments: students stepping into immersive VR while we explained the charging infrastructure that keeps it running in the background.
Visitors went into the details: smart charging that protects battery health, built-in ventilation that manages heat, and safety features that matter more and more where devices are shared. For IT managers it was about performance and service life. For teachers it was about reliability and ease of use in a busy classroom.
Two large LED screens showed our charging and VR solutions in action, and a spacious lounge gave room for longer conversations – often over a cup of coffee.
What schools told us
Across our conversations with head teachers, IT directors, facility managers and international distributors, the same themes came up again and again.
- Device longevity is now a strategic priority. Budgets are tight, so schools cannot afford fast battery wear or early device replacement. How devices are charged has a direct effect on how long they last.
- Charging safety is moving up the agenda. Heat management, ventilation and fire protection were no longer side questions – they were central to buying decisions.
- VR has grown up. It is no longer an experiment but part of lessons. That raises practical questions: how to charge many headsets overnight, store them securely and keep them maintained.
Trends for tomorrow's classrooms
Schools want visibility: clear signs that devices are charging correctly, that safety limits are kept and that everything works without constant manual checks. Sustainability also shapes decisions – longer device life, protected investments and less waste are now part of long-term planning.
The challenge we heard in every region was the same: devices have to be ready when students need them. Reliability is the foundation of digital learning, and many schools are only starting to see how much the charging strategy affects it.
Looking ahead
London confirmed a simple truth: infrastructure matters. Behind every successful digital learning programme there is a system that quietly works – safely, intelligently and consistently. As schools scale up technology, the focus is moving from simply providing devices to managing them responsibly.
If you are managing devices at scale or looking for a smarter charging strategy, we look forward to continuing the conversation.
FAQ
What is a VR headset charging case used for in schools?
It stores, charges and transports several VR headsets in one unit. Formcase VR cases combine secure, lockable storage with charging for the whole class set.
Can a VR charging case charge several headsets at once?
Yes. All headsets in the case charge at the same time and each has its own fitted compartment, so a whole set is ready for the next lesson.
What should a VR storage and charging case have?
USB charging for every headset, a lock, ventilation and a robust shell for transport. Inserts that can be exchanged when the headset model changes keep the case in use for longer.
Are VR charging cases suitable for moving between classrooms?
Yes. Mobile VR cases and carts are built to be moved, locked and charged wherever the lesson takes place.
