---
title: "Code Ninjas Opens 20+ New Locations, Becomes First Kids STEM Franchise to Earn ISTE Seal"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/5aa40566-22b1-44d8-9a96-f136ba41bef9
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20260818_code_ninjas_opens_20_new_locations_becomes_first_kids_stem_franchise_to_ear.html
category: "Enrichment & STEM"
industry: "Education & Childcare"
segment: "Enrichment & STEM"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2026-08-18T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T14:57:23.813Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1450101499163-c8848c66ca85?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Code Ninjas Opens 20+ New Locations, Becomes First Kids STEM Franchise to Earn ISTE Seal

**TL;DR:** Code Ninjas has opened over 20 new locations and become the first kids STEM franchise to earn the ISTE Seal, amidst a growing market for child services franchises projected to reach $22.7 billion by 2026. The brand has expanded its centers, enhanced franchisee support, and appointed a new Vice President of Partnerships to strengthen strategic collaborations.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2026-08-18. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20260818_code_ninjas_opens_20_new_locations_becomes_first_kids_stem_franchise_to_ear.html).*

## Story

## Market demand growth

The market for child services franchises is projected to reach $22.7 billion by the end of 2026, and 86% of children ages 9–17 are using AI. This context shows demand for programs that help kids build practical technology skills. The trend also reflects ongoing interest in organizations with relevance in technology education.

“AI hasn’t made coding education less important. It has raised the stakes,” said Navin Gurnaney, CEO of Code Ninjas. “Parents want their children to understand how technology works, question what it produces and use it to create, not simply consume. That urgency is also resonating with entrepreneurs who see an opportunity to meet a growing need in their communities while building a business with lasting relevance. Our focus is on giving students a future-ready curriculum and franchisees the support and resources to deliver it successfully.”

Code Ninjas' first-half momentum reflects the brand's continued investment in educational excellence, franchisee success, and long-term growth.

## First half progress

During the first half of 2026, Code Ninjas:

- Expanded centers, increasing access to coding, robotics and AI education.

- Earned ISTE Seal in recognition of the curriculum's alignment with global education standards.

- Appointed Paul Eulette as Vice President of Partnerships, strengthening the brand’s focus on strategic collaborations across technology, gaming, entertainment, sports and consumer brands, designed to enhance the student experience while creating additional value for franchisees.

- Continued enhancing franchisee support and operational resources to help owners build and grow successful businesses.

“Our momentum is being driven by two priorities: delivering an exceptional educational experience for students and building a stronger business for franchisees,” added Gurnaney. “The investments we've made this year position us to continue expanding while giving owners the tools and resources they need to succeed.”

Looking ahead, Code Ninjas remains focused on supporting existing owners and updating curriculum, technology and operations. The brand is seeing interest in markets across the region.

With a recurring membership model, proprietary curriculum spanning coding, robotics and AI education, comprehensive training and ongoing operational support, Code Ninjas provides resources to help build scalable programs while preparing the next generation for a technology-driven world.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- franchise expansion (topic)
- Education (sector)
- market growth (topic)
- stem education (topic)
- Code Ninjas (company)
- curriculum development (topic)
- Navin Gurnaney (person)
- Paul Eulette (person)
- technology education (topic)
- ISTE (regulator)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20260818_code_ninjas_opens_20_new_locations_becomes_first_kids_stem_franchise_to_ear.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/5aa40566-22b1-44d8-9a96-f136ba41bef9).