EDUCATE Ventures has confirmed participation in a collaborative project set to launch Sweden’s first research-led edtech accelerator.
The EDUCATE programme itself is designed to promote excellence within the edtech sector through the provision of specialised training to support evidence-informed educational technology. The research accelerator is part funded by the ERDF and is run by internationally-recognised partners F6S, BESA, and EDUCATE Ventures.
The organisation has now teamed up with Swedish Edtest, the national testbed for the use of tech in education; and the trade association, Swedish Edtech Industry. The fundamental goal of the initiative is to provide high-quality digital products and services to Sweden’s education community.
On the launch of the project, EDUCATE Ventures director Professor Rose Luckin commented: “The collaboration with Sweden moves our company into the international sphere and strengthens its reputation as the leading research-led accelerator globally.
“It is important that we all learn from each other in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in edtech use around the world” – Professor Rose Luckin, EDUCATE Ventures
“It is important that we all learn from each other in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in edtech use around the world.”
It’s hoped that the launch will empower a valuable tie between the UK and Swedish edtech sectors, producing first-rate research to ensure digital classroom resources are effective and fit for purpose.
“We are very excited to be launching the first international EDUCATE accelerator with Swedish Edtest, whose programme is already doing such great work to bring together edtech companies with educators. Our work really complements what they are doing,” said Dr Becky Sage, directer of acceleration at EDUCATE.
“…we can add value to Swedish edtech enterprises by helping them develop evidence-informed edtech alongside educators, providing connection across the education ecosystem and even greater benefit to learners” – Dr Becky Sage, EDUCATE Ventures
“Using the EDUCATE acceleration methodology, we can add value to Swedish edtech enterprises by helping them develop evidence-informed edtech alongside educators, providing connection across the education ecosystem and even greater benefit to learners.”
Swedish Edtest currently has 13 partners encompassing some 700 pre-schools and schools across the country. Hannah Elving, who leads the national testbed and is heading up the pilot, said the collaboration with EDUCATE is part of the organisation’s mission to broaden the range of digital learning resources across the country, as well as better their use on a scientific basis.
“Currently, Sweden lacks a context where researchers, educators and companies can meet and together drive quality and development. We aim to fill that hole and see this collaboration as a first step.”
According to Elving, while digital services have been used in Swedish education for decades, research surrounding their use and efficacy have not kept pace with technological developments. Consequently, research reports fast become obsolete, meaning they can’t be used to inform educators on the quality and effectiveness of classroom tech in schools. As such, teachers lack the information needed to improve delivery and edtech companies do not have the evidence required to improve products.
On the launch, Jannie Jeppesen, CEO of Swedish Edtech Industry, commented: “The collaboration with EDUCATE is a way of helping Swedish Edtech companies to not only develop evidence-based products, but also to attract capital, to grow and provide the opportunity for more people to use their products. Innovation must benefit many people.”
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