By Robyn Bainbridge
Futures, a new platform to nurture innovative education technology start-up companies is announced by Bett, the world’s leading education technology event, run in association with education think-tank, the Education Foundation.
The project, which is supported by non-profit associations such as the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA), aims to showcase budding businesses that promise to have a significant impact on education. Following a call for entries, a panel of educators will select the 30 new businesses with the solutions that will have the most impact in education. The 30 selected ed-tech businesses will benefit from a choice of two bespoke packages based on their market status, involvement in a range of Bett fringe events, specialist business support and extensive marketing resources. The new zone will then take centre stage at Bett, which attracts over 40,000 educators, ministers and education stakeholders.
Debbie French, portfolio director of Bett, said: “Nurturing ed-tech businesses is a natural move for Bett; since its inception in 1985, the show has been a launchpad for the best education technology, and over the years we’ve seen nascent companies develop into major market players with the support of the Bett community that has developed alongside them. Showcasing the next generation of innovators by promoting the best of what the worldwide education technology industry has to offer is something that we’re proud to do, not just in support of the education community but in support of the technology industry as a whole.”
There will be two packages available for start-ups to choose from based on their market status. The ‘Seed’ level package (£945) offers emerging start-ups a custom-designed table-top presence in Futures, along with a designated slot to participate in a teacher led development session live on stage. The ‘Grow’ package (£1745) is designed for businesses that are already gaining exposure and developing their networks. The package includes a larger custom-designed presence, participation in an innovation showcase live on stage and a digital ‘elevator pitch’ feature on the Bett website which receives over 420,000 visits in the months prior to Bett.
Each year Bett brings together over 40,000 educators from 120 countries as well as 700 leading education companies, the largest collection of free continuing professional development (CPD) seminars, hands-on interactive demos, free guidance and advice and the future-focused Bett Arena with headline guests. To find out more, visit www.bettshow.com.