Learnovate and Amazon launch accelerator programme for EdTech firms

Posted on: 16 October 2023

The Learnovate Centre and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are today launching their new EdTech Accelerator Programme for learning technology start-ups.

Ten places are available on the 12-week programme which will provide start-ups with mentoring by leading experts in business and product development as well as significant AWS cloud computing credits.

Participants will also have a chance to win $100,000 USD worth of AWS products and services at the end of the programme.

The EdTech Accelerator Programme is a collaboration between Learnovate, a global future of work and learning research hub in Trinity College Dublin, and AWS.

AWS is a Patron Member of Learnovate, joining a global community of leaders in learning and technology driving innovation in learning and education.

The new EdTech Accelerator Programme is open to early-stage start-ups that are developing digital solutions to problems related to education and wish to accelerate growth and scale operations. Deadline for applications is Thursday, November 9.

Participants in the programme will receive credits worth $2,000 USD for AWS cloud computing services across a range of areas, including compute power, database storage, content delivery and other functionality.

Over the course of the 12 weeks, they will also receive six full-day workshops led by experts in learning, business and technology at AWS offices in Ballsbridge, Dublin. Successful applicants will also receive free access to certified AWS training.

All participants will present their solutions at the final ‘Demo Day’ showcase where a winner — chosen by Learnovate, AWS and industry judges — will receive $100,000 USD of AWS credits.

The EdTech Accelerator Programme begins on December 5, 2023, and finishes on February 20, 2024. The deadline for applications is Thursday, November 9. Applications can be made via the website, learnovatecentre.org/startups.

The EdTech Accelerator Programme aims to provide business mentoring, technical guidance on building and scaling in the cloud, as well as regulatory, data privacy and cybersecurity considerations. Specialist expertise will also be available on topics such as pilot studies, trials, pathways to market, public procurement and investor readiness.

Eligibility criteria for the EdTech Accelerator Programme includes:

· Companies must have identified a learning problem or need

· Applicants must have a working prototype for their solution or require help developing one

· The proposed digital solution must be one that improves learner outcomes, enhances workflow, or reduces costs related to learning

· Companies must be registered and based in the Republic of Ireland.

Learnovate Director Nessa McEniff said:

“We are delighted to be partnering with AWS to deliver the EdTech Accelerator Programme. There are a great number of early-stage start-ups in Ireland that can benefit from the type of business and technology mentoring that the programme provides. As Ireland’s leading learning technology hub, Learnovate is well placed to support these businesses as they develop tech solutions to learning problems.”

Learnovate Head of Business Development Linda Waters said:

“Ireland is a key player in the rapidly expanding global EdTech market and Learnovate is delighted to introduce this startup programme in partnership with AWS to increase the support Learnovate already provides to Irish companies building products that fuse learning and technology.”

Stephen Bonney of AWS said:

“We support EdTech firms in many ways and we’re always looking for opportunities to engage with the community. This Accelerator will allow us to sit down with some of the best EdTech startups and hear about the challenges they face, the trends they’re seeing, and their pain points. That way, we can understand how we might best support them in their journey.”

Caption: Pictured in the Aviva Stadium at the launch of Learnovate’s new EdTech Accelerator Programme delivered in partnership with AWS are: (l-r) Stephen Bonney, Account Manager - EdTech Ireland, AWS; Rory Barrins, Education & Research Lead - Ireland, AWS; Nessa McEniff, Director, Learnovate; Linda Waters, Head of Business Development, Learnovate; Mark Finlay, Head of Public Sector - Ireland, AWS. 

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