2nd Open Call | Remote Schooling
Start-ups & SMEs fast-tracked to Stage 2: Acceleration
ABOUT THE REMOTE SCHOOLING OPEN CALL
IMPACT EdTech launched an extraordinary Open Call to support start-ups that solve remote learning and teaching challenges distributing €1.3M of equity free funding
In the context of the COVID-19 crisis, the great majority of European countries implemented country-wide school closures, and most European teachers were forced to adapt to an emergency remote teaching setting relying heavily on digital technologies.
The ultimate goal was to support European start-ups/SMEs to move from promising prototypes towards viable products. We set up an EdTech-specific acceleration environment offering both business & access-to-market support and access to an education ecosystem.
On 3rd July 2021, IMPACT EdTech launched an extraordinary open call to select 11 promising start-ups/SMEs who received up to €110,000 equity-free funding each to provide innovative solutions to be piloted in schools.
The selected EdTech solutions were fast-tracked directly to a 5-month acceleration programme, including regular 1:1 business and educational mentoring sessions and piloting and other perks.
WHAT DID THE PROGRAMME LOOK LIKE?
11 start-ups/SMEs received support to test and assess the impact and performance of their solutions with teachers affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Selected companies received up to €110,000 of EU Grant to access business and educational mentoring support services as well as other specific resources and services to pilot solutions. The results of this 5-month acceleration programme served to increase the engagement of the education community into IMPACT EdTech actions as well as to encourage the adoption of EdTech by schools even after the end of the COVID-19 crisis.
11 start-ups/SMEs received support to test and assess the impact and performance of their solutions with teachers affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Selected companies received up to €110,000 of EU Grant to access business and educational mentoring support services as well as other specific resources and services to pilot solutions.
The results of this 5-month acceleration programme served to increase the engagement of the education community into IMPACT EdTech actions as well as to encourage the adoption of EdTech by schools even after the end of the COVID-19 crisis.
EDTECH CHALLENGES
Pedagogical continuity
of educational activities during remote and blended learning contexts, with a focus on addressing: lack of engagement, smooth communication, collaborative learning, data safety and other related topics.
Inclusive education
including the accessibility for learners with special needs and the overcoming of social inequalities in students’ access to suitable devices and low internet connectivity at home.
Personalized learning
including personalised assessment models which allow the monitoring and evaluation of individual student progress in remote and blended learning contexts and supporting the psychological wellbeing of teachers and students during distance learning contexts.
Development of digital skills
of teachers and students in remote and blended learning contexts.
WHAT DID IMPACT EDTECH OFFER THE START-UPS/SMES?
BOOTCAMP
3-day acceleration bootcamp.
TRAINING
Go-To-Market activities training.
PILOTING
Piloting in real educational settings, assessing the impact and performance of their solutions.
INVESTMENT
Visibility to relevant education ministries, investors and potential partners.
MENTORING
5-month Acceleration Programme, including business and educational mentoring services.
EQUITY FREE FUNDING
Up to €110,000 per startup/SME. Up to €90,000 as a lump sum and up to €20,000 to access business and educational mentoring support services.