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We offer the support needed to begin your software development process, guiding start-up teams in technology-enhanced learning towards the release of a minimum viable product, an MVP.
An EdTech Foundry in IET · Editorial
IET EdTech Foundry launches with hybrid kick-off
The IET EdTech Foundry is an online start-up incubator, supporting projects using educational technology. In September, colleagues from The Open University, researchers from across the educational technology sector and aspiring foundry applicants attended our hybrid foundry kick-off. If you want to contact us, email: iet-edtech-foundry@open.ac.uk
The Open University's Institute of Educational Technology (IET) is establishing the IET EdTech Foundry as avenue for start-up projects from across the Four Nations of the UK, and globally, who use technology-enhanced learning and educational technology to advance learning and teaching.
In September 2022, The Open University's Milton Keynes campus hosted the kick-off launch meeting of the IET EdTech Foundry, a hybrid event joining researchers and project leads from across the educational technology sector to provide an insight into the services open within the OU's new Foundry.
Why has The Open University established the IET EdTech Foundry?
The Open University (OU) has a one of a kind track-record in digital teaching and learning, advancing Educational Technology (EdTech) in a way which has shaped how remote learning is done, globally. We are the largest university in the UK, teaching more than 168,000 students per year and having a global reach of more than 264 million people through our BBC co-productions.
As a part of the OU, the Institute of Educational Technology (IET) is the world-leading research institute focused on progressing innovation of learning technologies and their application. Since its foundation in 1970, IET has led research on every major innovation in educational technology, including computer-based learning, hybrid learning and teaching, learning with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, microcredential short courses, eXtended Reality, assessment and more!
So, what can our IET EdTech Foundry offer?
The IET EdTech Foundry is taking the next step to progress technology-enhanced learning in the mainstream. Open to EdTech projects that are ready to scale-up their activities, our Foundry is a digitally accessible hub providing an attractive package of infrastructure, support, and coaching, to take projects from the proof of concept or pilot stage to scaled success and automation.
The EdTech Foundry offers an inclusive technological gateway, with services supported by a framework of pacing events (including calls for participation, selection, software development DevOps support, pitching, demo days and investor e-pitches). Our Foundry offers the opportunity to scale-up projects with complete online access, levelling the playing field on your terms. Find out more about the services available within the Foundry below.
Business Models
In the Foundry, we support the cohort’s project teams in designing and developing a minimum viable product (MVP) or even a minimum value product. This requires considerable business thinking and development. Most notably, this involves building up the expertise in the start-ups to understand intellectual property and associated licensing models, including Open Source.
Knowledge Exchange
As a part of your project's journey through our Ed Tech Ignite pathway, regular reviews will be organised to idea, mock-up, demo, and pitch your way to disseminating output at-scale.
More information will be made available over 2022 and 2023, sharing the criteria for Foundry projects and how to apply for this inclusive incubation. Is your project read to realise its enterprise potential?
Keep updated with the IET Website to find out more. If you have further queries or questions, contact the Foundry here.
People
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KS
Prof Kevin Shakesheff
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GM
Gemma Maldar
