Top edtech startups at Bett UK 2024
In the bustling halls of Bett UK 2024, the general consensus is that the edtech landscape is bright, with such a vibrant array of innovation and skill on display at the show.
The event, renowned for its focus on the future of education, brought together the brightest minds in edtech, showing cutting-edge solutions designed to revolutionise learning and teaching methodologies.
This article spotlights the edtech startups that particularly caught our attention at Bett this year. These startups are not just redefining educational concepts, but also addressing the needs of today’s learners and educators.
Causa Creations
Causa Creations is a Vienna-based game and interactive media company, founded by Tilmann Hars and Georg Hobmeier. The studio is known for its leaning towards social justice and political themes, seeking to develop games that raise social awareness. Causa Creations offers a range of services including game design, 2D and 3D game art and animation, programming, and creative development. The team's expertise extends to both VR and AR, reflecting a versatile approach to game development and interactive media.
At Bett 2024, the startup was mainly focused on its game, ‘Rising Tide.’ The game is an educational Mixed Reality experience designed to enlighten teenage students about the short-term and long-term consequences of climate change. The game's structure enables participation from three teams, each consisting of three members. It immerses young adults in an interactive world where their decisions significantly influence the planet's future. This approach not only educates but also empowers players to understand the impact of their choices on environmental outcomes. The game is a vivid example of how edtech can merge learning with engaging and immersive experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of critical global issues like climate change.
CircuitMess
CircuitMess, the Croatian startup established in 2017, has carved a niche for itself in the world of educational technology. Founded by Albert Gajšak, the startup has gained acclaim for its DIY electronic kits, which aim to make the realms of electronics and programming more accessible and engaging, especially for young learners.
Its flagship product, MAKERbuino, a build-it-yourself game console, emerged from a successful Kickstarter campaign and has since been a cornerstone in teaching the basics of electronics and coding. CircuitMess's products, designed with a focus on STEM education, are not just tools for learning; they are gateways to creativity and a practical understanding of technology.
Hedgehog Health
Hedgehog Health is a company that stands out in the edtech space for its unique approach to supporting diverse learners. Its flagship product, "The Hoglet," is a notable example of its commitment to enhancing learning experiences. The Hoglet is a cute computer hedgehog mouse that provides the multi-sensory experience that individuals with learning challenges need. This fidget tool is specifically designed for individuals who benefit from sensory input to maintain focus and concentration, addressing a need often overlooked in traditional educational settings.
Jovens Gênios
Jovens Gênios is an edtech startup based in Brazil. It was founded in 2018 by two undergraduate teachers who shared a vision of transforming education in Brazil, and the company has rapidly grown to impact over 120,000 students across the country.
The core of Jovens Gênios' approach lies in the use of AI and gamification to create unique, smart, and enjoyable learning experiences. This method has led to a remarkable increase in student engagement and learning proficiency. Specifically, the company reports an 80% engagement rate among students and a 17.8% increase in learning proficiency within a few months. Jovens Gênios has developed an adaptive learning platform, which is particularly effective in reducing learning gaps, especially notable during and post the Covid-19 pandemic.
My Code Kit
My Code Kit is an educational platform designed to demystify coding for beginners, particularly targeting GCSE, N5, and K-12 students in secondary schools. Its main product, ‘Ocobox,’ uses AI technology to promote a learning method it calls “productive failure,” which encourages students to learn from their mistakes. This approach is aimed at fostering confidence and resilience in students as they embark on their coding journey. Recognised in the 2022-2023 Tools Competition, My Code Kit has received significant support for its innovative approach to coding education, underscoring its mission to make coding accessible to all learners regardless of their background.
Sphinx AI
Sphinx AI is a startup focusing on AI-powered educational platforms, notably CHIP and RileyBot. These platforms harness AI to enhance student learning experiences and safety, also providing insights into student performance and wellbeing.
CHIP is designed to monitor, record, and analyse various aspects of student activities, supporting teachers in understanding and effectively aiding student development. Sphinx AI claims that its AI chatbot, RileyBot, is the first AI chatbot that can be used in a primary school setting. Unlike traditional chatbots that focus on quick answers, RileyBot encourages deep enquiry. It supports students by guiding them, not just answering them. This approach nurtures a deeper understanding and a more profound love for learning.