Sunday, September 18, 2011

Digital Promise, Launchedu, ImagineK12: looking ahead


When we look at how to harness a new model of education, it will be interesting to see what type of changes educational incubators will bring about.

I'd like to share three promising initiatives that are on the horizon, and would love to hear of others of a similar nature. 

From their website:

Knowledge. Technology. Possibility.


A new national center founded to spur breakthrough technologies that can help transform the way teachers teach and students learn.
is authorized: 
"(A) to support research to improve education, teaching, and learning that is in the public interest, but that is determined unlikely to be undertaken entirely with private funds; 
(B) to support (i) precompetitive research, development, and demonstrations; (ii) assessments of prototypes of innovative digital learning and information technologies, as well as the components and tools needed to create such technologies; and (iii) pilot testing and evaluation of prototype systems described in clause (ii); and 
(C) to encourage the widespread adoption and use of effective, innovative digital approaches to improving education, teaching, and learning."




As part of the SXSWedu Conference from March 6-8 2012, Launchedu is described below.

Based upon successful Accelerator programs at SXSW Interactive and SXSW Music, LAUNCHedu provides an exciting opportunity for conference registrants to see promising entrepreneurs publicly pitch their startup education business concepts and products. LAUNCHedu sessions are sure to be full of fast-paced conversation and demonstrations before a panel of judges that include venture capitalists, successful entrepreneurs, and education practitioners.
Companies that are deemed to have the greatest opportunity for success and impact will move forward to an exciting final round of presentations, where the winners will be announced…and rewarded! SXSWedu appreciates the hard work of its LAUNCHedu Advisory Council, who is actively engaged in developing an entertaining, enlightening and rewarding experience.



Imagine K12 is a for-profit enterprise looking to invest time, experience, energy and resources in entrepreneurs who have a passion for education and the technical know-how to create their vision.  Over a three month period, we will draw on our extensive entrepreneurial experience, understanding of the Silicon Valley ecosystem, and knowledge of the education industry to help bring your idea to life, get your company funded, and to get your company on the road to success.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Edupreneurs

My thanks to Tom Vander Ark for his post on Getting Smart entitled ImagineK12 Ready to Demo Edupreneurs.

The article shares the "incubator" concept (such as Y-Combinator) utilized by the business world for helping entrepreneurs bring their concept to market - except that the folks at ImagineK12 have used the same idea with bringing new educational ideas to market.

What an excellent way to work through what can be a difficult process - breaking into the educational market to showcase innovative technologies that have the potential to change education.

I hope everyone out there is able to spread the word regarding this concept so that the best ideas end up in front of our students.

Behind the scenes "thank yous" to the folks at Learn Capital who finance the operation and Startl, the non-profit arm of ImagineK12.

Put in your application. Share with friends. And help push the "edupreneur" concept !

Derek