The regional rollout of Learnovate’s Edtech Masterclass Series aims to help Irish edtech and HRtech start-ups to scale globally with practical, founder-focused support.
The Learnovate Centre at Trinity College Dublin is extending its Edtech Masterclass Series beyond the capital.
It has revealed plans for a regional rollout designed to help Irish edtech and HRtech start-ups to compete on a global stage.
“Irish edtech companies are operating in an increasingly competitive global market where the ability to innovate quickly is the difference between success and failure”
The move reflects a broader strategy to widen access to practical innovation supports and strengthen Ireland’s position as a hub for education and workplace learning technology.
Following a successful launch in Dublin earlier this year Learnovate, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, will bring the programme to Athlone in September and November.
“The EdTech Masterclass series has offered a constructive learning environment for founders and practitioners to explore how AI and emerging technologies are influencing innovation in learning and talent development,” explained Donnchadh Cullinan, Head of Enterprise Solutions at Enterprise Ireland.
“Creating space for peer discussion, shared insight and experimentation at this early stage is important. Enterprise Ireland welcomes Learnovate’s plans to continue evolving the series and to pilot regional sessions later in the year.”
Go global from the get-go
Two sessions took place at the Trinity Innovation Hub on Grand Canal Quay in March and April.
56 companies attended the two sessions, including Irish EdTech founders, learning solutions providers, and innovation partners, where they received practical guidance from leading industry figures on how they can scale, expand innovation capacity, and compete in the global market.
Among the guest speakers was Elliott Masie, the internationally renowned founder of the Masie Learning Foundation, a think tank focused on how organisations use technology to improve learning and knowledge sharing. Elliott is an influential figure in the global learning industry and is credited with having coined the term “e-learning”.
The first session – Masterclass 1: Navigating Growth in a Changing Tech Landscape – featured facilitated group discussions on how to identify market and technology opportunities, assess organisational readiness for growth, and develop innovation strategies to drive growth.
The second session – Masterclass 2: Enhancing Innovation – helped companies to develop and validate innovative solutions, leverage AI and emerging tech, and explore opportunities for collaboration on research and development as well as funding. The session saw attendees take part in ideation sprints, reflection rounds, and exercises to define next steps.
Discussions were facilitated by Dr Peter Gillis, Innovation Services Lead at Learnovate. Input from the likes of Elliott Masie and Dr Peter Gillis provided participants with a clear knowledge of how to scale their business, expand their innovation capacity and break into new markets.
The event is the product of collaboration between senior figures at both Learnovate and Enterprise Ireland, including Nessa McEniff, Centre Director of Learnovate; David Farrelly, Head of Membership Services at Learnovate; Dr Peter Gillis, Innovation Services Lead at Learnovate; Maria Gavin, Senior Executive in Industry Sector Engagement at Enterprise Ireland; and Nicola Kelly, Senior Client Adviser at Enterprise Ireland.
“The Learnovate Centre is delighted to mark the success of the EdTech Masterclass Series in partnership with Enterprise Ireland by announcing plans for a regional rollout of the initiative in the autumn,” Dave Farrelly explained.
“Irish edtech companies are operating in an increasingly competitive global market where the ability to innovate quickly is the difference between success and failure. That’s why, through this masterclass series, we’re helping organisations to step back, assess where they are, and take effective steps to scale and innovate.
“We look forward to bringing Masterclasses 1 and 2 to Athlone later this year where we hope that participants will continue to come away with clearly defined priorities, knowledge of funding pathways, and leads to potential collaboration partners.”
Top image: Maria Gavin from Enterprise Ireland; Peter Doyle, British Educational Suppliers Association; and Nessa McEniff and Dave Farrelly from Learnovate
-
Bank of Ireland is welcoming new customers every day – funding investments, working capital and expansions across multiple sectors. To learn more, click here
-
For support in challenging times, click here
-
Listen to the ThinkBusiness Podcast for business insights and inspiration. All episodes are here. You can also listen to the Podcast on:
-
Spotify
-
SoundCloud
-
Apple
