Exchange programs come in variety of forms, from high school or college students to researchers and professionals including entrepreneurs. Our innovation programs work with startup founders to establish relationships between emerging technology leaders and US-based experts. The ultimate goal: to get out of the building and validate their products in a global setting.
Recently, our Innovation team welcomed three international EdTech startups to the United States for customer discovery workshops to exchange ideas, share best practices, and gain insights into markets and technology. The startups work in the areas of remote proctoring and academic integrity (Examus); a learning management system to learn coding and computer science (Stepik); and an artificial intelligence chatbot for professional training and workforce development (Kingspeech).
During the visit, the Innovation team connected the startups to US investors, experts, business incubators, and companies. The group pitched their products at a session at Discovery Education headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland and got insightful feedback from one of the world's preeminent education technology companies.
The group then traveled to New Orleans to scope out market opportunities and competitors at BbWorld 2017, Blackboard's signature event where great minds come together to exchange ideas, share best practices, and address education challenges. Finally, the three companies met with local EdTech entrepreneurs and experts during a go-to-market strategy session hosted at 1776 Crystal City business incubator.
As a result of the five-day visit, each startup perfected their pitches for a US audience, learned about new market opportunities help pivot their business strategy, and deepened their network of professional contacts. The visit was the culmination of a nine-month virtual EdTech Accelerator program that worked with 20 EdTech startups based in Eastern Europe.
About the International EdTech Accelerator
Through customized virtual advisory and working visits to the United States, the International Edtech Accelerator connects selected international education technology startups to US experts, companies, investors, and potential partners. American Councils offers startups access to a network of universities, business incubators, and associations to increase startups' understanding their place within the global education technology market, and help improve their products and business development strategies.