Find out about the 95+ EdTech start-ups in Canada and around the world. And the number continues to grow.
EdTech start-ups like WebCT, which started small in 1996 at the University of British Columbia, is now a major player in learning management systems as a part of Blackboard. Another example of an EdTech start-up with worldwide reach is Canada’s Desire2Learn (D2L), founded 1999.
Start-ups can be game changers
Rather than redefine learning or change the process of teaching or assessment, EdTech start-ups offer significant improvements in the way things get done.
For example, the start-up Labster focuses on providing virtual laboratories for science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) courses which allow for ease of grading and progress monitoring of students. In addition, students have access to a fully equipped laboratory anywhere and anytime through a web browser. Labster did not create a new category of teaching and learning, but makes learning more accessible and manageable.
Another example is DigitalAssess, a new method for skills and competency assessment. DigitalAssess provides a platform where students can showcase newly acquired knowledge through text, illustrations, audio and video which is automatically uploaded into a portfolio to give instructors an immediate, broad view of progress. It is a multidimensional assessment and e-portfolio resource catering to a wide range of learning styles, supporting rapid instructor and/or peer feedback and delivering insightful learner analytics for each student.
Start-ups can make a transformative difference or lead to a major improvement in how things are done in a college, apprenticeship program or university
Some show great promise, but lack investment.
Others are surprises, since they are founded, adopted and used by far more organizations than anyone, including the founders, expected.
Five criteria for a company to make our searchable directory:
- Established in 2011 or later – there are many start-ups which remain small and “one person operations” after many years. 2011 is a reasonable time for the company to develop its products and services beyond the drawing board, to have real customers and to a have proven track record of delivery.
- In the early stages of business – seeking investors, partners and clients. That is, is still a start-up and not a mature service provider. While it may have a level of maturity in its operations, it is still eager to build and grow.
- Continuing to develop products and services – responding to market developments, client needs and emerging technology capabilities.
- Generating some revenue from customers – should be less than $20 million since companies with more than this revenue level are medium sized enterprises. The objective with this requirement to exclude companies with no customers and relying heavily on grants, subsidies and loans but yet to demonstrate market readiness and capability.
- Providing valuable products or services – focusing on supporting and enhancing the learning experience, increasing access, flexibility, and reach for students and supporting faculty, instructors, colleges and universities to deliver better outcomes for their students.
Always Evolving – Not Exhaustive
Our searchable directory of EdTech start-ups is by no means exhaustive nor static. It is evolving as we add, update and occasionally delete companies if they are no longer operating or no longer meet the above criteria in business.
No Endorsement nor Recommendation
Contact North | Contact Nord is providing this directory as a service only. It does not endorse nor recommend any of the companies listed in the directory. Education and training providers using the products or services of any companies in this list should do their due diligence prior to selecting a vendor.
Core Business
Each company in the directory is grouped into one of the thirteen core business categories.
Digital tools such as a planner, assignment tracking and more to help instructors stay organized in the classroom.
Online platforms that allow for synchronous or asynchronous communication between students and/or faculty, whether it be video, audio or text-based.
From study aids to tools for note taking, this category focuses on apps and online platforms that help students with their coursework and studies.
Cloud-hosted platform that enables storage, organization, sharing and access of files from any device.
Companies that provide access to educational content in the form of online classes, videos, massive open online courses (MOOCs) and in supplementary materials such as textbooks.
The companies in this category either provide custom online learning design and development consultant services or course authoring software that allows the subject matter experts to easily create their own online course.
Online platforms that help students prepare for the workforce through features like skills training and resume writing.
These are products that supplement course content and provide the student with an opportunity to apply what they are learning, whether it be experiential learning, a virtual world or a student-centered learning activity.
LMS is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting and delivery of online learning courses.
It is tutoring 2.0! Web-based tutoring in a variety of subjects through synchronous and asynchronous communications from subject matter experts.
The newest trends in learner analytics - software that leverages student data from institutions to build predictive models for student support and success.
Products and tools that facilitate content delivery in an interactive and engaging format.
From online proctoring software to e-Portfolios, these companies boast products useful for evaluating student’s knowledge and comprehension of course content.
Get your company added to the searchable directory
If you know of a start-up that should be on this list, we are keen to hear about it. Click here to share the details.
