EdTech conference keeps NZ in touch with $121 bil industry

EdTech conference keeps NZ in touch with $121 billion industry

Entrepreneurs from one of the fastest-growing tech sectors will have the opportunity to learn from a global investor, an international industry analyst as well as local success stories at the EdTech for Export (eT4e) conference in June.

The education technology sector is worth a staggering $121 billion internationally, a figure forecast to grow to $345 billion by 2019.[1]

The conference will explore opportunities for businesses in education publishing, the development of educational games and online teaching tools, among other areas.

The conference is on Thursday 18 June at Te Papa, in Wellington.

Clive Jones, General Manager of Business Development at Education New Zealand says that education technology, or ed tech, is a key focus for the organisation.

"This is one of the sectors in New Zealand’s international education industry in which we want to support growth. New Zealand is already seen as a producer of quality and innovative education technology, with companies such as Totara Learning Solutions, Education Perfect and Vital English, all performing well in global markets."

Gerard Quinn, CEO of Grow Wellington, says Education New Zealand and Grow Wellington have worked together to develop a collaborative ed tech sector where networks and partnerships can be built for an export-led future.

"The conference - held in Wellington, the high tech capital - will help foster the industry collaboration that’s needed to ensure New Zealand enjoys a part of this growth.

"This conference will see providers in education, training and research come together with game and app developers, hardware, software and content developers."

Conference registrations are open. Find out more at www.edtechforexport.co.nz

Keynote speakers

eT4e 2015 will feature three keynote speakers:

- Frank Catalano

Seattle-based ed tech consultant and analyst. He has worked with start-ups and global firms such as Pearson and Apple on business and marketing strategy. Frank will bring a US view of ed tech trends.

- Allison Baum

Education technology investor and managing director of Fresco Capital in Hong Kong, a global early stage venture fund. Allison will speak about ed tech investment in the fast-growing Asian region.

- Frances Valintine

Chair and founder of The Mind Lab by Unitec, which delivers postgraduate programmes in digital and collaborative learning for teachers. The Mind Lab by Unitec won ‘Best Engagement of Youth in ICT’ at the 2014 NZ CIO Awards and ‘Best Start -Up in Asia Pacific’ as judged by Steve Wozniak and Sir Richard Branson.

EdTech success stories

- An educational publisher who attended the first et4e conference in 2013 was inspired to form a company with a game developer. In the space of two years, this has led to the launch and export of an early childhood literacy product, Bud-E Reading. http://bude.club/

- Huffington Post recently cited the Hamilton-based company, CodeAvengers, as one of its top ten online learning sites to watch in 2015. CodeAvengers founder Michael Walmsley Jr. will be a panellist at this year’s conference. http://www.codeavengers.com/

- Wellington company Totara Learning Solutions was highly commended in the 2015 Hi Tech Awards for the emerging company of the year category. Totara specialises in learning management software and enterprise social network solutions for over 30 countries.http://www.totaralms.com/

[1.] From Global Smart Education & Learning Market - Advanced Technologies, Digital Models, Adoption Trends & Worldwide Market Forecast (2012 - 2017), Markets and Markets

http://www.edtechforexport.co.nz/news-2/

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