Developing education with Microsoft — new opportunities for startups
With the opening of the new application round for xEdu acceleration program, let us share with our startup community some collaboration opportunities and insights on edtech from our partner Microsoft.
Microsoft is often associated with global technology, but did you know it is also a worldwide leader in developing solutions in education?
Kati Tiainen, director of Microsoft's digital learning strategy EMEA has participated in XcitED — the biggest edtech event of Slush 17 program. "In a digital era, we need to learn how to collaborate and communicate [in a classroom]. Technology is just a tool and it's up to us whether to passively consume or to create and learn with it."— said Kati. Here, you can watch the full discussion on how technology can help us learn empathy and social skills.
Replacing the complexity with creativity
From her work across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, she said she has recognized the needs for less complex platforms; basic, shared and personalized learning; and scalable solutions. As the Internet continues to be accessible to more and more people around the globe, STEM skills—science, technology, engineering and math—are necessary for life in the 21st century.
With AI, robots and learning algorithms eventually replacing many people in the everyday routine workforce, creative problem-solving is the key for our kids to be ready for the future. And to do it, global education platforms will be needed. It’s a tremendous responsibility for educational professionals, but the successful marriage of technological and educational fields will make it possible.
Edtech startups wanted!
If you’re a startup innovating in education, if you are solving the burning problems mentioned above and you need support on your way — apply for xEdu Spring '18 program and get the support from Microsoft!
Not only does Microsoft have the platform to help you, with software such as Office36 and Azure, they also have the people. A support team of 500 whose work is devoted solely to education. That support team can help you draft new business models and positively affect how you interact with partners and clients.
