2019 EdTech Insights Hub Header - Individual Page Header Rose Luckin 

UCL EDUCATE |UK| educate.london

Share a short description about your company:

UCL EDUCATE is a comprehensive and rigorous research incubator and business accelerator that supports companies designing and developing EdTech products and services. Our unique selling point is that our participants are trained in research methods and required to look at research evidence of what works when developing their products or services to ensure they are robust, valid and fit for purpose.
 

How does your current role allow you to make a difference to the education and learning space?

In setting up UCL EDUCATE, I saw there was a need to bring together the innovators, educators and researchers who make the successful development and application of EdTech possible. As its director, I now witness every day the impact that our companies are having on teaching and learning in schools across the globe – to give you an idea, over the past two years, the companies that we have been working with have reached over 3.5 million learners and 175,000 educators.

What are the key trends you believe have the power to transform the way we learn?

As the UCL EDUCATE programme has evolved, it has become apparent that the development of artificial intelligence is a defining trend in how we view and use EdTech, now and in the future. When designed carefully, and developed and applied ethically, AI has the power and ability to improve how we assess, monitor and evaluate pupil progress; to be a diagnostic tool enabling teachers to discover pupil strengths and challenges; and can significantly cut teacher workload.

Why is it important for all players in the EdTech ecosystem to continuously connect, network and learn from each other?

Collaboration and cooperation are absolutely vital if we are to develop EdTech that is fit for purpose and effective in the teaching and learning process. This is the whole ethos behind the UCL EDUCATE programme, and why we have expectations of our cohorts to work with an evidence base, and to carry out their own research with schools. With constraints to school budgets, schools need to know that whatever technology they are purchasing will be integral to what happens in the classroom, otherwise what is the point?
 

What should the rest of the world learn about EdTech innovation in your country?

The UK is one of the world leaders in EdTech, and the companies participating in our programme demonstrate this. We have innovators on the EDUCATE programme from a wide range of countries and experiences – including European countries such as France and Germany, as well as developing nations such as Afghanistan – who are often using their own life experiences to create a better world for others. But being a scientist, technologist or educator with a great idea is sometimes not enough. EdTech development also demands creativity, imagination and adaptability. The UK has given the world some of the greatest musicians, artists and designers. It has pioneered trends and fashions for decades, which others have followed. So, we have the people with the ideas - but they need help and support in realising their dreams.

When you think about joining London EdTech Week and EdTechXEurope Summit this year, what are you looking forward to?

I am looking forward to meeting fellow innovators and educators from around the world, to hear what excites people and what concerns they have, and to having a robust and honest discussion about the future of the EdTech industry and all the great things we can achieve together.

Who would you like to meet at the event?

Investors and EdTech innovators, and decision-makers and policy-makers from around the world, who are interested in the UCL EDUCATE programme and how we could work together.

Find out more about the upcoming EdTechX Summit here >>