Nordic EdTech News #103: 2024-01-08
Your Weeks 50 - 1 update from the Nordic and Baltic EdTech ecosystem
Nordic EdTech News is the best way to keep up with the EdTech ecosystem across 8 Nordic and Baltic countries. I curate it from company updates and a wide variety of international sources. It’s a passion project of mine - the rest of my time is spent advising / consulting the companies who lead the future of learning. If you’d like to find out more, drop me an email.
Hello, happy new year and welcome to the first Nordic EdTech News of 2024. This newsletter rounds up everything that has happened across the Nordic and Baltic EdTech ecosystem since 11th December. There’s lots to update you on, so pour yourself another coffee and let’s get straight into it!
Ignoring the seasonal slowdown, it’s been an exceptional few weeks for Denmark’s Shape Robotics, who are starting 2024 with a bang across four notable updates.
Firstly, the scope of their framework agreement with Network One Distribution has been extended by an additional €10 million (Link). This forms part of their financial forecast for 2024, which aims for revenue in “the range of DKK 300-325 million and an expected EBITDA of at least DKK 14-18 million.”
In addition, Shape Robotics has been selected by Lenovo as an "extended strategic partner", which will see their mobile STEAM Labs incorporated into Lenovo's European product portfolio (Link). Finally, their acquisition of Skriware, a leading Polish EdTech, has now been completed (Link). The deal gives Shape Robotics access to the sizeable Polish market and into other growing markets in eastern Europe.
Staying on acquisitions, the UK’s EdTech Impact has announced a deal to take over Education Alliance Finland (EAF) (Link). It’s a powerful combination helping to “build the EdTech knowledge economy in schools, while offering providers an affordable route to strengthening and promoting their quality to over 500k in-market EdTech buyers.”
In other news, Lotta Edholm, Sweden’s Education Minister, and her political partners have confirmed plans to make “the school mobile-free throughout the school day.” More positively, the Swedish government has mandated that the School Inspectorate should carry out an audit of students' access to textbooks and other learning materials (Link). This move will include the legal right to learning content in the forthcoming Education Act.
Moves to restrict the use of digital tools continue to gather momentum in other Nordic countries. Jonas Gahr Støre, the Norwegian Prime Minister, has also signalled that his government will take action to change the use of technology in schools. Støre commented: “We want to promote a better balance between pen and keyboard, between screen and paper, and we want to stop what I would go so far as to call uncritical digitalisation. Digital has a role, but has been given too big a role.”
"Less screen and more school" was also the big takeaway from the Danish Agency for Education and Quality’s recommendations to reduce digital distraction at the country's high schools, vocational training and FGU institutions (Link). But, as one expert responds, things aren’t quite so black and white - both analogue and digital tools are needed, although each has its pros and cons. (Link)
My aim for the year is to build on 2023 when I published 23 newsletters and covered thousands of news stories from across our ecosystem. On average, each newsletter generated over 2,620 views (+28% yoy), was opened by 44% of subscribers and 22% of readers clicked on a link. Thanks again for your support!
If you’re visiting the Bett Show in London at the end of the month, I’d love to meet up. This Calendly link is the easiest way to set up a meeting.
Here’s to a healthy and successful 2024! Best, Jonathan
News from Denmark
The government-nominated expert group on ChatGPT and other digital tools have presented their preliminary recommendations.
Barma, a learning platform for the hotel and restaurant industry, raises new investment. (Link)
eloomi announced a new strategic partnership with Lightcast to help organisations “enable skills-based training, development and workforce planning.” (Link)
Labster’s research with college and university students highlights striking benefits of using their resources. (Link)
Tinyfarms have received a second Innobooster grant from Innovation Fund Denmark, which will help broaden “ its appeal across different scientific disciplines in the classroom.” (Link)
WOOF is now live in 933 schools - that’s 58% of the Danish school system. Expansion to Norway, Sweden and the US is also underway. (Link)
News from Estonia
All you need to know about EdTech Estonia, their work and members.
Futuclass has launched VR School Kit, a comprehensive VR solution for schools, featuring some of the world's top immersive learning apps, the latest Quest 3 headsets and tailored lesson plans. (Link)
News from Finland
Two-thirds of Finnish vocational education teachers have used or tried applications based on AI. (Link)
The DigiOne project that aims to build “a national education digital service platform and…an education ecosystem around it” will be delayed and will cost much more than originally intended. (Link)
The division of Edita Publishing, including the creation of a separate learning business, has now been concluded. (Link)
EdTech Finland puts forward a 6-point plan “to reform Finnish education and promote the success of all students in the 21st century.” (Link)
Eduten has been selected as one of the "Most Interesting Data Economy Solutions" in Finland by Sitra. (Link)
Research from Sanoma Pro suggests that Finnish teachers are open to using AI-produced resources, particularly where publishing professionals are also involved in the process. (Link)
News from Iceland
The chairman of the Icelandic Book Publishers Association argues that the government's monopoly on textbooks has had a negative effect on results and that there are no incentives in the system for improvement. (Link)
News from Latvia
Schools start the new year with 35,000 new computers following an €11 million investment. (Link)
Leading Latvian universities will work with industry experts to develop new learning content. (Link)
News from Lithuania
The government confirms significant expansion in funding for textbooks and teaching aids, including digital materials. €29 million will be allocated - that’s double the investment in 2023. (Link)
Teachers Lead Tech were named regional winners at Super Connect For Good 2023. (Link)
Three Cubes are launching a Kickstarter campaign for their new video game on 16 January. Supporters will get access to exclusive in-game rewards. (Link)
News from Norway
An expert government committee believes that pupils should read more on paper, but recognises the role of both print and digital resources in schools (Link). This article from four professors in the field is an important addition to the debate.
Teachers and parents in Oslo school can now control what students access through school devices using Jamf. (Link)
Webinar (11 Jan) on available subsidies for companies interested in developing “teaching aids/pedagogical kindergarten materials without a market basis.”
Aiba signs a partnership agreement with the Norwegian Police to “enhance online safety for children and young people.” (Link)
Interesting profile of House of Math founder, Vibeke Gwendoline Fængsrud. (Link)
Research from Bond University (Australia) shows that Kahoot! is an engaging learning experience both in-person and online in hybrid learning. (Link)
Øygarden municipality has chosen Vigilo as their supplier of a new childcare administration system. (Link)
Now with customers in 52 countries, Wittario has raised NOK 4 million from a group of high-profile investors. (Link)
News from Sweden
AI will be a new topic as part of the natural sciences and technology subject in upper secondary schools and on komvux courses starting this autumn. (Link)
EduTechSmart, a learning platform for healthcare professionals, raises SEK 9.3 million in new investment. (Link)
Gleechi is back from bankruptcy and focusing on profitability. (Link)
Two new research studies from Läromedelföretagen and Sveriges Lärare provide detailed insight of municipalities’ and teachers’ procurement of learning materials and highlight significant variations in spend.
Thomas Kraft is the new CEO at Learnster and sets his sights on European growth. (Link)
Magma Math has won the Math Instructional Solution award at the 2023 Supes’ Choice Awards for the second year in a row. (Link)
SchoolSoft and Eventful join forces to offer a combined solution for digital national exams. (Link)
Storyals and Retune AB sign a new partnership for the Swedish market to provide “the latest technology and training for the digital workplace.” (Link)
Fascinating interview on Fredagsoffan (in Swedish) with Carolina Faxe, CEO of TicTac.
Sara Zetterberg, formerly of Haldor, has been named Country Manager, Sweden at Trainor, the elearning and safety training business. (Link)
Zcooly has raised a new round, landing over SEK 10 million. The funding will support expansion in the US and reinforce its position in Sweden. (Link)
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