Kenya’s M-Shule is chosen as one of 30 finalists who will travel to the Global Education & Skills Forum in Dubai to compete in a competition that recognizes leading EdTech startups making an impact on education in low income and emerging economies.
The Next Billion EdTech Prize set to take place between 22nd and 24th March 2019 in Dubai, recognizes the most innovative use of technology that has the potential to radically impact education in low income and emerging economies. The forum brings together over 1500 delegates from around the world to solve the most pressing issues in global education, culminating in the award of the Next Billion Edtech Prize and the US $1 million Global Teacher Prize. The Kenyan made application M-Shule is the first adaptive mobile learning platform in Africa. M-Shule delivers personalized lessons and revision to thousands of learners in Kenya through SMS that helps them achieve.
While at the forum, the finalists will also have an opportunity to meet the most important players from the spheres of both education and technology – from venture capitalists to education ministers, foundations, academics and some of the world’s best teachers. They will be able to draw on their expertise and support to build products that will work as well in the classroom as they do at a pitch competition.
The Next Billion Prize was named to remind the world of the billion young people – a number growing every day – that are being denied an education that allows them to make the most of their talents.
In a press statement Vikas Pota, CEO of Tmrw Digital, which runs the Next Billion Prize, said “Congratulations to M-Shule for making the final 30 start-ups to compete in the Next Billion Prize 2019. The Next Billion Prize was created to shine a light on those gifted entrepreneurs that are not only ingenious but also bold and persistent enough to bring forward the revolutionary ideas that are desperately needed to transform education in those parts of the world where there is limited access to high-quality teaching.
“Our fervent hope is that the prize inspires this new breed of entrepreneur the world over to come forward with the fresh thinking that is needed to help give every child their birthright; access to a great education.”
The 30 finalists will pitch to an expert panel of judges, made up of venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, educators, and experts in EdTech and learning sciences. Six of the startups will be selected to return to the main GESF stage for the grand final in front of judges and a live audience. The best three will each be awarded $25,000 and the winner will be awarded the Next Billion Prize trophy.
The final 30 startups selected for the 2019 Next Billion Prize also include 2 other Kenyan-made applications Eneza and eLimu. 10 African startups made it to the prestigious finalists’ list of 30. According to Forbes “Eneza Education is a comprehensive virtual tutor providing universal access to affordable, quality, lifelong learning through mobile technology. The mobile learning platform helps tackle Africa’s problems of illiteracy, school dropouts, high textbook costs and lack of quality feedback for learners. It has evolved from access on any mobile phone through USSD & SMS, to multi-device- smartphone, tablet, or laptop.” On the other hand, eLimu tackles the literacy crisis in Africa, ” by focusing on local languages, eLimu makes literacy apps with relatable content, in local languages, and with scientifically proven pedagogy. eLimu relies on storytelling traditions and technology to promote learning and attainment.”
Finalists from last year’s Next Billion Prize have gone from strength to strength over the past year, using the contacts made at GESF to sign country-wide distribution contracts, receive new investment and achieve rapid growth. For example, after connecting at GESF 2018, Learning Machine and the University of Bahrain have partnered to launch one of the first blockchain credentialing initiatives in the Middle East. BizNation meanwhile has since been named by the World Economic Forum as one of the 50 companies reshaping the future of LATAM, has hired 11 new staff and seen revenues grow by 55%.
