Innovation Exchange Challenge: Business-to-Business EdTech Platform and Services

Background

Sigma Software University has developed and deployed a wide range of educational services aimed at fostering professional growth in IT. These include:

• Online recorded and live training: Catering to beginners and experienced professionals.
• Instructional design services: Development of self-paced courses with interactive elements.
• LMS platform services: Customisable learning management systems (e.g., microsites for clients).
• Learn-on Programs: Accelerated mentoring to upskill junior technicians to mid-level specialists in four months.
• Programs for children and training consulting: Courses adapted for children and advisory services for building training departments.

However, Sigma wishes to establish their services, especially on a B2B basis in the UK. The team recognises low brand recognition in the UK, and the need for tailored and localised content are challenges to achieving this aim. Therefore, they seek to form partnerships to address these points.

The Challenge

The Sigma team has identified the key challenge areas for which they welcome a partnered approach from established UK actors in the sector as ‘Localising Marketing and Content Adaption Partnerships’. Through this Sigma seek to collaborate with local providers to integrate Sigma’s platform with established content. The team is keen to emphasise the partnership approach and the aim for mutual growth (e.g. co-hosted training programs, shared branding, etc).

Sigma intends to adopt a focused entry to the UK market and initially provide limited range of service offerings, such as instructional design or live online training, and expand based on market response. In addition, the team envisage a focus on end-user sectors that are currently underserved or have limited take up of Ed Tech services. A part of this strategy will be a shift to a tailored approach for corporate solutions, emphasising real-world applications and outcomes from Sigma’s existing projects.

Finally, Sigma is keen to explore the potential to develop an educational and tech community model to showcase sector expertise and foster collaborations.

Rewards & Market Opportunity

Successful applicants will be given an opportunity to pitch to Sigma Software University. Selected solutions will be trialed by Sigma Software University with potential for further adoption if trials are successful.

The solution has potential to be widely deployed across the UK EdTech market and, potentially, other markets in Europe and beyond.

The benefits package for a successful applicant may also include:

• Support from Innovate UK Business Connect
• Support in the development of a prototype or pilot
• Technical support
• Invitation to attend or present at Innovate UK Business Connect events
• A potential business collaboration
• Investor introductions (if investment is required)
• Support if any Innovate or similar competitions are relevant.

Eligibility

Entrants to this competition must be:

• Established businesses
• Academic institutions
• Start-ups
• SMEs
• Individual entrepreneurs

Applicants must be UK based or have the intention to set up a UK base.

To see full technical and functional requirements and further details, visit the Innovation Exchange site at the link below.