Strengthening EdTech Innovation: Helsinki Education Hub and ICEI Join Forces

The International Centre for EdTech Impact (ICEI), based in Stavanger, Norway, and Helsinki Education Hub (HEH), a joint initiative of University of Helsinki and the City of Helsinki, are joining forces to support EdTech startups in evidence-building and market readiness.

ICEI and HEH are excited to launch their partnership and work together to support EdTech startups in evidence-building and market readiness. Through this collaboration, ICEI and HEH aim to provide EdTech innovators with the tools and frameworks needed to validate their solutions through rigorous research and practical implementation. By leveraging their combined expertise and networks, the partners seek to strengthen the global EdTech ecosystem and ensure that educational technology is both research-driven and impactful in real-world learning environments.

This partnership will focus on bridging the gap between research and practice by supporting startups in navigating the complexities of EdTech validation, testing, and certification. With an increasing demand for high-quality, evidence-based learning solutions, ICEI and HEH will work together to provide EdTech startups with access to research insights, testing opportunities, and industry connections to help them scale their impact effectively.

Natalia Kucirkova, Director of ICEI, said: "I am thrilled about this partnership. I have long admired the work of the Helsinki EdTech ecosystem and how they have successfully brought together research, innovation, and local testbeds. Through this collaboration, we can combine our research and international expertise to scale this work, starting in the Nordics and setting a global example. I look forward to our exciting collaboration."

Niko Lindholm, EdTech Innovation Lead of Helsinki Education Hub, commented: "Helsinki Education Hub is committed to fostering a thriving EdTech ecosystem, and this partnership with ICEI strengthens our mission. By working together, we can equip EdTech startups with the research and validation frameworks necessary to create truly impactful learning solutions."

As this collaboration unfolds, both ICEI and HEH are eager to explore new opportunities to elevate EdTech standards and ensure that innovation in education is driven by evidence and real learner needs.

Read the full press release on University of Helsinki webpage.

Niko Lindholm and Natalia Kucirkova in Helsinki