Abu Dhabi invests in education start-ups

The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority awarded equity-free funding to five international start-ups in a new entrepreneurship programme aimed at localising promising technology for young learners.

The new Anjal Z initiative, totalling $60,000 (Dh220,000), is part of the emirate’s efforts to promote data-centred and innovative approaches to childhood development while increasing access and lowering the cost to families.

“Innovations occur everywhere, but breakthrough innovations, the kind that leverage novel technologies and business models to increase accessibility, improve offerings and reduce costs, have for years tended to stay within the private sector,” said Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and chairman of the authority.

With day care centres and nurseries closing amid the Covid-19 pandemic, technology tools have become a critical resource to some parents seeking enrichment for their young children.

The five growth-stage startups are:

Kinedu, from Mexico, a video-centric mobile and desktop platform for early childhood development exercises for both home and school.

Afinidata, an AI-powered chatbot from Guatemala that equips parents with personalised educational activities to develop their children’s brains.

The UAE’s Lamsa encourages parents to engage with their children through culturally relevant and interactive Arabic stories, games and videos. Its mobile app was made available to parents free of charge at the start of the pandemic to help with home learning.

Nurturey, from the UK, is a mobile app for parents to manage the health and development of their children through a content connection with the public health system.

Kinderly, also British, helps nursery staff give all children the best possible start in life.