The Nordic EdTech Scene: Part 4 — Norway Edtech through the eyes of the Oslo Edtech Cluster
After previously exploring Denmark and Finland, it’s now time to explore the Norwegian Edtech scene. But first I’d like to give a big shout out to Hege Tollerud, CEO, Oslo Edtech for helping me write this article. Thanks Hege :)
The history of Norwegian Edtech goes a long way. With the learning management system (LMS) platforms its learning and Fronter leading the way.
In recent years however companies such as Kahoot!, Dragonbox, Conexus, and Inspera have all captured a huge chunk of international users, with new solutions following suit. The industry accounts for more than 80 Norwegian companies with Edtech at its core.
Much of Norwegian Edtech is built on game-based solutions and big data that ensures learning is adaptive. This helps to prepare our kids for the future by obtaining 21st-century skills.
Investments in Edtech in Norway
According to Brighteye, 17% of all Edtech investments in Europe go into the Nordics. In Norway, investments, are at an all-time high, with education as the third largest vertical measured in single investments made.
Oslo Edtech Cluster — a hub for educational innovations
Oslo Edtech Cluster is a business network established in 2015 to support the development, growth, commercialization, and export of Norwegian learning technologies. There are currently 60 members in the cluster, from early-stage startups to established companies, including the big publishing houses.
We define Edtech as any technology that enables better learning, for all. By joining forces, sharing knowledge, expertise, and experiences, we want to help make Norwegian Edtech among the best and most competitive Edtech cluster in the world.
The role of Oslo Edtech Cluster
Oslo Edtech Cluster is an important engine and facilitator of joint projects and activities that strengthen the members’ sustainability and competitive edge.
The cluster is a central hub and catalyst for collaboration that brings together actors in the Norwegian Edtech industry and the digital learning ecosystem (schools and universities, public bodies, funding, and research and development institutions).
Internally the cluster connects the members and encourages them to collaborate and learn from each other, while externally they get some much-needed exposure by connecting the industry to potential users, customers, investment and public funding and R&D opportunities.
To help Norwegian Edtech companies grow and scale globally, we partner with the Edtech community internationally.
Oslo Edtech recently hosted an international Edtech Day during Oslo Innovation Week, connecting global Edtech experts, investors, and users with the Norwegian and Nordic Edtech industry.
Feel free to contact Hege if you would like to know more about the cluster and the Norwegian Edtech Scene.
Challenges & Opportunities for Edtech companies in Norway
Of course one of the biggest challenges companies face in Norway is its size. The Norwegian market is fragmented and fairly small. Moreover, it’s still not very mature. There is still not enough experience and competency in the best pedagogic use.
The digital tools are still new and educators and learners are still adjusting to new ways of producing and acquiring knowledge — not just consuming as we have done traditionally.
Opportunities for local and foreign companies
Norwegians are traditionally early adaptors of new technology. Also, short distance to decision makers makes Norway a good testing ground for Edtech startups.
Some leading Edtech companies from Norway
- Kahoot!
- Differ
- DragonBox
- Inspera
- Conexus
- Creaza
Wrapping up
As you can see Edtech in Norway is at an all-time high. The close cooperation among the members and access to the international community makes Norway an excellent destination for learn tech companies.
With opportunities comes challenges. Norway's biggest problem is its size and a fairly immature Edtech market. But with close international cooperation and support from Oslo Edtech cluster, it’s destined to overcome these hurdles.
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