Industry News

AT&T Launches Accelerator with 5 Ed Tech Startups

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 05/05/15

AT&T has launched its ed tech accelerator with an inaugural class of five startups.

"Each startup uses technology to help students succeed in school and future careers," according to a news release. "The primary goal — unlike most other accelerators — is making an impact on society rather than monetary return."

The five startups selected to receive financial support, counseling and technology expertise and mentorship via the AT&T Aspire Accelerator are:

• EduCanon, a Web and iOS platform designed to allow teachers to create and share interactive video lessons;
• GradGuru, a nonprofit offering a service that provides community college students customized nudges, through iOS and Android apps, to complete actions that will help them stay on track to graduate;
• Lea(R)n provides online platforms and services designed to help schools manage their technology;
• MindBlown Labs creates mobile games that aim to improve student financial skills; and
• Quill provides personalized writing and proofreading activities designed to improve student grammar.

Each of the nonprofits will receive a $50,000 donation and each for-profit company will receive an equal investment. All five startups will receive an additional $25,000 to cover participation costs.

"These organizations are on the cutting-edge of education technology. Their innovations are helping students succeed in the classroom and beyond," said Charlene Lake, chief sustainability officer at AT&T, in a prepared statement. "Through the AT&T Aspire Accelerator, we want to help grow these solutions to reach even more educators and students."