OUP backing start-ups with Emerge Education

Oxford University Press (OUP) has partnered with Emerge Education, an accelerator for education technology start-ups. As part of the partnership, OUP has sponsored a 300 sq m co-working space for education businesses enrolled on the accelerator course.

OUP says the partnership marks its commitment to innovation in education within the technology, education and publishing communities. The UK is significantly under-represented in investment in this field, despite being a world leader in the education market, the organisation says.

Paul Riley, director of channels and partnerships at OUP, said: 'Ed-tech ventures are increasingly influential as they shape and improve the educational experience, and OUP is pleased to be connected with such a forward-looking group as Emerge Education.

'This partnership provides OUP with opportunities to combine its high quality content with ground-breaking technology. Such activity will allow us to develop innovative products and services that improve the lives of teachers and learners globally, disrupting education for the better.'

The Emerge Education accelerator programme aims to improve educational outcomes worldwide by supporting innovative solutions and ideas from start-up companies. It offers ambitious ed-tech start-ups the chance to gain expertise, customers and investment as they look to take their ventures to the next level.

Jan Matern, CEO at Emerge Education, commented: 'Emerge Education's start-ups have the ambition to create a positive impact on education across the world. We are excited to be working with OUP; its global reach, its well-respected brand, and dedication to innovation make it a perfect partner for our programme. This partnership will create valuable opportunities for OUP and our start-ups.'