UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State is partnering with Dreamit — named one of the top 10 accelerators in the world by Forbes — to create an accelerator focused on educational technology. Launching March 2016, Dreamit EdTech will assist startups seeking to solve challenges faced by educators at all levels of learning, including higher education, adult skills acquisition, primary and secondary education. Educational solutions being sought include but are not limited to pedagogical advances in online labs and virtual reality, student support, career services, analytics and interventions. Entrepreneurs will be selected based on an application process. Upon acceptance, they will spend four months developing and de-risking their companies using Dreamit’s curriculum and access to its global network. “This partnership will advance the entrepreneurial and economic development strategies of Invent Penn State and the EdTech Network while helping to ensure Penn State maintains leadership in online learning,” said Craig Weidemann, Penn State vice president for Outreach and vice provost for Online Education. “More importantly, the Dreamit collaboration will provide a platform for Penn State leaders, faculty, staff and students to gain a firsthand experience in learning about the entrepreneurial process.” “Working in partnership with Penn State, Dreamit EdTech will empower entrepreneurs to create disruptive products while at the same time connecting them with established industry players to integrate those technologies directly into the educational experience,” said Avi Savar, CEO of Dreamit. Penn State will have designated seats on the Dreamit EdTech advisory board, and Penn State students will be recruited for internship opportunities with Dreamit and the ed tech startup companies. Selected entrepreneurs are not required to relocate their business. They will have access to content and mentors using a digital portal and will be required to spend one week at Penn State’s University Park campus and up to one week per month in a Dreamit hub in Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York City or Houston. Startups can apply now. Dreamit EdTech is part of the Penn State EdTech Network and Invent Penn State. Last Updated December 14, 2015
Pennsylvania State University is seeking entrepreneurs with product ideas that can solve problems for educators at all levels , including technology that advances education in online labs and virtual reality . The university announced its partnership with technology accelerator Dreamit this week , soliciting applications from start - ups for a March 2016 launch of Dreamit EdTech , which will offer six months of support as entrepreneurs develop their ideas and de - risk their new companies . Penn State is seeking educational technology ideas tied to student support , career services , analytics , and interventions , among other areas , and expects students and faculty to benefit from the accelerator in terms of internships and research opportunities .