Edtech companies—a combination of the terms “education” and “technology” used to describe startups in this sector—are considered a phenomenon of recent years and are responsible for transforming the teaching and learning process in education by bringing innovative solutions to the market that can be applied in digital environments or in traditional classrooms. 

There are currently 813 edtech companies in Brazil, according to the 2022 Edtech Mapping Report, a survey conducted by Abstartups (Brazilian Association of Startups). There was a 44% increase in the number of companies in this category compared to the previous survey conducted in 2020. 

Brazilian edtech companies are active in the development of a variety of solutions, such as educational digital games, student assessment platforms, and courses and software for administrative and financial management. 

Another figure that illustrates the growth of this sector in recent years is that, according to a survey by Abstartups, half of all startups (53%) are in the traction or scaling phase—that is, they have already reached maturity and are expanding. During the COVID-19 pandemic alone, startup growth stood at 22%, demonstrating the rapid development of these new businesses.

All this potential for integrating technology and innovation into the day-to-day life of schools has been gaining increasing prominence in recent editions of Bett Brasil, Latin America’s largest education and technology event. With the aim of promoting the exchange of experiences and fostering initiatives by education-focused startups, the event expanded the space dedicated to these companies in 2023 and introduced a new format for discussions on topics relevant to them at the Startups Arena.   

Arena Startups was created with the goal of attracting administrators, educators, and educational leaders who are seeking solutions and innovations for their institutions. The initiative’s mission is to promote educational entrepreneurship while bringing edtech innovations to elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as colleges and universities, in both the public and private sectors. 

Reverse pitch

Among the highlights of this year’s initiative are sessions with school administrators sharing their main operational “pain points” and “reverse pitch” sessions—conducted in the same format as traditional pitches, but with the roles reversed, so that potential investors present to startup entrepreneurs in the audience. The content is another draw, featuring talks on current and relevant topics in the industry. 

“The panels were designed around topics such as how to prepare a school for sale and how ‘failing fast and learning fast’ fosters innovation in startups,” says Leo Gmeiner, one of the program’s organizers and an advisor to Bett Brasil.

Check out the full schedule for Arena Startups

Innovation, Technology, and Education

The idea behind Arena Startups is to provide a space for dialogue and the exchange of experiences among entrepreneurs, managers, educators, investors, and other professionals in the sector, as well as to facilitate an exhibition area featuring innovative companies with the potential to positively impact the education sector. Gmeiner notes that it is very important and positive that Bett Brasil continues to expand this space for startup participation. 

“Arena Startups strengthens the connection between innovation, technology, and education, creating an environment conducive to the emergence of creative and efficient solutions in the education sector, whether in the classroom or in administration. In addition, the presence of startups encourages networking, the exchange of experiences, and the formation of partnerships, contributing to the growth and success of these companies and, consequently, to the advancement of education in Brazil. It is an excellent opportunity for everyone involved,” concludes Gmeiner.

Bett Brasil is coming soon! To participate, register for free access to the trade show floor or sign up to attend the event’s presentations here.

 

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