Singapore’s first and leading edtech accelerator, EduSpaze, has welcomed six startups from across Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia into the ninth edition of its prestigious accelerator program.
This latest cohort includes startups that provide diverse learning solutions, such as financial literacy, mental wellness education, green skills, and platforms for extracurricular activities.
“As Singapore’s pioneering edtech accelerator, we are dedicated to fostering a dynamic startup ecosystem for the next generation of innovators. The global edtech landscape has undoubtedly evolved since its peak in 2021, when funding reached an impressive $20.1 billion, a 34% increase from the previous year.
“Despite the ongoing funding slowdown in the SEA regions, EduSpaze remains confident in the potential of edtech and the significance of our role in driving the ecosystem’s success,” said Alex Ng, Managing Director of EduSpaze.
“With the Southeast Asian edtech scene still in its early stages, we are witnessing more startups offering learning solutions beyond traditional K12 education and academia. This is where our ninth cohort truly stands out.”
The six startups—Cards by Cazh, Elggo, eFrontiers, Kidaura, StartUp Early, and Skilledin Green—were selected for their strong founding teams, innovative approaches to solving identified challenges, and their ambition to scale and grow their businesses across the region.
The three-month EduSpaze edtech accelerator program provides these startups with seed funding and access to a robust regional network of schools, universities, mentors, and investors in the edtech space.
Launched by Spaze Ventures in 2019, EduSpaze is supported by Enterprise Singapore and continues to be the country’s leading edtech accelerator. The program is committed to building a vibrant ecosystem that addresses the educational needs of both Singapore and the wider Southeast Asian region.
Over the three-month period, the accelerator offers up to S$500,000 in seed funding, alongside opportunities for collaboration with various stakeholders and the execution of pilot projects.
Successful alumni from previous cohorts include Flying Cape, ClassPoint, MakersEmpire, and Noodle Factory.
A Shift to Broader Edtech Solutions
While the Southeast Asian edtech landscape is home to nearly 3,000 startups, it has become increasingly saturated with companies addressing challenges within K12 education and academia, often leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics.
However, for the SEA edtech sector to continue maturing, there is a growing need to tackle learning challenges across all sectors. Expanding focus beyond traditional academic boundaries is essential for edtech startups aiming to thrive in a competitive market.
“With top universities and parents increasingly prioritizing the holistic development of students, there is a greater emphasis on extracurricular activities. Students are now expected not only to excel academically but also to develop lifelong skills outside the classroom.
“This has led to rising demand within educational institutions for effective management of extracurricular activities. Startup Early addresses this need by offering a comprehensive platform for managing these activities, generating detailed reports on students’ performance and achievements,” said Ansar Hamza, CEO of StartUp Early.
In addition to enhancing student learning experiences within educational institutions, there has been a notable rise in startups focused on upskilling and reskilling job seekers.
One such startup is Skilledin Green, a Singaporean company from the ninth cohort, which aims to apply the successes seen in academia to the professional world, particularly for individuals looking to develop skills in the sustainability sector.
The platform offers a complete solution, enabling users to create green resumes, access on-demand courses, engage with expert topics, and contribute as thought leaders by sharing educational content.
“EduSpaze’s expanded focus on a broader range of edtech solutions demonstrates their forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of what the edtech landscape needs to continue thriving. Learning should be a lifelong journey, and at Skilledin Green, our goal is to support those seeking careers in the sustainability industry. We are thrilled and honored to be part of such a renowned accelerator program,” said Natasha Syed, CEO of Skilledin Green.
