
Upcoming events.

NORNAB: The Future of Education: The Key to Sustainable Growth and Innovation
About the event
Organizer: NorNAB, Laerdal & International Centre for EdTech Impact
We are pleased to invite you to an inspiring afternoon where we will explore how improving the quality of education can:
Drive economic growth
Improve healthcare services
Contribute to solving global challenges such as the climate crisis
The conference is a collaboration between the Norwegian National Advisory Board for Impact Investing (NorNAB), the International Centre for EdTech Impact, and Laerdal.
Program:
09:00–09:05
Welcome
Trond Ingebretsen, Chair, International Center for EdTech Impact
Gudleik Njå, CEO, Laerdal
09:05–09:35
Address by Minister of Education Kari Nessa Nordtun
09:35–10:05
How to Scale Quality Education in Health Care?
Ingrid Lærdal, Laerdal Global Health
10:05–10:30
Break
10:30–10:55
Evidence Pays: Why Proof of Impact Drives EdTech Success
Libby Hills, Senior Advisor, Jacobs Foundation
10:55–11:15
How Does the International Centre for EdTech Impact Support Global Impact Investors in Education?
Professor Natalia Kucirkova, Executive Director, International Centre for EdTech Impact
11:15–11:50
Panel Discussion: The Future of Education and Evidence-Based Innovation
11:50–11:55
Closing Remarks
Gudleik Njå, CEO, Laerdal
Key findings:
Improved quality of education contributes to higher productivity and individual returns.
There is a stronger link between education quality and economic growth than between quantitative education indicators and growth.
A 1% difference in adult literacy between countries can result in a 2.5% difference in labor productivity and a 1.5% difference in GDP per capita.
Despite the obvious importance of education, the sector continues to see underinvestment. Possible reasons include:
Political short-termism: Education is a long-term investment, while political cycles are often short-term.
Lack of immediate results: The impact of education investments may take time to materialize.
Measurement complexity: Demonstrating direct causal links between education investments and economic growth can be challenging.
How can we address this?
The key lies in long-term thinking, technology, quality criteria for digital solutions, and the development of problem-solving skills.
Date: May 5, 2025
Time: 13:00 - 16:00
Location: Laerdal Medical, Creative Hall, Tanke Svilandsgate 32, Stavanger, and virtually
We look forward to an inspiring afternoon focused on how education can shape our shared future.
Sign up now to secure your spot!

ISTE+ASCD and Eduevidence: Standing Out in a Crowded Edtech Market: Certification Strategy for Growth
Standing Out in a Crowded Edtech Market: Certification Strategy for Growth
Looking to separate yourself in the crowded edtech market? Join us for an exclusive webinar featuring two of the leading edtech certification providers — ISTE and EduEvidence. Here are a few take-aways you’ll leave with after attending:
A better understanding of the essential criteria needed to achieve industry-recognized certification
A firmer grasp on how certification influences K-12 decision makers, school procurement teams, and policymakers
Success stories from certified companies who have achievd expanded market reach and other tangible impacts
Actionable strategies to leverage certification for growth
GUEST SPEAKERS
Jesper Ryynänen, GraphoGame
Andreas Tsouchlaris , VP, Academic & Research Binary Logic SA
Host(s)
Natalia I. Kucirkova, International Centre for EdTech Impact and EduEvidence
Tal Havivi, ISTE+ASCD Managing Director, Research and Development
Zoom link
https://iste.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TuC0X_HyQjKYE2VTRQuh3g

BRILLA 2025 LatAm EdTech challenge
In a region where educational challenges often overshadow opportunities, BRILLA emerges as a beacon for innovators ready to redefine learning.
With $150,000 USD in prizes, mentorship from global education leaders, and a mission rooted in evidence-based impact, BRILLA isn’t just another startup competition — it’s a movement to transform how Latin America learns, teaches, and grows.
Why BRILLA Matters
Latin America faces deep-rooted educational gaps — from inequality and outdated methods to limited access. But within these challenges lies a massive opportunity for bold thinkers and doers. BRILLA is here to spotlight those daring enough to challenge the status quo with disruptive EdTech solutions backed by measurable results. This isn’t about flashy ideas without substance. It’s about real change, supported by data, research, and a community that believes in lifelong learning for all.
What’s in it for LATAM Startups?
$50,000 USD for 3 standout startups Mentorship with top global experts A platform to validate your impact through funded research Connections that could define your startup’s future — from investors to policymakers and academia We are looking for solutions that: Use technology to improve access and outcomes in education Focus on evidence - based practices to build their solutions
Hold high standards for sustainability and impact in the region
This competition is powered by the RABAF Foundation and the International Centre for EdTech Impact (ICEI). BRILLA is more than funding — it’s about fostering a sustainable EdTech ecosystem where innovation meets accountability.
Ready to light up the future of education? Stay tuned, follow us on Instagram @brillalatam and visit our website to learn more about this amazing opportunity


DOHE Global: Workshop on evidence and certifications
Welcome to a one-hour workshop with the International Centre for EdTech Impact on evidence, research, and certifications. You'll gain practical insights into why evidence matters for EdTech companies aiming to scale—especially in the U.S. and international markets.
We'll explore how evidence-based EdTech is communicated to schools and procurement teams, which evidence frameworks exist, and how they operate across different markets.
The workshop will be held by the renowned speaker and researcher Dr. Rachel Schechter, the founder of LXD Research. Dr. Schechter has a Master’s in Education from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Child Development from Tufts University. She will talk you through the ESSA standards of evidence in USA and EduEvidence certifications.
DOHE is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85902510207?pwd=4V204q9k6B7yprH7jpHhc9LwFY7Iq3.1
Meeting ID: 859 0251 0207
Passcode: 734083

EdTech Tulna and Eduevidence: Advancing EdTech Effectiveness Through Standards and Evidence
1) Rethinking Evidence in EdTech: A Holistic Perspective
2) Design-Led Approach to Evaluating EdTech Quality
3) EdTech Selection: Global Challenges & Solutions
4) Shaping EdTech Supply: Embedding Evidence to Drive Quality

Global Evidence Webinar
Join Mary Styers from Instructure, Parker van Nostrand from Digital Promise and Natalia Kucirkova from our Centre discussing certifications and evidence!

How and why to use research evidence as your market advantage
Join us for the first webinar with our Researcher in Residence Natalia Kucirkova.
Discover how research-backed insights can boost your credibility, sharpen decision-making, and give you a competitive edge in the market. Whether you're a startup or an established business, this session will equip you with practical strategies to leverage research for growth.
Organized by EdTech Station Belgium. Register HERE.

Barcelona EdTech Congress
Join leading edtech organisations, experts and speakers, including our own CEO, Professor Natalia Kucirkova, at the EdTech Congress in Barcelona!
More information at: edutechcluster | Congreso Edutech 2025 (edtechcongressbcn.com)

21st Century Learning Conference Hong Kong
The 21st Century Learning Conference (21CLHK) is where teachers, school leaders, edtech professionals gather to learn about how to implement the future of education from thought leaders, technology and learning experts and their peers. Full programme and info here.

BETT Show 2024
Session title: EdTech certifications: Unlocking your competitive edge
Date: Wednesday 22/01/2025
Time: 14:55 - 15:25
Theatre: Innovation Theatre
Panel debate with Natalia Kucirkova (ICEI), Milja Lakso (UNICEF), Beth Havinga (European EdTech Alliance), ISTE (Tal Havivi) and Kahoot! (Sean d’Arcy)
Our session is listed on the agenda here.

Helsinki GCEN Symposium and Whole Child IC Meeting
From November 11-14, the Global Cities Education Network (GCEN) will gather for an annual symposium: a dynamic, four-day learning experience involving school site visits, collaborative exchanges, and presentations from experts, with a focus on issues identified by the participating team members and facilitated by those on the cutting edge of practice and policy. We and our partners are delighted to participate!

Global EdTech Testbed Network Gathering
The Global Edtech Testbed Network (GETN) is a collaborative effort that was initially funded by the Jacobs Foundation in 2022-3 to advance best practices in the field of K12 EdTech co-development and evaluation through “Testbeds” or authentic school environments in which to trial emerging education technologies. This effort is presented as a collaborative partnership led by University College London, Leanlab Education, and OpenDevEd.
Our Centre is a proud member and regular contributor to GETN activities. See for example our jointly produced Nordic EdTech Testbed report. For this gathering, we look forward to bringing together our partner Injini with GETN, under the leadership of our Head of Partnerships, Nora Marketos. The event is invite-only, so please email us if you want to join!

South African EdTech Week
South African EdTech Week, taking place from 4 - 6 November in Cape Town, unites key players in Africa's education innovation landscape. Meet with our Head of Partnerships, Nora Marketos, directly in Cape Town!

Colombia EdTech
National EdTech conference in Colombia organised by The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology. More information here.

Zedu-ICEI Colombia EdTech Research Workshop
Zedu in collaboration with the International Centre for EdTech Impact (ICEI) is bringing for the first time in Colombia an exclusive opportunity for Edtechs to enhance their competitive edge through evidence-based research. During this two-hour workshop, edtechs will: 1, Understand the importance of evidence for market competitiveness. and 2, Explore global evidence standards and certification requirements and 3, Engage in a hands-on session to develop a research-backed logic model they can use in their pitch decks, websites, grants and communications.

Council of Europe Working conference
Education Department of the Council of Europe 2nd Working Conference focused on regulatory dimensions of AI in education. Email us if you want to meet with Centre’s colleagues there!

AWS Event in Stockholm
The International Centre for EdTech Impact is supporting an upcoming event hosted by Amazon in Stockholm focused on Generative AI for EdTechs and Publishers. The event will focus on how generative AI, powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud, can help EdTech companies gain a competitive edge by unlocking insights from data, empowering smarter decision-making, and driving business performance. Attendees will also have ample opportunities to network with industry experts and peers. Esben Trier from our team will be attending and is available to discuss impact, research, or certification topics. Meet fellow Nordic EdTechs and publishers there!
The event is free, and you can register here.

Ghana EdTech Week
A series of workshops with MEST and EdTech Ghana in Accra, organised by EdTech Ghana and Ghana Society for Education and Technology.

UNESCO Digital Learning Week
Digital Learning Week is UNESCO's annual flagship event on digital learning and the transformation of education. Read more here and email us to arrange a meeting with our Centre members to meet in Paris!

Nordic EdTech Summit
Nordic EdTech is recognised globally for its excellence and innovation, but scaling a profitable business can be challenging. Join us at the Nordic EdTech Summit and connect with industry leaders, who’ve already overcome the toughest obstacles. Learn their secrets and unlock your path to profitable growth. For registration and information CLICK HERE

London EdTech Week
Meet WiKIT researchers for informal networking and a cocktail at the London EdTech Week!
https://impactx2050.com/londonedtechweek

ASU + GSV
WiKIT’s Strategic Advisor Michael Levine moderated a session on Civic Engagement in an Uncivilized Climate focused on building community support for civics education, leveraging evidence-based curricula, and advocating for policy changes.

UNESCO Global Education Coalition Fourth Annual Meeting
WiKIT’s Head of LXD Lisa K. Radden represented our group at a workshop discussing global EdTech frameworks and approaches.

SXSW 2024
Delighted that our session with Brighteye VC, Curipod and Olav Schewe was selected! See you in Austin :-)

BETT
EdTech evaluation frameworks and criteria for high-quality EdTech were discussed in a panel session with WiKIT’s Co-CEO Prof Natalia Kucirkova, together with Tal Havivi (ISTE), Dr Hee Jin Bang (Age of Learning), Dina Foster (Educate) and Laurie Forcier (EDT Partners).

Nordic and Norwegian Bootcamp
Check out the YouTube Channel with Bootcamp video presentations!


EdCrunch Conference
The leading international conference on education and the latest learning technologies.
Almaty, Kazakhstan 2023
https://edcrunch.online/en



1EdTech Conference
1Edtech Europe
Nottingham, UK
https://web.cvent.com/event/ca43d697-f0cf-47d6-aafd-9e6219970f13/summary
