Two MaRS clients chosen to attend Ed Tech Industry Summit Innovation Incubator in California
Toronto, May 2, 2012 – The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) has chosen MaRS clients Heliotrope and KEEN 5X to take part in its Ed Tech Industry Summit Innovation Incubator from May 6-8 in San Francisco.
Heliotrope’s group learning game, Prelude, was chosen as one of the 10 “most innovative education technology products and services,” while KEEN 5X was chosen as one of two “alternates.” The incubator features a pitch competition, mentorship, and connections to investors, publishers and education consultants.
“We are pleased that Ontario is well represented at this important summit for education innovation,” said Joseph Wilson, Education Advisor with the Information technology, Communications and Entertainment (ICE) practice at MaRS Discovery District. “Heliotrope and KEEN 5X both offer novel teaching tools for the K-12 education market by fostering social and emotional connections.”
Heliotrope and KEEN 5X are members of the rapidly growing MaRS Education Cluster, which includes a mix of ventures that seek to affect change in education through collaboration and innovation.
Washington-based SIIA is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industries. The SIIA Education Division serves and represents more than 180 member companies that provide software, digital content and other technologies that address educational needs.
About SIIA
The Software & Information Industry Association (www.siia.net) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industries. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to the leading companies that are setting the pace for the digital age.
About KEEN 5X
KEEN 5X (www.keen5x.ca) is based on Cognitive-Kinesthetics, the theory and practice of embodied learning. It provides very simple strategies, informed by neuroscience, that help to generate engagement, understanding and a sense of community for learners. Contact: Ed Dixon at ed@keenforlearning.org.
About Heliotrope
Heliotrope (www.heliotrope.ca) is a social enterprise founded to develop and introduce Prelude, a group learning game for youth and adults. Prelude fosters 21st-century skills while reducing the EQ gap. It’s used in schools from grade 6 through to college, and in business fields such as project management and employee retraining. Contact: Howard Esbin at hbe@heliotrope.ca.
About MaRS
MaRS Discovery District (Twitter: @MaRSDD) is a mission-driven innovation centre located in Toronto. MaRS works with partners to catalyze, accelerate and amplify innovation. MaRS supports entrepreneurs building Canada’s next generation of growth companies.
For more information, contact:
Chris Stevenson
Director, Communications at MaRS
(416) 673-8104
cstevenson@marsdd.com