Advocating for Victorian EdTech in Dubai

Victorian Government through Global Victoria led the inaugural Victorian Education Technology Trade Mission to the United Arab Emirates supported by EduGrowth. The five day mission from 24-28 February commenced with business meetings, in-market workshops and networking events to learn and deep dive into the local market opportunities, then focused on relationship building for future customers. The mission concluded with three days at the Global Education Supplies and Solutions Exhibit and Conference (GESS) Dubai 2019.

The delegation included representatives from 11 Victorian companies, Victorian Government and delegation leader Dan Ingvarson who chairs EduGrowth Clear Path syndicate. The aim of the mission was to showcase Victoria innovative education technology solutions globally and relationship creation for individual delegate participants with key prospective customers.

A highlight of the mission was the GESS conference which was opened by the Education Ministers for UAE, Bahrain and Egypt, each sharing their visions for education in their respective regions. GESS is the largest exhibition of its kind in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey region and showcases a wide range of educational products from suppliers all over the world, hosts international visitors, exhibitors and speakers. Mission delegates enjoyed the conference program, exhibited at the Global Victoria stand and were introduced to the speakers and other leaders featured on the program.

Mission ambassador and delegation leader,  Dan Ingvarson built on EduGrowth’s network and acted as a participant advocate;  gaining an intimate understanding of each delegates product and short term goals, identifying synergies and facilitating connection and collaboration. Dan also presented on the Innovation Stage at GESS, discussing a future where teaching, technology and future AI can provide better support for all students.

The Dubai education market offers real export potential for Australian EdTech organisations. The UAE Government’s vision to provide the highest level of modern education to its students is driving ongoing Government investment into the sector, which continues to grow. They are experiencing a booming student population, and anticipate a dramatic increase in private schools which currently make up 60% of the country’s schools. Australian EdTech organisations are well placed to launch products in the UAE and leverage the fast-growing private education sector, a sector that is increasingly looking for innovation and leadership that will enable the provision of world-class education.

Each delegate was positive about the overall missions effectiveness; citing all participants willingness to help each other and, the mission’s ability to successfully connect real in-market customers to build relationships with. Although the delegation has only just landed back in Australia the impact to date includes:

  • Every member gained at least one qualified lead
  • Pilot opportunities for up to 5 businesses with the largest school network in Dubai
  • $30k+ sale closed
  • Planned pilots with Universities and a Finish school  
  • Two return trips already independently organised

We are excited to be able to help Australian EdTech companies expand globally and to be partnering on this mission with Global Victoria. Delegates that joined the Victorian EdTech Mission to UAE 2019 were: