What is a Proof of Concept?

While EdTech testbed activations are the gold standard for efficacy research, a short-sharp alternative is a proof of concept.

Proof of concept refers to evidence obtained from a pilot project. In relation to EdTech solutions being trialled in new international markets- A proof of concept is executed to help demonstrate the solutions suitability and probable acceptance in the market. 

A formal product-market fit assessment as part of a proof of concept program provides EdTech companies with a clear understanding of how their product may be accepted with consideration to onboarding, training and support, as well as ongoing use and overall impact. 

The process is a hands-on, in-market learning experience connecting EdTech organisations directly with in-country education partners and prospective customers. The program delivers direct feedback and testimonials from engaged users who are seeking to improve learning outcomes for their students.

This is a model that can fast track an EdTech company’s understanding of any differences in customer behaviour, to maximise their solutions acceptance in a new market, provides access to new customer prospects, and provides a tangible example for approaching new education customers.  

As part of the NSW Going Global India export program four Australian EdTech companies have been connected with an Indian education partner to run a Proof of Concept trial.

Proof of Concept Trial 1 – ClickView
Proof of Concept Trial 2 – Elumina eLearning
Proof of Concept Trial 3 – Literatu
Proof of Concept Trial 4 – Wonde

Proof of Concept Trial 1

ClickView & Cambridge International Foundation School

Teachers at the Cambridge International Foundation School will use ClickView videos and ClickView Teacher Plans, aligned to the curriculum, as a teaching resource for years 1-2 and years 5-6.

Proof of Concept Trial 2

Elumina eLearning & Padmashree Group of Institutions

The Padmashree Group of Institutions will use the Elumina assessment platform to deliver online assessments for one cohort of students. This includes the development of one exam, AI enabled capture of student behaviour, and access to the reporting dashboard

Proof of Concept Trial 3

Literatu & Prometheus School

The Prometheus School will use Literatu in 10-15 classes across primary and secondary schools and track students’ English writing progress.

Proof of Concept Trial

Wonde & Mayo College

Mayo College will trial Wonde across their school. Using Wonde as the interface between the school and the many applications the school uses for management, as well as teaching and learning. 

While these Proof of Concept trials have a 16 week trial period ahead, the program marks the final milestone in a six month deep-dive of the India market as part of NSW Going Global India.

About NSW Going Global India

Going Global India is an Investment NSW program to help NSW EdTech companies explore their export potential into the Indian education market. Delivered by EduGrowth, the program provided learning opportunities for select companies to gain in-depth market insights, market specific business culture and etiquette training, voice of the customer sessions, potential partner introductions and business matching as well as participation in a proof of concept trial.

Understand the Indian Education Market and doing business in India
The size of the Indian education market makes it an attractive export opportunity for Australian EdTech. There are 1.5 million K-12 schools, 37.4 million students in higher education, and a projected 40 million seats to add & fill in the vocational training sector. 

As the statistics indicate, India is a large, complex education market. Export success comes from understanding the market segments, education funding models, and how to navigate the sector.

Gain feedback and suitability of EdTech solution from Indian educators as part of the Voice of Customer
Learning from engaged Indian educators to understand the challenges and priorities current and relevant in their specific sectors. The Voice of the customer is crucial for understanding trends that may impact an EdTech offering in-country. 

Introduction to potential education partners and resellers in India
The Indian education market has an established reseller and distribution market. Understand its characteristics, how resellers choose products, the marketing tools needed to make sales, and the sales models typically used. Gain insight into the tactics used for new-to-market products and explore the partnership opportunities created by establishing reseller and distribution partnerships.

Implement your solution in-country as part of the Proof of Concept trial program
The proof of concept is a unique hands-on, in-market learning opportunity connecting EdTech organisations directly with in-country partners and prospective customers. The trials usually includes a number of stages:

• Matching EdTech solution to education institution need/trial interest area
• Agreement of trial particulars such as cohort information, start/end dates, support levels, expected usage, anticipated outcomes
• Onboarding and training of staff/teachers
• Pilot period
• Formal review and feedback 
• Commercial discussion 

Refine your new market entry strategy
The design of this program is to help market-ready EdTech companies to learn, to test, and to modify as needed, their international market entry strategies and to accelerate their growth internationally.

Learn more about Investment NSW and the NSW Going Global Initiative.

Learn more about the EdTech companies involved in the NSW Going Global India Program.