Diversification of International Education sees six innovative projects receive funding

Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) has today announced the recipients of the International Education Product Innovation Fund.

Just over $1.6 million in funding has been awarded to six organisations, with support ranging from $200,000 to $300,000 for individual projects over the next 12 months.

The projects that received funding span a wide range of activity. They include a global course for rugby coaches developed in partnership with The Crusaders, an online indigenous eCommerce programme, English language learning based on original, high quality drama content, global enterprise coaching and peer group learning, an evolution of an NZ financial literacy platform for global audiences, and virtual reality online medical training focused on childbirth simulation.

Initial response to the Product Innovation Fund saw more than 150 organisations express interest. ENZ designed a rigorous process for submitting and assessing applications, working alongside Creative HQ – a specialist innovation agency. The process involved a clear set of criteria that were communicated to all applicants. A shortlist was prepared, and a final assessment was completed by an independent expert panel comprising external innovation and education experts and senior ENZ staff.

Commenting on the recipients, ENZ Chief Executive Grant McPherson said the innovation and scope of the applications had been eye-opening.

“The quality of the entrants was a clear indication of New Zealand ingenuity, market knowledge and cutting-edge innovation,” said Mr McPherson.

“The sheer variety of fields and technology being utilised shows how advanced the thinking and capability of New Zealand education providers has become. The potential of each of these projects can now be fully explored, and I am confident the lessons learned can be shared for the benefit of our whole education sector, inspiring others to follow their lead.”

The Product Innovation Fund was launched by ENZ in April to encourage providers to design and develop new education products and services for international learners. It is part of the broader refreshed international education strategy and is intended to fund programmes that deliver new, meaningful, and unique learning experiences from New Zealand with education products and services that set New Zealand apart from other countries.

Providers will create new products and services aimed at transforming the way international learning is developed, promoted, and delivered. Funding and support from ENZ will help providers fast-track the exploration and development of new ideas, conduct market research, build prototypes, and advance their global market strategy. Lessons learnt from the programme will assist in developing future education products and services for the benefit of the entire international education sector.

Details of the successful applicants and their projects can be seen here.

 

Recipient	Funding Amount
Banqer	$300,000
BOMA New Zealand	$300,000
Chasing Time English	$250,000
Te Kaihau Education	$200,000
Te Whare Hukahuka	$255,000
Virtual Medical Coaching	$300,000

ENDS