Background to the Network
Following extensive discussions on the quality and potential of EdTech prompted by the Covid lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, which required home-based learning and remote teaching, the EdTech Ireland Network was launched on May 27, 2022. The first meeting, held at the Dingle Digital Hub, saw 17 EdTech pioneers come together. The original team, comprising EdTech veterans Tim Lavery (Exploring EdTech Ireland), Jonathan Dempsey (Pivotal EdTech), Robbie O'Connell (Principal, Department of Education), and Dr. Daithí Ó Murchú (European EdTech Consultant), led this initiative.
Under Tim Lavery’s leadership and with the support of a highly experienced Board, the voluntary team collaborated with the Irish-based EdTech/LearnTech community to foster a sustainable ecosystem for innovation and development in educational technology. Since its inception in 2022, the Network has successfully facilitated numerous collaborative projects, hosted impactful webinars, and provided a platform for sharing best practices in EdTech.
Membership numbers rose rapidly in 2023 and by the end of 2024, membership had grown to over 130, a clear testament to the network’s value and impact.
Ensuring Sustainable Growth
Recognising the need for a more sustainable operational model, it was decided to integrate an EdTech Developers' Network with the newly founded EdTech Ireland Innovation Hub, offering an expanded range of activities, events, supports and a professional level of service to EdTech start-up, scaleups and established businesses. This Developers' Network will retain the EdTech Ireland name, providing continuity to the established organisation.
OUR MISSION
INSPIRE
Promote, highlight, develop and nurture new and existing Irish-based EdTech talent on the world stage.
CONNECT
Connect the key players in the field of Education and Technology
IMPACT
Develop services, supports and partnerships which centre the voice and experience of educators.
Hub Advisory Board
The Hub Advisory Board will be composed of members who bring diverse perspectives, industry expertise, and strategic insights. Their goal is to ensure that the needs of the Network's members are met and that our services remain relevant, offer good ROI, and impactful in the rapidly evolving EdTech landscape.