Remote learning is driving an education technology revolution.

EdTech: K-12

Based in Canada, Tech Spark AI offers “Spark Plug,” a GenAI-driven platform that focuses on creating more personalized educational experiences for Black and brown students in North America. Designed as an alternative to existing AI search tools, Spark Plug aims to personalize the learning experience. Collaborating with educational institutions in underserved Black and brown communities in the US and Canada, its initial iteration focused on translating classic literature into African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) to engage Gen-Z audiences. The platform is shaped by voices from the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights Movement, ensuring authentic representation. Spark Plug's web application functionality, similar to ChatGPT, is accessible to all despite its focus on students. It also offers programs that integrate tech education with real-world applications, promoting STEM education among underrepresented groupsBesides language translation, Spark Plug has developed LearningDNA, an assessment tool aiding educators in understanding diverse learning styles. It customizes learning experiences, tailoring content delivery to suit individual preferences.Key competitors: None comparable (Tech Spark AI is the only company that offers a solution to translate classic literature targeting underserved Black and brown communities.)

Technologies bringing about a new reality

Extended Reality

StatusPro is an XR-based sports technology company&nbsp; co-founded by former Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns player Andrew Hawkins.&nbsp; The company leverages real-time player data to develop training solutions, having created an XR simulation solution for pre-game prep. In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33016">August 2024</a>, StatusPro announced NFL Pro Era 2025, the next version of their VR football game. NFL Pro Era 2025 will allow players to control offense and defense, with the ability to play as a quarterback or linebacker. The game will feature smarter AI teammates and opponents, customization options for gear, stadiums, hairstyles, and improved play styles aligned with current-day formations. Additionally, the game was set to move to a live service model priced at USD 20 for current players and USD 40 for new players.Previously StatusPro developed the “Pro Era 2” VR in partnership with NFL and the NFLPA (launched in October 2023). The game’s predecessor (Pro Era), became the first licensed VR football game and the first major gaming title to be developed by athletes. The Pro Era series allows fans to experience the realism of a football game from a quarterback’s perspective, with the games being priced at USD 29 and USD 14 respectively. The games are available on Meta Quest devices and PlayStation VR.&nbsp;The company also previously launched the “Lamar Jackson Experience” in which fans can recreate signature moves from the NFL MVPs 2019 season in which he was named NFL MVP.Key customers and partnershipsAs of April 2024, the company’s XR simulations for pre-game prep were utilized by six NFL teams.

Sports Tech

StatusPRO, Inc. is a sports technology and gaming company based in Miami, FL. It combines real-time player data with augmented, mixed, and virtual reality technologies to develop a suite of training and gaming products. StatusPRO's flagship offering is NFL PRO ERA, the first-ever NFL and NFLPA-licensed virtual reality (VR) simulation game launched in September 2022. This immersive, first-person simulation allows players to experience the game from the perspective of an NFL quarterback. The game utilizes real NFL game data and StatusPRO's athlete-led technology to provide an authentic football gaming experience.
NFL PRO ERA features gameplay modes like a two-minute drill, practice mode, multiplayer sandbox, and full 11-on-11 games. The game also includes details like ambient sounds, stadium atmosphere, and the ability to call plays from the huddle. In October 2023, StatusPRO released NFL PRO ERA II, which introduced new features like head-to-head multiplayer gameplay across platforms.
Since its launch, NFL PRO ERA has gained over 1 million users, with players spending an average of 41 minutes per session, double the VR industry average. It is one of the fastest-selling and top-performing sports titles on the Meta Quest platform. In February 2024, StatusPRO raised USD 20 million in Series A funding led by GV (Google Ventures) to develop new sports titles and enhance its existing offerings.
Key customers and partnerships
StatusPRO has partnerships with notable entities like the NFL, NFLPA, and star athletes serving as investors and brand ambassadors. The company's investors include LeBron James, Naomi Osaka, Drake, Maverick Carter, and NFL quarterback Lamar Jackson, who was the cover athlete for NFL PRO ERA.
StatusPRO has also collaborated with teams like the Green Bay Packers to promote NFL PRO ERA through fan activations. The Packers, who invested in StatusPRO through their venture capital arm TitletownTech, showcased the game to fans during the 2022 London Games.

StatusPro is a sports technology company that combines data with augmented and virtual reality to provide a suite of training and gaming products.

Spark Plug is a large language model trained with ethical data and youth culture, that transforms classic literature into culturally relevant language for Gen Z students.

The NBA is a global sports and media business built around three professional sports leagues: the National Basketball Association the Women’s National Basketball Association and the NBA G League.

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