Factory 42 targets edtech with kids division

UK production studio Factory 42 has launched a children’s content division to tap into the educational technology (edtech) market, which is projected to be worth in excess of £140bn (US$155bn) by 2025.

John Cassy

The company, which specialises in mixed reality content, has kicked off its kids push with two science-based learning apps narrated by YouTubers and CBBC science presenters Maddie Moate and Greg Foot.

My Dino Mission AR and My Robot Mission AR, produced with support from The Natural History Museum and Science Museum Group, encourage children to engage in and learn about science and the natural world at home using augmented reality and game play.

The two apps were developed in six months by 42 Kids, the new division launched by Factory 42 to tap into the fast-growing edtech market.

These have been funded by a grant from UK Research & Innovation, which has a £33m pot to establish new digital ways of accessing cultural and learning experiences in response to the pandemic.

John Cassy, founder and CEO of Factory 42, said: “The pandemic has shown parents everywhere how new and easy-to-use technology can really help engage young minds in learning at home.

“We are proud to have rapidly created these fun and innovative apps and hope they will inspire lots of children to learn through play. We are also very grateful to [UK Research & Innovation agency] Innovate UK for supporting Factory 42, so we can continue expanding and hopefully put Britain on the map as a leading producer for the growing learning content market with our new division, 42 Kids.”