Collaborating with a Start-Up on Innovation for Student Success: Opportunity, Risk, or Both?

To ensure the development of reliable, agile software in edtech, university IT staff should be collaborators, not just customers. They can actively contribute to developing more sustainable software tailored to the long-term needs of the institution and higher education as a whole. Collaboration with start-up companies provides opportunities—and risks—for institutions wishing to drive innovation. We will share examples of student/faculty feedback incorporated into start-up platforms for student success and discuss the staff role as negotiator between the developers and student/faculty to create customization within the platform. Attend to help create a community of practice to shape edtech innovation.

Outcomes: Identify benefits/risks of collaborating with start-ups on innovation for student success * Understand IT negotiator role while shaping innovation * Connect with institutions/start-ups to foster community of practice in higher ed