ITZA, the London-headquartered e-learning specialist, has secured £2 million in R&D and equity funding from Scottish Enterprise, Alba Equity, and private investors to grow a digital learning, production, and AI analytics hub in Edinburgh to accelerate independent learning for young people in the 10-16 age range.

ITZA’s web platform helps young people to learn independently via content and personalised analytics, with a team of filmmakers, cognitive scientists, educators, and game designers working with external brands and organisations to produce films, games, and other interactive educational content.

The company is set to embark on a pilot at schools in West Lothian, Dundee, and Aberdeenshire this summer with access via GLOW, the Scottish schools digital network, ahead of a rollout across Scotland in the next academic year. To support its growth plans, the company expects to increase its Edinburgh headcount from 15 to over 50 in the next three years.

Anthony Bouchier, CEO and founder of ITZA, said: “Scotland has a longstanding reputation around its pioneering introduction of digital learning into schools, and we thank Scottish Enterprise and Alba for their dedicated support. We’re excited to be here — ITZA plans to go global from a base in Scotland.”

Jane Martin, managing director of innovation and investment at Scottish Enterprise, also commented: “It’s great to see ITZA choose Edinburgh as the location of its new digital hub. The city is home to hundreds of ambitious technology companies, leading academic institutions, and a deep pool of tech talent, making it the ideal place in which to scale up a digital technology business.

“If Scottish Enterprise is to help increase the number of scale-up businesses in Scotland, create high-value jobs and drive increases in turnover, it’s critically important that we continue to encourage companies like ITZA to anchor their research and development projects here and support investment in innovation.”

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In June 2023, the Scottish government published the “It’s Our Future – Review of Qualifications and Assessment” report which highlighted the skills and knowledge learners need for the modern economy, the role of technology, the culture of education in Scotland, and international comparisons.

Anthony Bouchier added: “The timing could not be better for ITZA in Scotland when you consider the focus and work of the Scottish government, the cabinet secretary for education and skills, Education Scotland, and the education reform directorate. Our aim is to be a trusted partner to all stakeholders as the sector evolves at pace.”

ITZA is set to announce a series of Scotland, UK, and international partnerships over the coming weeks and months.