In the dynamic world of education technology (EdTech), Vygo has been recognized as one of the top 40 global emerging providers. We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Ben, Vygo’s co-founder and its co-CEO, to discuss his journey, the evolving landscape of EdTech, and his vision for the future.
Personal Journey and Inspirations
Q: Can you share a bit about your journey and what led you to your current role at Vygo?
“At Vygo, I have the pleasure of being one of the three co-founders and also taking on the co-CEO role. This journey started from firsthand experiences at university, where my co-founders and I noticed significant gaps in student support. We were passionate about helping students, but there weren't many mechanisms to facilitate that. On the other hand, many students needed help but didn't know what was available or where to find it. This dual challenge inspired us to create Vygo.”
Q: What experiences or inspirations have shaped your career in the EdTech industry?
“Education runs deep in my family. I come from a long line of school teachers, and though I broke that tradition with higher education, I share our family’s education passion. My mentors, friends, and personal experiences as a tutor profoundly shaped who I am today. These experiences instilled in me a desire to create something that could offer the same support and guidance to all students at scale.”
Life at Vygo
Q: What does a typical day look like for you at Vygo?
"As the co-CEO, my role revolves around special projects, particularly those that address new challenges or opportunities. Currently, one of my major focuses is on understanding and helping universities adap to the new government reforms in the Australian higher education market. These reforms are transforming how institutions support students, making it an exciting time to help them innovate and improve their offerings."
Q: Are there any key projects or initiatives that you are currently working on at Vygo?
“Indeed, the Australian higher education reform is a significant project. It emphasizes personalized and proactive student support ecosystems, which aligns perfectly with our mission. We're not only helping Australian institutions adapt but also applying these innovations with our global university partners.This initiative represents a major step forward in reimagining student support.”
Market Trends and Future Visions
Q: What are the current trends in the EdTech area that excite you the most?
“The possibilities that technology continues to open up are incredibly exciting, especially in terms of data. We can now collect vast amounts of data about students and use it to create personalized and proactive support systems. This data-driven approach allows universities to tailor the educational experience to each student's needs, significantly enhancing their journey.”
Q: If you had a magic wand and could change anything about the university system, what would it be and why?
“I would repurpose some of the anxieties that can take root inside universitiesy about change. There can often be unhealthy focus just meeting minimum compliance standards and, fear of “failure, I would use that magic wand to transform the negative energy into excitement and about new opportunities. Embracing change and innovation is essential to achieve better outcomes for institutions and, most importantly, for students. Celebrating both successes and failures as learning experiences is crucial for progress.”
Ben’s insights highlight the transformative potential of EdTech and the importance of community and support in education. As Vygo continues to innovate and adapt to new challenges, it remains committed to making personalized, high-quality education accessible to all. The future of EdTech is bright, and with leaders like Ben at the helm, it's poised to revolutionize the way we think about and deliver education.
Authored by;
Rasal Jayasinghe
Marketing Coordinator, Vygo.