Making maths interesting is a fun business

The company launched the product, Izak9, an innovative way to engage children in mathematics, at the recent BETT, learning technology exhibition in London.

The product was developed by Qubizm with research and development assistance from Invest NI, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The assistance enabled the company to work with the University of Ulster and a group of local companies to create and test a fully working classroom prototype.

Qubizm has also benefited from an Invest NI Innovation Voucher, its Propel Programme and also technical support and marketing assistance to develop Izak9.

Des Gartland, Invest NI North West Regional Office Manager said: “Izak9 is an extremely innovative product that will help young people develop the essential maths and science skills that so many employers are seeking.

“Our support has enabled Qubizm to seek expert guidance from educationists at the University of Ulster, and from local companies, on the skills and knowledge they are seeking from young people, particularly in advanced engineering.

“Schools, universities and education boards have already placed orders for the product, providing a strong foundation for growth outside Northern Ireland. Our support is now enabling the company to reach a wider international marketplace through participation in targeted exhibitions such as BETT in London.”

Franz Schlindwein, Qubizm Managing Director and founder, said: “Our Izak9 product is based on my conviction that the best way to encourage uptake in Science, Technology,

Engineering and Maths (STEM) based subjects and careers, is to empower children with confidence and build their skills in mathematics when they are young.

“This is not only a challenge here, but across Europe and the US and so offers us significant export opportunities. Invest NI is now helping us to harness the export potential of Izak9.

“When children reach the middle years of primary school, they no longer learn through play. The curriculum becomes more structured and the learning more solitary, especially as children move closer to the transfer process in year seven. In year eight, pupils have been separated from their established peer group and are faced with many new challenges which regularly result in a drop in performance.

“Children are particularly vulnerable at these times, often losing their appetite for learning. If we want them to have a passion and enthusiasm for mathematics, making it a subject of choice and not a curricular imposition, then we need to engage children by using resources that are stimulating, rewarding and fun.”

Support for the company’s BETT showcase in London has been provided through Invest NI Trade division’s SOLEX exhibition scheme.