[ad_1]
Irish founded voice artificial intelligence company SoapBox Labs has been bought by US education technology business Curriculum Associates (CA).
Financial details of the deal are not being disclosed.
SoapBox Labs says the takeover will present an exciting opportunity to expand and accelerate its reach and impact in education.
“From the start, SoapBox has been on a mission to build voice technology that powers equitable, engaging, and frictionless digital learning experiences for all kids, regardless of age, accent, or dialect,” said founder and executive chair of SoapBox Labs Patricia Scanlon.
“This partnership with CA will allow us to fulfill this mission for even more young students and their teachers,” she added.
SoapBox Labs was founded ten years ago by Dr Scanlon to design an AI driven voice recognition engine for children.
It is understood that as part of the deal, Dr Scanlon will no longer continue as SoapBox executive chair, but will remain close to the business.
However, she will continues in her role as Ireland’s AI Ambassador.
She will also shortly take on the role as chairperson of Ireland’s new AI Advisory Council – an interdisciplinary group of AI experts that will advise the Irish government on AI technology, policy and strategy.
The company says there will be continuity across the rest of the Soapbox Labs team in Dublin, with very few changes anticipated.
SoapBox Labs will also retain its name after the acquisition is complete and will run as a distinct entity on a day-to-day basis, with Martyn Farrows remaining on as CEO.
The business will become CA’s innovation hub in Ireland.
Previous investors in SoapBox Labs include Trinity College Dublin, Enterprise Ireland, Astia, Elkstone, Tribal VC and other angel Investors.
Based in Massachusetts, CA designs research-based print and online instructional materials, screens and assessments, and data management tools for education.
It is more than 50 years old and employs 2,300 people.
“Curriculum Associates and SoapBox Labs share a commitment to improving student outcomes by expanding access to high-quality instructional materials and innovative technologies,” said Rob Waldron, CEO of Curriculum Associates.
“This groundbreaking partnership will bring state-of-the-art voice technology to more classrooms, helping to ensure every learner is set up for success,” the CEO said.
“It will also deepen and expand an asset-based, inclusive approach to learning across our entire product line,” he added.
[ad_2]
Source link