With Baltimore poised to be a strong leader in the education technology realm, TowsonGlobal, Towson University's business incubator for early-stage companies, is paving the way with the launch of a new specialized incubator focused on EdTech startups for aspiring innovators. The incubator will not only lend for a vast array of unique opportunities when it comes to teaching and comprehending information, but a whole new progressive take on the future of education.
In addition to the EdTech incubator, Towson has also recently made a new hire with Frank Bonsal joining the team as TowsonGlobal's interim director. The direction Towson is heading in could not be more clear, seeing as Bosnal is known for his mastery in EdTech business startups and investments as a venture partner in New Markets Venture Partners and Bonsal Capital. Bonsal has already attracted two EdTech startups to TowsonGlobal – Common Curriculum and Immersive 3D – adding to the 18 other members that are disrupting the education sector.
“With Frank’s expertise and the university’s history of effectively blending technology, teaching and learning, EdTech is a natural growth area for the incubator and Towson,” explained Dyan Brasington, vice president for the Division of Innovation and Applied Research, in a news release.
“Baltimore will be a force in the EdTech industry and TowsonGlobal will be a major contributor to its success,” added Bonsal. “We have the talent, the entrepreneurial expertise and the passion for education to make this successful. We’re looking for teacherpreneurs who share our vision.”
Vince Talbert, co-founder of BillMeLater and vice president of PayPal, could not agree more. As a member of the Towson University Board of Visitors, he sees great potential for the Baltimore school. He believes that this reinvigorated approach to the EdTech area will bring a well-deserved new title of prestige to the university.
“Education will be revolutionized by technology and the Internet-connected world. There is no better place on earth to be the hub of education innovation than Baltimore,” Talbert stated. "We have a strong ecosystem to support education innovation and entrepreneurship. Now we need a place for these opportunities to incubate. Towson University, with its heritage as the Maryland State Teachers College, is perfectly positioned to provide this service to the community.”
Towson is adapting to the changes currently occurring on the education front, rapidly transitioning into a more accepting, technologically savvy institution. With the addition of a new EdTech focused incubator and a hire like Bonsal, these changes only further prove what a leader Towson has the potential to be when it comes to pursuing future technological advantages in higher education.
