NIIT acquires the business of EdTech start-up, Perceptron

NIIT, a global leader in skills and talent development has acquired the business of Bangalore-based start-up Perceptron Learning Solutions Private Limited. The strategic acquisition will bring together complementary technology platforms and capabilities of NIIT and Perceptron, enabling NIIT to further accelerate its Digital Transformation initiatives – StackRoute, digiNxt, and Training.com.

‘Ilimi’, which is Perceptron’s next-gen learning platform combines leading edge developments in semantic computing, predictive analytics, learning science, and digital transformation technologies to create an environment for implementing learner-centric, immersive learning & mastery learning strategies.

Perceptron’s acquisition builds on NIIT’s strategic focus for a leadership role in the Digital Learning world. Together with existing platforms, this will become an integral part of NIIT’s future multi-modal learning platform and 360 degree learning eco-system. Further, Perceptron’s co-founders and engineering team will strengthen NIIT’s technology talent pool with their proven expertise.

NIIT also announced the appointment of Mr. Satish Sukumar, Co-Founder & CEO of Perceptron as CTO of StackRoute Labs. StackRoute Labs is an NIIT initiative to build deep competencies in areas such as machine learning, IOT and full stack product engineering. These are critical to the digital transformation of enterprises. StackRoute Labs builds IP, offers consulting and creates advanced courses such as the full-stack bootcamps delivered at StackRoute and NIIT’s DigiNxt.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Rahul Patwardhan, CEO, NIIT Ltd said, “Taking forward NIIT’s thrust on Digital Transformation in the EdTech domain, this strategic acquisition of Perceptron will further strengthen NIIT’s leadership role in the Digital Learning World. We are happy to have Perceptron’s team including the co-founders, Satish Sukumar and Feroz Sheikh, join us in this journey as NIITians. NIIT will continue to look for innovative start-ups and talent in the EdTech space”

Ilimi’s MOOC 2.0 learning environment, combines short videos with personalized attention guided by analytics & social learning. The custom Ilimi video player allows the integration of intercept points to integrate a range of learning activities with video content. The platform is cloud-based and mobile friendly and its Micro-Services architecture ensure scalability and high availability while retaining the flexibility to integrate with existing systems through API’s.

Mr. Satish Sukumar, Co-Founder & CEO of Perceptron said, “We are delighted to join forces with NIIT, an industry leader in the education and training space. Joining the NIIT eco-system gives us the opportunity to work on some of the most challenging problems in the EdTech domain and continue to innovate. We are excited by the range and scope of customer scenarios we can impact at NIIT.”

Ilimi technology is one of the core components of the EkStep learning platform. EkStep (www.ekstep.org), a not-for- profit initiative set up by Nandan Nilekani, Rohini Nilekani and Shankar Maruwada, is creating a collaborative, universal platform, digital infrastructure and tools to increase access to learning opportunities for children by facilitating creation and consumption of educational content.