[Exclusive Interview] This SaaS-Based EdTech Platform Has Empowered 1.2 Crore Students Across 18,000+ Schools

Recently, we interacted with Mr. Beas Dev Ralhan, CEO, Next Education – a fast-growing, SaaS-based technology-driven company revolutionising the education system in India.

Here are the interview highlights:

1. How and when was Next Education founded? What distinguishes Next Education from other Ed-Tech Companies?

Next Education is a leading Ed-Tech solutions provider that caters to the K—12 sector with a unique blend of technology and innovative pedagogy. The company has empowered teachers and students in 10% of India’s private schools since its inception in 2007. Today we cater to 12,000,000+ students and 240,000+ teachers in 18,000+ schools across the APAC and MENA regions. We are a SaaS-based, end-to-end education solutions provider and have created technology-driven, user-friendly, and learner-centric products. Our state-of-the-art products are mapped to CBSE, ICSE, and 29+ other boards in multiple languages and are among the many products we have created to improve the learning curve of 21st-century learners. our commitment to providing quality education that’s accessible to all. Our diverse range of K-12 products and services work together seamlessly as an ecosystem, while also being effective on their own. This unique combination of individual efficacy and collective synergy sets us apart from our competitors. Additionally, our focus on research-based pedagogy and cutting-edge technology ensures that our offerings are always ahead of the curve, providing students with the best possible education.

2. How Next Education ensured the profitability of its business while remaining self-funded?

–        Strong focus on product quality: We have consistently focused on delivering high-quality, innovative educational products and solutions, which has helped attract and retain customers.

–        Targeting a large market: By focusing on the K-12 education sector, we have targeted a massive market, which has allowed us to scale their business without requiring external funding.

–        Efficient resource utilization: As a self-funded company, we have had to prioritize efficient resource allocation. This includes optimizing operational costs, marketing budgets, and making strategic investments in research and development.

–        Diversified product offerings: By offering a diverse range of products and solutions, such as digital content, learning management systems, and assessment tools, we have been able to cater to various customer segments and needs, which has helped ensure a steady revenue stream.

–        Strategic partnerships: We have collaborated with various educational institutions, government bodies, and other stakeholders to expand our reach and strengthen our position in the market.

–        Customer-centric approach: By focusing on customer needs and feedback, we have been able to refine and improve our product offerings, leading to increased customer satisfaction and repeat business.

–        Bootstrapping: Since the company is self-funded, it has followed the bootstrapping approach, which means we have grown organically and reinvested profits back into the business. This approach can help maintain profitability while minimizing the need for external funding.

–        Strong leadership and management: Effective leadership and management can have a significant impact on a company’s success. Our leadership team has focused on maintaining a strong company culture, strategic decision-making, and efficient execution of business plans to achieve profitability.

3.     Give us a brief about your product/ services?

The long list of products is incomplete without the NLP (Next Learning Platform). It is a cloud-based learning management platform that automates and streamlines a school’s academic and administrative processes to ensure it is smoothly running. It brings all the stakeholders of a school together and enables transparent and effective functioning through collaboration and interoperability. Through our Academic Partnership Programme, we help new and existing schools to provide world-class Education along with facilities of global standards. While existing schools benefit from smart classrooms, award-winning digital content, and interactive books, new schools receive all this along with assistance in establishing a great school with the best infrastructure. 

Next Education offers a diverse range of products and services, which includes, TeachNext- Revolutionize your classroom with TeachNext’s hybrid learning solution, empowering students and teachers through a perfect blend of technology and pedagogy. Next Curriculum-  Embrace the future of education with Next Curriculum, a holistic and personalized learning experience based on the 5E Learning Model and aligned with NEP 2020, fostering creativity and critical thinking. Next 360- A well-rounded academic program that cultivates 21st-century skills in learners through immersive experiential learning and tailored education, unlocking their full potential and preparing them for success in today’s world. Next OS- Elevate your school’s academic and administrative experience with Next OS, a comprehensive cloud-based platform designed to streamline the entire teaching-learning process. Next ERP, Next LMS, Science Lab, Maths Lab, Robotics Lab, Next Assessment- State-of-the-art Al proctored assessment system for the holistic development of a child, Next Deeksha- An upskilling programme for school stakeholders by providing them with relevant knowledge and training, CreoVille- A transformative early-year solution for children to enrich themselves with 21st-century skills & Kinder Next- Preschool & Activity Centre A holistic preschool and learning space for children in their formative years

4. How is Next Education upskilling the teachers?

Next Education upskills teachers through professional development workshops, online courses, webinars, MOOC programs, and resource sharing. We also provide on-site training and continuous support to ensure educators are proficient in using our products and services effectively. These initiatives enable teachers to adapt to new technologies and teaching methodologies, fostering professional growth and enhancing instructional quality.

5. What does the talent management strategy at Next Education look like?

Next Education focuses on attracting top talent from diverse backgrounds, including professionals with experience in education, technology, and design. We use multiple channels, such as job portals, social media, campus recruitments, and employee referrals, to find the best candidates. Our well-structured onboarding process helps new hires quickly understand the company’s culture, values, and expectations. This includes orientation programs, mentorship, and initial training to facilitate a smooth transition into the organization. We invest in continuous learning and development opportunities for our employees to help them acquire new skills, enhance their current abilities, and stay updated with industry trends. This includes workshops, webinars, online courses, and other professional development programs. Establishing a performance management system that includes setting clear goals, providing regular feedback, and conducting periodic performance reviews enables us to measure employee progress, identify areas for improvement, and recognize high-performers. We implement a transparent career progression plan that outlines growth opportunities within the organization. This helps retain top talent by offering them a clear path for advancement. Additionally, our succession planning also helps the company identify and develop potential leaders for key positions. Fostering a positive work environment that encourages open communication, collaboration, and innovation boosts employee engagement and job satisfaction. We at Next Education also offer competitive compensation packages, benefits, and other incentives to retain our top talent. We also prioritize creating a diverse and inclusive work environment that values different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. This is achieved through targeted recruitment efforts, unconscious bias training, and the implementation of diversity-focused policies.

6. What are the future plans for Next Education in terms of business growth and expansion in the next year?

Next Education will emphasise on business growth and expansion in the next year, which includes Geographical expansion to reach new domestic and international markets, catering to a wider audience. Our team will invest more in the R&D front to enhance existing products and develop new, innovative solutions for the K-12 education sector. We do focus on strengthening partnerships: Forging strategic collaborations with educational institutions, government bodies, and other stakeholders to increase market presence. Utilizing data analytics to better understand student learning patterns, helping educators make informed decisions to optimize learning outcomes and personalize teaching approaches. Next Education will bring in comprehensive skill development programmes on our current efforts and product offerings that focus on 21st-century skill development for learners, ensuring they are well-equipped to thrive in the modern world and adapt to the ever-changing workforce requirements.

---