Kano Expands to the Middle East, Announces Partnership with Dubai Royal Family

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 2 September 2020 – UK creative computing company Kano has expanded to the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) through a strategic partnership with Seed Group, a company of The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum. The partnership marks the start of the anticipated nationwide roll-out across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of the new Kano PC, a buildable, transparent and powerful laptop – suitable for schools and at-home learning.

Attracting creators of all ages in more than 80 countries, Kano continues to grow its international community by delivering an accessible, end-to-end ecosystem, which includes a range of creative kits, a sophisticated coding system with multiple real-world programming languages and seamless data integrations, guided by exciting content and personalized game mechanics. The ideal first computer for kids as young as 6 years old, the Kano PC is recognized as a game-changer in the educational technology space. The device is buildable, taking only a few minutes to assemble with sturdy, colorful and modular parts that click in and out with ease, ultimately increasing the device lifetime and demystifying what’s inside, so users can create and better understand technology, rather than just consume it. Kano PC’s software suite of apps for Windows 10 opens up design, coding and 3D modeling to all ages, while also integrating with Word, Access, Excel, and Minecraft, amongst others.

As the partnership prepares Kano for its Middle East expansion, educational institutions in the UAE are expected to benefit greatly from the planned wider adoption of this technology, specifically the Kano PC, through the use of its innovative teaching tools. Kano’s software also connects computing to practical projects, history, and the arts – all helpful in preparing for the next-generation workplace. The laptop runs full Windows 10 with custom educational tools, out of the box.

“Kano has partnered with the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum in order to grow our business in the UAE and the Middle East,” said Alex Klein, Co-founder & CEO of Kano. “This is the time for computing that is affordable, open and accessible to all ages, all over the world.”

Known as the strategic arm of The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum and a leader in bringing in innovative technology to the UAE, SEED Group will ensure the smooth operation and nationwide distribution of Kano computing and coding kits across the UAE as well as its deliverance to educational institutions. Furthermore, SEED Group will work closely with the Ministry of Education to explore more opportunities with Kano in response to the ministry’s the strategic plan for 2017-2021 to develop an innovative education system for knowledge and globally competitive society.

Hisham Al Gurg, CEO of Seed Group and The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum said, “Our partnership with Kano not only ensures that our younger generation has the right knowledge and skills for the future, but also that innovation is generated in the field of education. The positive impact of Kano is evident around the world, and alone confides in us that Kano is ready for its next growth phase.”

As is the case with the Middle East’s massive transformational changes, there’s an increasing number of technologies being adopted and applied at incredible speed across multiple sectors. However, the UAE remains at the forefront of this digital transformation and Kano will take the lead in the educational technology industry through this partnership.

About Kano

Kano is the leader in innovation in hardware and software, designing and developing products for the next generation of computing. Kano invented the first make-your-own computer for all ages, the Kano Computer Kit, in 2014. The product established what became known as the “STEM” category, and launched with the most-crowdfunded ed-tech campaign ever. Since then, Kano has reached millions of people worldwide through its products and online platform, described by WIRED as “the GitHub for kids.” Kano software teaches 21st-century skills, like coding and design, through stories and games. Kano has created collaborative content and products with Star Wars, Harry Potter, Frozen, Minecraft, and others.

Kano has won multiple Red Dot, Cannes Gold Lion, and Innovation by Design Awards, first-ever two-year sequential TIME Best Invention Awards, and many more. In 2019, Fast Company magazine selected Kano as the second-most innovative company in consumer electronics worldwide – and the 24th most innovative overall. Most recently, Kano joined forces with Microsoft to create a powerful, transparent, affordable, and modular Windows computer – the Kano PC, designed specifically for 21st-century learning. Look inside its studio here: https://about.kano.me/.

About Seed Group

Over the past 16 years, Seed Group has formed strategic alliances with leading global companies representing diverse regions and industries. These companies have propelled their business interests and goals in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region through the support and strong base of regional connections of the Seed Group. The Group’s goal is to create mutually beneficial partnerships with multinational organizations and to accelerate their sustainable market entry and presence within the MENA region. Seed Group has been a key point in the success of all its partners in the region helping them reach their target customers and accelerate their businesses. The Private Office was established by Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum to directly invest in or assist potential business opportunities in the region, which meet The Private Office’s criteria. For more information, visit www.seedgroup.com.

Kano Media Contact

Kano
press@kano.me

Seed Group Media Contact

Nomarie Jean Lacsamana
jean@seedgroup.com
+971 4 373 5068