ATHENA Analytics, a Tralee-based education technology company has made two major strategic moves for growth in the last six months, a continuation of its meteoric rise in the industry over the past few years.
The company, founded by Tralee native Emily Brick in 2017, works with Irish secondary schools by using machine learning techniques to transform large amounts of data, particularly exam results, into meaningful insights.
Previously, schools had been using spreadsheets or manual analysis to carry out labour-intensive, time-consuming reviews.
Starting with 40 schools in 2017, Athena Analytics now works with over 300 schools, nearly half the second level schools in the country.
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Three years on, the company has also developed its product portfolio from statistical reports that analyse state examination results, to an advanced academic tracking software, the Athena Tracker, a tool which assists schools in ensuring each student reaches their potential.
The software provides an alert for a teacher when any student falls below their projected potential, thus ensuring that no student is overlooked in a very busy school system. Several other products are currently in development.
The company’s two recent strategic moves are set to encourage more rapid growth in the coming year.
Caroline McEnery, Founder and Managing Director of the HR Suite, has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director of Athena Analytics, following an investment in the company.
Caroline provides guidance on growing the business and implementing key systems & processes, including building teams in customer support and software development.
“Having Caroline on board has been a huge boost for the business and we feel incredibly fortunate to have the input, mentorship and strategic guidance from such a well-established & successful business person,” said Emily.
“I’m delighted to be involved in such an innovative and progressive company providing objective statistical information which is focused at ensuring students maximise their own full potential; something I’m very passionate about,” said Caroline.
In August 2020, the company appointed an Advisory Board consisting of some of the most well-known names in education including Professor Áine Hyland, Emeritus Professor of Education and former Vice-President of University College Cork.
Other members of the Advisory Board are John O Regan (Former Principal of Causeway Comprehensive), John Hurley (Former ASTI President), Eric Gaughran (Current Principal, Coláiste Lorcáin) and Dr. Eric Wolsztynski (Current Lecturer in Statistics, University College Cork).
The addition of the advisory board provides extra credibility to the Athena Analytics brand and products, by bridging the gap between specialist, expert knowledge and innovative big data software for the educational sector.
“The appointment of this advisory board is a turning point for Athena Analytics that we have been building up to over the last three years and this now gives us a further platform for growth. Going forward, the Advisory Board will provide advice, guidance and recommendations on the direction to take our products portfolio; ensuring that all developments are made with the educational landscape of Ireland in mind,” says Emily.
For more information about Athena Analytics visit their website: https://athena.ie/
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