NIIT Ltd acquires Bengaluru-based ed-tech startup Perceptron

Perceptron works on developing next generation learning platforms that combine deep analytics and semantic computing to ensure better learning outcomes

NIIT Ltd, a global skill and talent development firm, on Tuesday, said it has acquired Bengaluru-based start-up Perceptron Learning Solutions Private Limited to accelerate its digital initiatives and bring in deep analytics capabilities to its learning platforms.

"We have been associated with Perceptron since last year. We are taking this association to the next level. This is a strategic move to strengthen our digital capabilities as the startup brings complementary technology platform to NIIT. It is an early stage startup, so the deal size is not very big," said Udai Singh, head of new business initiatives, NIIT Ltd, declining to disclose the deal size.

Started in 2014, Perceptron has been working on developing next generation learning platforms that combine deep analytics and semantic computing to ensure better learning outcomes. Deep analytics entails data mining that analyzes, extracts and organizes large amounts of data beneficial for an organization or individual, while semantic computing involves analyzing data based on meaning, context and intention.

Perceptron's next-gen learning platform, Ilimi, helps identify areas where a learner is lacking and provides appropriate recommendations. It is a cloud based platform, which combines short videos with personalized learning activities for its users based on its analytics and social learning.

Ilimi technology is also one of the core components of the EkStep learning platform, a not-for- profit initiative set up by Nandan Nilekani, Rohini Nilekani and Shankar Maruwada, to create learning opportunities for children.

At present, NIIT run three digital transformation initiatives - StackRoute, digiNxt, and Training.com and Perceptron's Ilimi will bring semantic computing, predictive analytics, learning science capabilities to create learner-centric, immersive learning and mastery learning platform for its users, the company said.

"Perceptron brings next gen platform that uses predictive analytics and social network learning to our learning platform that allows us to create personalized learning experience for our users," said Singh. "This will become an integral part of NIIT's future multi-modal learning platform."

A total of 18 people from Perceptron including co-founder and chief executive Satish Sukumar will join NIIT's team. Sukumar will serve as chief technical officer (CTO) of StackRoute Labs, NIIT's new research entity, established mid last year, to build deep competencies in areas such as machine learning, Internet of Things, data science and full stack product engineering.

Shares of NIIT Ltd rose 1.69 per cent to Rs. 99.20 at the close, while Sensex fell 0.25 per cent to 28,223.70.