Sunderland-based Caspian Learning was founded in 2002 by two neuroscientists intent on raising the bar in training and educational software, Caspian Learning sought to combine the state-of-the-art in learning sciences with the high levels of engagement that 3D gaming engines offered. E
Enterprise Ventures (EV) first invested in February 2005 via the Coalfields Enterprise Fund and Rising Stars Growth Fund to enable Caspian to develop a custom platform that integrated educational components into a 3D simulation and game engine, delivered over the Internet through standard Web-browsers – Thinking Worlds. Capital Entreprise Fund has supported the business ever since and, after developing dozens of learning simulations and games for customers in a wide range of markets, the Thinking Worlds platform was in its third generation. Caspian were regularly developing 3D immersive training solutions in a fraction of industry standard timelines and costs. Given the speed in which they are able to prototype and produce solutions for customers, they were able to work with them in new ways – to engage them, integrate their feedback, and meet their needs in ways that simply aren’t possible with standard tools.
In 2008 the business raised further funding from EV, alongside Hotspur Capital and North East Co-Investment Fund to allow Caspian’s development platform to be made commercially available. Thinking Worlds 3.0 was launched in April, 2009 and before the year was out it had already won 2 awards for being the most innovative learning simulation authoring tool available.
The Sunderland-based firm produces compelling 3D games and simulations for the education and training markets and is already working with clients such as Volvo, Bertlesmann Media, Learndirect and the Ministry of Defence who have adopted Caspian’s simulations and games as part of their training and development programmes.
Caspian now employs circa 20 people, sells it products internationally and has recently established a presence in the US.
Caspian Learning Wins More Awards
Caspian Learning have picked up another two awards tonight at the eLearning Age Awards 2009. Caspian won the Gold Award for ‘Best Learning Game’ with their immersive simulation for the UK Navy and the Maritime Warfare School. Caspian also picked up the Silver Award for the ‘Most Innovative New Tool.’ Congratulations to everyone on the development teams!
