From research to inclusive edtech with Magrid

Dr Tahereh Pazouki’s journey into entrepreneurship began not with a business plan, but with a research question. During her doctoral research work at the University of Luxembourg, she explored how early childhood education could reach more children, particularly in multilingual environments. The result was Magrid, a technology-based learning solution rooted in inclusivity for use by teachers, therapists or parents. 

“Magrid is an innovative and inclusive solution to make early childhood education accessible for all,” she explains. Built as a language-free, intuitive platform, it supports the development of cognitive and mathematical skills in young children starting from age 4, in particular those with migratory backgrounds or special educational needs. By removing language barriers, the solution ensures that learning opportunities are not limited by origin or ability.

Expanding Magrid across global education systems

The idea quickly moved beyond the lab. After strong results within Luxembourg’s school system, interest came from abroad. “That was when I decided to make this accessible beyond Luxembourg,” Dr Pazouki says. In 2020, she founded the company and by March 2021 the Magrid app was rolled out across Luxembourg’s public schools.

Since then, the startup has expanded internationally and is now used by tens of thousands of children across more than 15 countries across Europe, the Americas and Asia. Growth, however, did not come without challenges. “Fundraising has been the most complicated phase,” she admits, noting that education is often perceived as less attractive than other tech sectors. At the same time, long decision cycles, particularly in Europe, can slow adoption.

The product itself reflects a strong sense of purpose. Magrid is not designed as entertainment, but as a structured learning tool. “It is not a game,” Dr Pazouki says, “it is a pedagogical training programme.” She is particularly proud that the app is not intended to maximise screen time. Instead, it includes built-in limits, ensuring children benefit from short, focused learning sessions. 

Integrity is the core pillar of everything: honesty, taking ownership of the work and being responsible.” Dr Tahereh Pazouki, Magrid

Challenges and support for a female founder in Luxembourg

Reflecting on her experience as a female founder, Dr Pazouki describes a journey shaped by both challenges and strong support. While she acknowledges that the path can be demanding, she also highlights the importance of building the right team and working with aligned investors.

The Luxembourg ecosystem has also played a key role. Magrid has benefited from a range of programmes, including participation in Luxembourg’s leading startup accelerator Fit 4 Start, as well as support from the National Research Fund and the Young Innovative Enterprise programme.

Her leadership approach is deeply rooted in transparency, research and impact. Continuous validation through data and studies remains central to the company’s development, even when results are not always as expected.

Advice for women in tech: Start early and embrace failure

For Dr Pazouki, entrepreneurship is a process of constant iteration. Viewing challenges through a scientific lens has helped her navigate uncertainty and risk. Testing ideas, learning from outcomes and adjusting quickly are all part of the journey.

The earlier you found a startup, the better, so you have more time to explore and to fail and then to learn again.” Dr Tahereh Pazouki, Magrid

Her advice to aspiring founders, especially women, is simple, start early and do not wait for the perfect moment. Failure, in her view as a scientist, is not an endpoint but a finding to be celebrated, an essential step towards progress.

At the same time, she remains clear-eyed about the reality of building a company. “It is absolutely difficult,” she says, “but it is also rewarding and worth experiencing.”

Through Magrid, Dr Pazouki continues to build on her research roots, translating scientific insight into a practical solution used by children, educators and institutions worldwide.