Research & Innovation

Evidence-based approaches to transforming learning outcomes.

Our Research Approach

At ERI Foundry, we build on established research in cognitive science, computer science, and artificial intelligence to design adaptive learning systems that are both evidence-driven and contextually relevant to African classrooms. Our work focuses on translating global advances in learning science into practical, locally validated solutions.

Rather than conducting laboratory studies ourselves, we synthesize and apply existing scientific knowledge,testing, refining, and extending it through field experiments, pilot programs, and large-scale classroom deployments. This applied research model allows us to validate theories of learning in real educational environments, where linguistic diversity, access constraints, and cultural context matter most.

We are deeply committed to openness and collaboration. Our findings, data, and tools are shared publicly through open-access platforms and peer-reviewed publications, ensuring that our work contributes to a wider body of global educational research.

ERI Foundry’s goal is to make adaptive learning research accessible and actionable, building a foundation where science, technology, and education work together to help every child learn at the right level.

Research team analyzing learning data

2026–2030

Strategic Brief

“Every child, learning at the right level.”

The Education Research and Innovation Foundry (ERI Foundry) is a non-profit applied research and development institution dedicated to advancing the science and engineering of learning for West Africa. From 2026 to 2030, ERI Foundry will focus on building the empirical, technical, and infrastructural foundation necessary to create adaptive, context-aware, and offline-capable digital learning systems that ensure every learner progresses at the right cognitive level.

Strategic Intent

ERI Foundry seeks to become the regional leader in education science and adaptive learning innovation by integrating cognitive psychology, pedagogy, and artificial intelligence into deployable solutions for schools and learners across West Africa. The Foundry's work bridges research and practical implementation—transforming scientific insight into scalable educational technology tailored to the realities of low-resource environments.

Core Objectives (2026–2030)

1

Build Foundational Research Capacity

  • Form interdisciplinary teams spanning cognitive science, AI, pedagogy, and linguistics
  • Conduct baseline studies to map cognitive and linguistic profiles of West African learners
2

Design and Engineer the Adaptive Learning Core

  • Develop an LLM-based adaptive learning engine trained on WASSCE and related curricula
  • Integrate dynamic learner-signal modeling for real-time adaptation based on performance, engagement, and progression
3

Optimize for Low-Resource Environments

  • Compress and deploy the adaptive engine for offline operation on low-end smartphones (≤2 GB RAM)
  • Improve inference efficiency and energy performance for sustained usability in limited infrastructure settings
4

Conduct Longitudinal Field Trials

  • Partner with schools to pilot adaptive systems over multiple terms
  • Measure learning outcomes and cognitive growth; refine models using field feedback and teacher data
5

Translate Research into Policy and Practice

  • Publish annual reports, policy briefs, and open research datasets
  • Support ministries of education and NGOs in applying ERI Foundry's findings to national education strategies

Phased Timeline

2026

Institutional Foundation

Establish governance and ethics structures; recruit founding researchers; conduct baseline learning and cognition studies; develop first adaptive model prototype.

2027

Core R&D Maturity

Advance the adaptive learning engine (v2); implement learner-signal loops; begin offline deployment trials; publish initial research outputs.

2028

Field Validation

Execute multi-school pilot programs; collect longitudinal data; evaluate learning impacts; refine pedagogical frameworks and technology design.

2029–2030

Regional Expansion and Translation

Deploy refined systems in multiple West African countries; release engine v3 and open datasets; produce policy and practice whitepapers; institutionalize regional partnerships.

Key Performance Indicators

At least 10 peer-reviewed publications and 20 technical reports

Adaptive learning engine functional offline on ≤2 GB RAM devices

Minimum 30% learning gain among pilot students versus control groups

Research collaborations with 5 universities, 3 education ministries, and 2 technology partners

Establishment of the African Learning Data Commons

Annual Education Science and Innovation Forum hosted by ERI Foundry

Enabling Conditions

Funding

Multi-source financing from research grants (IDRC, UNESCO, Mastercard Foundation), public–private partnerships, and innovation funds

Infrastructure

Dedicated research cloud, compute cluster, and mobile field testing environments

Governance

Quarterly Board and Scientific Council reviews; annual ethics and impact audit

Public Engagement

Transparent research dissemination, open-data policy, and educator-focused workshops

Between 2026 and 2030, the Education Research and Innovation Foundry will build the scientific, technological, and institutional foundation for a new era of adaptive learning in West Africa. Guided by the conviction that every child must learn at the right level, ERI Foundry's research, innovation, and partnerships will redefine how digital education is designed, localized, and delivered across the continent.