Published by isobel.regan@dontpanicprojects.com
Published Date 05.07.2023 
Talent is spread evenly, but opportunity is not. This is especially true in the UK, where students from advantaged areas are over six times more likely to secure a place at a top university than those from low-opportunity areas. We’re Zero Gravity, and we recognise this inequality. As a pioneering social mobility tech start-up, we’re on a mission to revolutionise opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. By harnessing the power of technology, Zero Gravity aims to level the playing field and empower these students to access top UK universities, ultimately kickstarting their careers.
At Zero Gravity, we believe that technology can be a powerful leveller. Our innovative platform utilizes technology to break down barriers that hinder students’ progress and unlock their collective potential. Through our proprietary tech, we leverage unparalleled reach and engagement to empower our members, enabling them to defy the odds and succeed. What sets us apart is our unique approach to creating a multiplier effect. As our members achieve success, they pay it forward by empowering other students to follow in their footsteps. This multiplier effect not only amplifies our membership every year but also maximizes our social impact.
In the past 12 months alone, Zero Gravity has achieved remarkable results in transforming the student demographics and culture at the UK’s oldest institutions. Our platform has successfully propelled over 5,000 students from low-income backgrounds into Russell Group universities, with over 200 students gaining admission to Oxbridge. In fact, 1 in 4 students from low-opportunity backgrounds at Oxbridge now come through the Zero Gravity platform. These achievements have translated into a cumulative increase in lifetime earnings of £270 million for our students since our launch. Our ultimate goal is to become a ‘social impact unicorn’ by 2025, creating a £1 billion boost in lifetime earnings for low-income students.
We are delighted to have been shortlisted for 5 awards. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to revolutionizing education through technology. Winning an award would validate our efforts in utilizing technology as a powerful tool for social change, amplifying our reach, and reinforcing our credibility in the EdTech sector. The recognition would not only inspire us to continue innovating but also emphasize our dedication to fostering education that transcends geographical and financial limitations. We firmly believe in harnessing the limitless potential of technology to create a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape.
The driving force behind Zero Gravity’s success is our CEO and Founder, Joe Seddon. Joe embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship within the tech sector through his relentless work, visionary mindset, dedication, and innovative thinking. Winning the Tech Entrepreneur of the Year award would provide significant recognition for Joe, shining a spotlight on his exceptional leadership in driving our mission forward. This recognition would serve as an inspiration to our entire team, encouraging us to continue pushing boundaries and exploring the endless possibilities that technology and innovation offer.
Joe Seddon’s significant contributions to the tech sector have also earned him recognition as a bright and promising talent, as recognised by his inclusion in Forbes 30 under 30, The Diana Award Roll of Honour and most recently, the Kings Birthday Honours list. Securing the Rising Star Award would further highlight Joe’s transformative impact on the industry. It would elevate Zero Gravity’s profile, attracting more talented members who see themselves in Joe’s story, further inspiring them to join us in achieving excellence in education and careers and amplifying our collective impact.
Zero Gravity’s nomination for the Transformation Through Technology award underscores our successful utilisation of proprietary technology to revolutionise our mission. By evolving a traditional ‘into-uni’ approach into an ‘into-work’ system, we have expanded our support to students from their school years through early careers, all within a single platform, all in-house. Winning this award would validate our innovative approach and ongoing commitment to this evolution. It would demonstrate the tangible impact of technology in creating real change and solidify our position as a leader in the EdTech sector.
Furthermore, the nomination for the Tech for Good Award emphasises our dedication to using technology for social impact. Our platform goes beyond traditional mentoring programs by leveraging data-driven algorithms to match students with mentors. Additionally, we have developed our ‘into-work’ system to provide equal educational opportunities to all students, regardless of their circumstances. Winning this award would endorse our efforts in leveraging technology to foster social transformation, further strengthening our standing in the EdTech sector, as we continue to drive positive change in society.
Lastly, Zero Gravity’s nomination for the Most Impressive Growth award highlights our significant expansion, fuelled by our strategic use of technology. Our tech-centric approach has allowed us to grow our member base and expand our services effectively. Notably, rebuilding our platform’s architecture to transition from an ‘into-uni’ to an ‘into-work’ system has played a key role in our success. Winning this award would testify to our strategic application of technology for substantial growth, showcasing our adaptability and commitment to continuous innovation.
In conclusion, Zero Gravity stands at the forefront of levelling the educational playing field through technology. Our dedication to innovation, social impact, growth, and the exceptional leadership of our CEO, Joe Seddon, position us as a leader in the EdTech sector. Winning these awards would not only validate our efforts but also inspire our team to continue driving change.
Zero Gravity isn’t just transforming individual lives; we’re reshaping the narrative of social mobility in the UK. Through technology, determination, and a team of passionate individuals, we are tearing down barriers, powering the next generation, and proving that opportunity knows no boundaries. Together, we are rewriting the future, one student at a time.
You can find us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok and our US team can be found here) – eagerly awaiting the results of the 2023 Global Search Awards!
