Google is starting a new project arm that specifically focuses on education, supposedly expected to produce more quality apps built for a school setting.
While there are already plenty of educational apps for kids from the Alphabet-owned company, like Cast for Education, Google Classroom and the recently updated Google Cardboard, which now offers affordable virtual reality (VR) programs for teachers, Android co-founder Rich Miner still finds this department lacking.
"[There is a] difficulty in finding quality educational apps and other kid-focused Internet services that weren't primarily either: (a) Babysitters; and/or (b) Ad delivery devices," reveals Fortune writer Dan Primack when he previously found himself in a seemingly random elevator exchange with Miner, with topics mostly centered around their kids.
That said, the publication revealed that Miner was stepping down from his role as one of Google Ventures' (GV) general partner and moving forward, would become Google's education venture partner instead, though, retaining seats across his existing GV posts. This should give him more time to fully realize his plans for the project, something he's been reportedly working on for the past two years, while still working closely with the Alphabet group.
"[W]hat was to my benefit years ago is now to my detriment," comments Bill Maris, CEO of Google Ventures, who was not surprised that his former staff member was leaving the venture branch in pursuit of "build something new." The CEO added that Rich Miner is "an adventurous person who jumped into this thing with [him]" and he is "really excited" to see what Miner has in store for the new project.
Although Miner had the opportunity to start up a new company under the Alphabet brand, it only made sense for the former general partner to execute his plans as a Google project due to the company's existing line of educational resources mentioned above. It is unknown at this point, however, if the new "education-focused" project spearheaded by Miner will consider (and absorb) the current Google for Education programs in its future plans.
Plans of which, are also yet to be determined.
"I don't actually know exactly what we're building yet," Miner described, explaining that his vision "is another big idea," in reference to Android and WildFire's long development over the years, and as such, his education project under Google "will take time."
The new initiative will house its own dedicated team in the main Google HQ back at Mountain View, though, Miner plans to work from his place in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where most of current GV investors are based.
