Every era of transformation is guided by individuals whose vision is rooted not in disruption, but in understanding — people who see education not as a system to be managed, but as a living ecosystem shaped by human potential. In the world of EdTech and learning innovation, few embody this philosophy as profoundly as Iris E. Gísladóttir, Co-Founder of Evolytes and Chairman of the Icelandic EdTech Industry. Her presence in the global landscape feels less like a career path and more like a movement gaining momentum — one driven by empathy, creativity, and a fearless belief in what children can become when learning finally aligns with the way they think and feel.

Growing up in Iceland — a country known for imagination, independence, and communal spirit — Iris was surrounded by landscapes that encouraged curiosity. But what shaped her most wasn’t just nature; it was the question that followed her into adulthood: Why do some children thrive in school while others lose their spark? That question would become the blueprint for everything she built.

Her background spans creativity, design, business, politics, and community building — unusual to some, but deeply interconnected to her. “Innovation happens at the intersection,” she often says. And it was at that intersection that technology entered her life not as machinery, but as a bridge — a way to bring joy and curiosity back into learning.This vision ultimately led to Evolytes, a platform created to reimagine how children experience mathematics. Not as formulas and fear, but as discovery, mastery, and fun.

A Leadership Philosophy Rooted in Empathy and Human Potential

For Iris, leadership is never about authority — it is about cultivating space. Space where ideas grow, where teams take ownership, where mistakes fuel innovation rather than shame.

Her philosophy begins with a belief that children are inherently curious. Adults, she says, are the same — but too often, environments dim the spark. At Evolytes, she built a culture where courage is encouraged, where questioning norms is expected, and where innovation is a shared responsibility.

“Learning and leadership both thrive when people feel seen, trusted, and empowered,” she shares. This belief shapes her team, her company, and her global mission.

The Birth of Evolytes: Where Science, Creativity, and Purpose Meet

Evolytes did not emerge from a single industry or mindset. Instead, it grew from a team whose members represented psychology, pedagogy, design, software engineering, and business. They came from different nationalities, generations, and life experiences — united only by one conviction: the best ideas come when people think differently together.

This diversity became their greatest competitive advantage.Their vision has always been bold yet simple: make mathematics something every child feels capable of loving. By merging learning science with game design, Evolytes created an experience where math becomes a playful adventure — one that adapts to the learner’s pace, strengths, and challenges in real time.

Over time, Evolytes transformed into more than a product. It became a global movement grounded in compassion, research, and the belief that learning should never punish individuality — but amplify it.

Milestones That Reflect Purpose, Not Just Progress

Several achievements stand out in Iris’s journey:

A national breakthrough in Iceland:Evolytes became the first Icelandic EdTech company to achieve nationwide implementation — bringing joyful learning to cities, rural communities, and everything in between.

Empowering first-generation learners in India:In regions where educational access has historically been limited, children responded with enthusiasm, confidence, and measurable progress when learning became joyful. For Iris, this was more than expansion — it was impact.

Building a fearless, evolving team:Watching her team discover their potential, step into new roles, and innovate beyond expectations remains one of her proudest accomplishments. As she often says, “Evolytes is our collective story — not mine alone.”

Shaping the Future of Education in Iceland and Beyond

In Iceland, Iris leads national initiatives including a countrywide math competition and creative challenges that invite children to design their own Evolytes characters. The goal is to weave mathematics into the cultural fabric — shifting it from a feared subject to a shared community experience.

Globally, her focus is clear: equity, inclusion, and personalization. Evolytes is expanding into regions where connectivity and resources are limited, proving that scalable learning can still be deeply individualized. By merging real-time adaptivity with cultural contextualization, Evolytes ensures that every learner feels capable — regardless of background.

A Global Voice in EdTech: Challenges, Responsibility & Human-Centered Innovation

As Chairman of the Icelandic EdTech Industry, Iris sees enormous opportunity — but also growing concern.

She distinguishes between educational technology and the unstructured digital overstimulation caused by social media. “These are not the same,” she cautions. The goal is not to reject digital learning — just as we cannot remove it from the workplace — but to ensure it is purposeful, structured, and intentionally designed.

The sector’s biggest challenge, she believes, is accessibility. “Innovation means nothing if it only serves the privileged,” she explains. True advancement must reach rural communities, low-income regions, and underfunded schools — not just high-tech environments.

Another critical trend: the global recognition that teachers are irreplaceable. Technology should amplify their expertise, not compete with it.

Innovation Meets Inclusivity: A Non-Negotiable Balance

Evolytes adapts to every learner, including those with attention challenges or learning differences. But inclusivity extends far beyond design features — it requires cultural adaptability, regional insight, and deep collaboration with local educators.

“It’s about creating environments where every learner feels capable,” Iris says. “Inclusivity is not lowering standards — it’s redefining opportunity.”

A Message to Women Innovators: Don’t Wait for Permission

To aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women in tech and education, Iris is direct:

“Start with your why — and defend it. Don’t wait for permission. Enter the room even when you feel unprepared. Trust your instincts, especially when you hear, ‘That’s not how it’s done."

She emphasizes that empathy is a form of strength, not softness — a foundation on which true leadership is built.

A Legacy of Human Potential and Joyful Learning

Iris hopes her work leaves behind more than tools or technology. She wants to reshape how the world defines learning — shifting from fear and comparison to curiosity, confidence, and individuality.Her dream is for education systems to move beyond test scores and rigid pathways, and instead nurture creativity, problem-solving, and real understanding.“Children are not meant to fit into boxes,” she says. “We must reshape education to honor who they naturally are.”

A Closing Reflection

For Iris, education is — and has always been — about hope. Every time a child’s face lights up with understanding, she is reminded why the work matters so deeply.Evolytes is not just a company. It is a declaration that learning should be joyful, curiosity should be celebrated, and every child deserves to know the magic of their own potential.Her story is not merely an example — it is an invitation.An invitation to educators, innovators, parents, and leaders everywhere:Reimagine education not as content delivery, but as human empowerment.