Edtech entrepreneur Dr. Khadija Mohamed ElBedweihy’s impactful virtual science laboratories provide students from all walks of life access to experiments at their fingertips. Her passion for equal and accessible education prompted the launch of PraxiLabs, an affordable virtual lab that simulates science experiments. It marks a paradigm shift in e-learning, taking it to new heights. PraxiLabs provides an immersive environment where learners actively engage with the subject matter, leading to deeper scientific comprehension and retention.

Khadija’s company was inspired by her experience as a Ph.D. student in human-computer interaction and user experience in the U.K. She went from the top of her class in her home country, Egypt, to the bottom.

Her comparative lack of resources had muted her competitiveness. Following 10 years of academic experience, Khadija realized the challenges posed by limited access, high costs, and safety hazards for students and institutions using traditional labs in less affluent contexts.

Using technology to improve education and create equal opportunities, Khadija’s app-based solution with offline modules ensures access to PraxiLabs’ resources for students in lower-income markets. The app provides interactive 3D models of high-cost devices that are often difficult to acquire in biology, chemistry, and physics. Students can also access walk-through videos and tutorials and repeat experiments. Easy access in Arabic and English anytime or place offers learning flexibility.

PraxiLabs has already benefited more than one million students from over 140 countries. It has partnerships with universities and Ministries of Education in Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the Philippines but plans to extend its reach further into Africa and the U.S.