80. Night Zookeeper

Founders: Paul Hutson and Joshua Davidson
Founded: July 2011
Website: www.nightzookeeper.com

It seems everywhere Night Zookeeper goes, it leaves a feverish trail of admirers in its wake. Recently inducted into Wayra’s first UK accelerator academy, the fledgling firm was also winner of the inaugural Education Startup Weekend. Starting out as a children’s storybook, digital artist Davidson developed the idea of a mystical zoo were children could design animals as wild as their own imaginations.

Teaming up with teacher Hutson, the concept evolved into a free, interactive game to complement the school curriculum – while utilising paid add-ons to generate revenue from parents (when their children ask to continue playing at home). Designed to stimulate children’s digital creativity, it also increases their computer confidence. That’s a great gift to the next generation.