LEARNING PLANET INSTITUTE

Their core work

The Learning Planet Institute (formerly Centre de Recherches Interdisciplinaires, CRI) is a Paris-based educational innovation NGO that works at the intersection of learning sciences, robotics, and assistive technology. Their research applies theories of intrinsic motivation and goal-based learning to the design of physical devices — robots and wearable IoT companions — intended to support cognitive and social development in children, including those with autism spectrum disorder. In EU projects they contribute both as scientific partners (developing and testing prototypes) and as players in the commercialization pipeline, with demonstrated engagement in exploitation planning, IPR, market analysis, and startup creation. Their positioning is unusual: they are neither a pure research lab nor a company, but an NGO that actively bridges academic research and real-world product development.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their first H2020 engagement (GOAL-Robots, 2016–2021) the institute participated as a third party in a fundamental robotics research project, with no associated commercialization activity — the focus was purely on autonomous learning systems. By the time of IM-TWIN (2020–2023) the profile had shifted decisively toward applied, product-oriented work: the keywords tell a story of an organization now engaged in IPR management, business planning, and startup development alongside the scientific work. The trajectory is clear — from basic research in robotics to applied assistive-tech development paired with active exploitation strategy.

The institute is moving toward applied product development in assistive and educational technology, with a growing capacity to support commercialization — making them an increasingly useful partner for projects that need both scientific credibility and a pathway to market.

How they like to work

The Learning Planet Institute has never led an H2020 project as coordinator — they join consortia in supporting roles, contributing specific expertise rather than orchestrating the whole effort. Across two projects they worked with 9 distinct partners in 5 countries, suggesting they are open to varied collaborations rather than working with a fixed circle. Their shift from third-party to active participant between projects indicates a growing appetite for deeper involvement.

They have collaborated with 9 unique partners across 5 countries within just two projects, indicating a reasonably broad European network for an organization of their size. Their connections span both fundamental research consortia (FET) and applied innovation projects, giving them access to a range of academic and industry contacts.

What sets them apart

Very few organizations combine learning science theory, physical companion-robot prototyping, and active startup/IPR support under a single NGO umbrella — the Learning Planet Institute occupies that rare niche. Their Paris base and FET project track record give them credibility with academic partners, while their explicit engagement in business planning and exploitation within IM-TWIN signals they can operate usefully in innovation-focused consortia. For a consortium builder, they are most valuable when the project needs a scientifically grounded partner who can also help think through how the output reaches real users or becomes a product.

Highlights from their portfolio

• IM-TWIN
  The institute's only directly funded project (EUR 209,482) and by far the most applied: it combined IoT wearable device development for autism therapy with a full commercialization track including business plan, IPR strategy, and startup creation.
• GOAL-Robots
  A FET Research and Innovation Action on autonomous learning robots — participation here establishes the institute's credentials in foundational AI and robotics research, even though they joined as a third party without direct EC funding.