WiseTech backs Grok Academy with AUD $8.7m in funding

WiseTech Global has agreed to an AUD $8.7 million, three-year sponsorship for KIK Innovation, funding the continued free availability of the Grok Academy online learning platform for schools and students across Australia and New Zealand.

KIK Innovation, a not-for-profit organisation, acquired Grok Academy in November 2024. The platform focuses on coding, digital technologies and digital literacy for K-12 students, and provides classroom resources for teachers.

Under the sponsorship, Grok Academy will remain free for every school, teacher and student in Australia and New Zealand. The arrangement links WiseTech, a listed logistics software supplier, with KIK Innovation's education programmes.

Platform scope

Grok Academy offers online coursework and competitions, presenting learning content in a gamified format. Students work through modules that introduce programming and broader digital skills.

The course catalogue covers software development skills including Python, JavaScript, HTML and CSS, as well as cyber security and industry skills such as design thinking, UI/UX and computational thinking.

Teachers receive ready-to-use materials designed for classroom delivery and independent student work.

KIK Innovation has reported growing usage since acquiring the platform. Louise Nobes, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of KIK Innovation, said the number of educators and learners using Grok Academy has risen 35% since late 2024.

Nobes has also taken on the role of Head of Education at WiseTech Global, alongside her work at KIK Innovation and the sponsorship agreement.

Workforce debate

Technology companies in Australia have increased investment in early-stage skills programmes in recent years. Employers have pointed to a need for stronger pathways into software engineering roles, while schools have faced pressure to broaden digital literacy as part of core learning.

WiseTech's sponsorship places it among a group of listed and private companies funding coding initiatives in schools. It positions the support as part of a longer-term approach to talent development.

"We're proud to support KIK Innovation to help more students across Australia and New Zealand learn coding and technology skills. Introducing students to the creative world of coding in a fun and enjoyable way will help spark an interest in further learning and career choices. This early engagement breaks down stereotypes and cultural perceptions of what career a student can pursue, exposing them to opportunities their families and communities might not consider. This not only benefits individual learners, it also helps build Australia's future software engineering workforce," said Zubin Appoo, Chief Executive Officer, WiseTech Global.

Education portfolio

WiseTech already runs several education initiatives, including the WiseTech Programming Competition for students.

It also operates an Earn & Learn programme aimed at Year 12 school leavers. The programme combines university study with work experience at WiseTech.

Appoo described the education activity as part of the company's broader approach to problem-solving, linking the initiatives to increasing interest in software engineering careers.

"WiseTech's DNA is to focus on solving the root cause of complex and important industry problems. Our education initiatives apply this thinking to boost Australia's technology talent pipeline by encouraging and enabling more students to embark on software engineering careers. We support education programs that help equip the next generation with the skills they will need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world of work, from igniting curiosity in coding at school via Grok Academy and the WiseTech Programming Competition, to helping Year 12 school leavers embark on their tech career via WiseTech's innovative Earn & Learn program that combines university study with real-world experience at one of Australia's most successful tech companies. Working with KIK Innovation, we aim to make long term and real positive impact by helping to build Australia's pipeline of future technologists," said Appoo.

KIK Innovation described the sponsorship as a step change for Grok Academy's reach. Nobes said industry involvement mattered for organisations focused on social impact.

"This extraordinary support from WiseTech Global marks a major milestone in our mission to remove barriers to education and opportunity for young people. Coding and digital literacy are no longer niche skills - they are foundations for the future workforce. Since KIK acquired Grok Academy in late 2024, we've already seen a 35% growth in the number of educators and learners using the platform. With this sponsorship, we're poised to reach even more schools and continue expanding opportunities for students across Australia and New Zealand.

"Close collaboration with industry is essential for social impact organizations to deliver truly meaningful outcomes. WiseTech is a major tech employer who shares KIK's focus on early engagement in schools as a pathway to drive more interest and job-ready skills for tech careers. Working together, we aim to attract and inspire a larger, more diverse pipeline of Australia's next generation of technologists," said Nobes.

WiseTech develops software for the logistics, global trade and supply chain sector, serving more than 17,000 logistics customers across 193 countries.

KIK Innovation said the sponsorship will support continued expansion of access to Grok Academy across both countries over the three-year term.