MEL Science

MEL Science, founded in 2015, operates as a direct-to-consumer business within the educational technology market, focusing on making science accessible and engaging for children through subscription-based learning kits. The company was established by Vassili Philippov, who holds a PhD in physics and mathematics from Moscow State University. His journey into educational technology was driven by a desire to create a more effective and inspiring way for children to learn science, a departure from his previous roles, including one at the Russian search engine Yandex.

MEL Science's core offering is a subscription service that delivers monthly science experiment kits to customers' homes. These kits are designed for different age groups and scientific disciplines, including chemistry, physics, and biology, with a new offering called MEL Med for aspiring young doctors. The business model is centered on recurring revenue from these monthly subscriptions, targeting parents and educators who seek supplemental educational materials for children.

Each experiment kit is paired with an interactive mobile application that utilizes virtual and augmented reality to provide detailed, step-by-step instructions and visualize complex scientific concepts at a molecular level. For instance, the VR component allows users to virtually "shrink" down to an atomic level to understand chemical reactions. This integration of physical kits with digital tools forms the company's key value proposition, aiming to provide a comprehensive and multi-sensory learning experience that goes beyond traditional textbook education. The kits come with all the necessary chemical reagents and equipment, including a starter kit with basic labware, and safety is emphasized with the inclusion of items like safety glasses and a solid fuel stove.

Keywords: EdTech, science education, subscription box, STEM kits, augmented reality learning, virtual reality education, chemistry sets, physics experiments, hands-on learning, home schooling