How ivvi is transforming note-taking for learners with dyslexia

Winning a Bett Award is always special and for ivvi, it became something more. It marked a turning point. A moment where their mission ‘to teach a million students with dyslexia to MindMap by 2030’ shifted from improbable to possible. 

ivvi, winner of the Bett Awards 2026 SEND Resources category, is an AI-powered mind mapping and note-taking tool designed for learners with dyslexia, ADHD and other SEND needs. It captures spoken content in real time, turns it into a structured visual mind map, and connects every idea back to the original audio and transcript.

It is a simple idea with a powerful outcome. Helping learners engage with information in a way that works for them.

Built from lived experience

ivvi began with a very real challenge at home.

Co-founder and CEO Darius Namdaran saw his daughter struggling with dyslexia, overwhelmed and without the tools to learn in a way that suited her. That moment sparked a new direction. Drawing on his experience as a teacher, Darius began teaching mind mapping techniques to support learners with dyslexia.

“Once she learned how to do it that way, things unlocked,” he explains. “It made me ask, why aren’t more learners being taught this?”

What started as one-to-one support grew into a global movement, reaching tens of thousands of learners through coaching, courses and community.

The impact was clear. When learners are given the right tools, everything changes.

Designed with inclusion at its core

ivvi was built differently. Rather than adapting a mainstream tool, the team designed it specifically for learners with additional needs.

“A lot of technology is created without dyslexia in mind,” says Darius. “We wanted to start there and build around it.”

For many learners with dyslexia or ADHD, working memory can make traditional note-taking difficult. Information moves quickly, and key ideas can be lost before they are captured. ivvi removes that barrier.

“Students told us they loved mind mapping, but couldn’t keep up in fast-paced lessons,” says co-founder and COO Jo Lee. “We knew we had to solve that challenge.”

The goal is simple. Every learner leaves a lesson with clear, usable notes and the confidence to build on them.

Supporting learning in real time

Using ivvi fits naturally into the flow of learning. Learners can record a lesson or lecture and instantly see a visual map of ideas take shape. They can revisit key moments, explore connections and build understanding in their own way.

For educators, this opens new opportunities to support diverse learning styles.

“ivvi’s goal is to do the heavy lifting during the lesson,” Darius explains, “so learners walk away with notes that are ready to use.”

ivvi has also been approved by Student Finance England as a Disabled Students’ Allowance tool, helping more learners access the support they need.

Recognition that builds confidence

When ivvi entered the Bett Awards, the goal was simple - to be seen.

“We didn’t think we would win,” Darius shares. “We just wanted people to know we existed.”

Winning changed that. For schools, assessors and institutions, the Bett Award provides a trusted signal, it builds confidence in adopting new solutions and exploring new approaches.

This reflects a wider truth. Bett is about more than showcasing innovation, it’s about connecting the right ideas with the people who can bring them to life, driving meaningful change across education.

From possibility to progress

Since winning, ivvi has seen growing momentum.The team is now expanding into schools, supporting teachers to bring accessible note-taking into everyday classroom practice.

“This is about embedding inclusion into the learning experience,” says Darius. “So every learner can access the same opportunities.”

By capturing key teaching moments and sharing structured notes instantly, educators can ensure no one is left behind.

A shared mission for better education, globally 

ivvi’s journey is rooted in real experience and driven by purpose.

It also reflects the power of the wider education community. When educators, innovators and leaders come together, we create the conditions for meaningful change.

Better learning experiences. Better outcomes. Better education, globally.

How to take part in the Bett Awards

Produced in partnership with BESA, the Bett Awards are back for 2027 and we can't wait to see your submissions! Nominations open in early July and close in September, so there's plenty of time to get your entry ready (we know how busy things get). When submissions open, simply enter online and our panel of expert judges will review all entries before selecting the shortlist for each category. Winners will be announced live on Day One of Bett UK 2027 in January at an evening ceremony at the InterContinental London -The O2. Discover more about the awards and explore last year’s winners here.