SmartLab

What SmartLab does

SmartLab, operating as Creative Learning Systems since 1987, is a privately held U.S. STEM education company headquartered in Longmont, Colorado, that sells turnkey, career-connected STEM learning ecosystems to K-12 public and private schools across more than eight states. Its integrated offering combines five components — purpose-built physical environments (SmartLab HQ, FLEX, and Studio configurations), hands-on tools and equipment, standards-aligned project-based learning curriculum (Explorer K-5, Pathfinder 6-8, Spark K-12 with 500+ project starters), certified facilitator training, and ongoing support — all anchored by two digital platforms: the LearningHub curriculum platform (built on Inkling) and SmartLab Spot, which unifies curriculum resources, professional learning, and support. The company addresses declining STEM engagement and uneven preparation for college and career by embedding real-world career connections, ISTE/NGSS/CCSS alignment, and equity-oriented programming into a single deployable lab system.

Revenue is generated through a mix of one-time environment and hardware sales (HQ, FLEX, Studio configurations, plus a SmartLab Enhancement Catalog for upgrades), recurring curriculum subscriptions with annual innovation funds, and professional development revenue, typically structured as multi-year contracts. Pricing varies materially by configuration, space size, grade band, and equipment scope, and schools commonly fund purchases through blended district, state, federal, grant, and philanthropic sources. The go-to-market is a direct enterprise field sales motion targeting district administrators and school leaders, supported by site visits to existing SmartLab installations, content marketing (blog, resources, video), social media, email, and education industry events.

The company is led by CEO Dr. Jennifer Berry with Raymond Mitchell as SVP of Sales. Notable recent strategic activity includes a November 2025 research partnership with Johns Hopkins University's Center for Research and Reform in Education to study program impact, the national STEM Identity Day initiative, the ISTE Seal of Alignment for SmartLab Spark (valid 2025-2027), and awards including Tech & Learning Best of 2025 and Great Place to Work Certification (2026-2027). No venture capital, private equity, or public ownership structure has been disclosed, and the company has not reported any M&A, restructuring, or acquisition activity.

Name

SmartLab

Legal name

Creative Learning Systems

Website

https://smartlablearning.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SmartLab (Creative Learning Systems), founded 1987 in Longmont, Colorado, is a private STEM education company selling turnkey career-connected learning ecosystems — physical labs, curriculum, equipment, and facilitator training — to K-12 public and private schools across multiple U.S. states.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

K-12 STEM Education Solutions

NAICS

Computer Training (611420), Computer Training (61142)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Math & STEM Learning Technology (incl. Coding/Robotics Platforms) (EDAJAMAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

STEM Project-Based Learning (PBL) & Challenge Platforms (EDAFANAI), Math & Science Interactive Learning Platforms (STEM Core) (EDAFANAH), STEM Teacher Tools, Curriculum & Lesson Planning Platforms (EDAFANAK), AI/ML Learning Platforms for Students (EDAFANAE)

Keywords

• K-12 STEM education
• Project-based learning curriculum
• STEM learning environments
• Career-connected education programs
• Educator professional development

Headquarters

HQ city

Longmont

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. SmartLab STEM Environments: Schools purchase SmartLab environments (HQ, FLEX, or Studio configurations) which include purpose-built physical spaces, preconfigured technology, and professional installation. Pricing varies based on space size, grade levels, technology, and equipment needs.
2. Hands-on Tools & Equipment: Schools purchase durable, reusable equipment kits matched to curricular goals by grade band. Includes built-in refresh cycles and annual innovation credits for upgrades and replacement parts.
3. Curriculum & Professional Development: Ongoing curriculum updates, facilitator certification training, and professional development provided as part of sustained partnership, with annual innovation funds for program growth.
4. SmartLab Enhancement Catalog: Schools can order additional equipment, technology upgrades, and professional development through the customer catalog to expand or refresh their SmartLab.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

SmartLab provides turnkey K-12 STEM learning ecosystems that integrate customized physical lab environments (HQ, FLEX, Studio configurations), hands-on tools and equipment kits, career-connected project-based learning curriculum (Explorer K-5, Pathfinder 6-8, Spark K-12), digital platforms (LearningHub and SmartLab Spot), and a Certified Facilitator professional development program. Schools purchase complete environments with purpose-built spaces, preconfigured technology, professional installation, ongoing curriculum updates, and sustained partnership support.

Product overview

SmartLab is a career-connected STEM ecosystem comprising five integrated components: career-connected PBL curriculum, hands-on tools and equipment, customized learning environments, SmartLab Certified Facilitator training, and ongoing support and partnership. The product portfolio includes three environment types (SmartLab HQ as flagship full-scale lab, SmartLab FLEX for modular/mobile implementations, and SmartLab Studio for media production), three curriculum programs (Explorer K-5, Pathfinder 6-8, and Spark K-12), supported by two digital platforms (LearningHub and SmartLab Spot). The ecosystem also includes the STEM Identity Day national initiative and Certified Facilitator professional development program.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Explorer: K-5 elementary STEM curriculum program that introduces STEM tools through flexible, interdisciplinary challenges connected to real-world careers.
• Pathfinder
• Spark
• Studio
• SmartLab HQ
• SmartLab Flex
• SmartLab Spot

Products and services

• SmartLab HQ SmartLab's flagship full-scale, immersive STEM learning environment with fully stocked K-12 programs, including career-connected PBL curriculum, hands-on tools and equipment, purpose-built environment design, facilitator training, and ongoing support. Designed for schools seeking a purpose-built, ADA-compliant STEM lab with professionally designed layout, preconfigured technology, and full installation.
• SmartLab FLEX Modular, adaptable STEM learning environment with mobile storage and flexible configurations for space-constrained schools or phased program implementations, serving shared rooms and varied budgets while maintaining the same instructional framework and curriculum as SmartLab HQ. Lower initial investment than the flagship HQ configuration.
• SmartLab Studio Media production and broadcast learning environment with green screens, cameras, microphones, sound boards, and editing tools for students to produce original content including podcasts and video campaigns, building communication skills for careers in media and entertainment.
• SmartLab Explorer (K-5) Elementary STEM curriculum for grades K-5 that introduces STEM tools through flexible, interdisciplinary challenges connecting classroom learning to real-world careers. Features the SMART Friends mascot and three SMART Challenge types: Skill Builder, Investigation, and Invention.
• SmartLab Pathfinder (6-8) Middle school STEM curriculum with four core courses (Engineering Design, App Design, Digital Media, Robotics) where students experience real industry tools and career challenges, building technical fluency, problem-solving skills, and career awareness for CTE pathways.
• SmartLab Spark (K-12) Flexible, student-led STEM curriculum scalable K-12 with hundreds of project starters across eight Areas of Exploration. Supports structured independence through self-directed projects using real-world tools, adaptable for high school STEM courses, elementary specials, middle school enrichment, and after-school programs. Holds the ISTE Seal of Alignment valid August 2025 through 2027.
• LearningHub SmartLab's online digital curriculum platform providing standards-aligned project-based curriculum, student portfolio documentation, educator progress monitoring, and searchable standards alignment guides. Built on the Inkling platform.
• SmartLab Spot Connected platform unifying curriculum resources, professional learning, and ongoing support into a single streamlined experience. Provides facilitators direct access to LearningHub, tools, and the SmartLab community, with visibility into professional learning and just-in-time support.
• SmartLab Certified Facilitator Program Professional learning program preparing educators to deliver and adapt the full SmartLab program. Includes five weeks of live cohort training with virtual sessions, self-paced learning, and optional office hours, building facilitator confidence, classroom readiness, and ongoing peer support.
• Hands-on Tools and Equipment Kits Durable, reusable equipment kits matched to curricular goals by grade band, sold with built-in refresh cycles and annual innovation credits for upgrades and replacement parts. Schools can order additional equipment and technology upgrades through the SmartLab Enhancement Catalog.

Quantifiable outcome

• Schools begin seeing early indicators of success within first few sessions including increased student engagement, enthusiasm, and participation
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

AI capability1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Johns Hopkins University Center for Research and Reform in EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 November 2025SmartLab contracted with Johns Hopkins University Center for Research and Reform in Education (CRRE) to conduct a mixed-methods, quasi-experimental study evaluating the impact of SmartLab Explorer and Pathfinder programs on student outcomes. Research will examine effects on math and science achievement and students' STEM identity across schools in Texas, Illinois, and California.
• MidAmerica Industrial ParkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMidAmerica Industrial Park leaders partner with local schools through SmartLab to build stronger workforce pipelines, connecting students to local industry and career opportunities.
• Local Businesses and Civic GroupsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partners invited to participate in STEM Identity Day events as guest speakers, volunteers, and supporters to broaden students' concept of STEM in real-world work.
• North Dakota Center for Distance EducationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to provide equal access to quality project-based learning for rural students in North Dakota, addressing funding issues, technology gaps, and STEM teacher shortages.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• LEGO Education: LEGO Education provides hands-on STEM learning kits, curriculum, and professional development for K-12 classrooms worldwide. Directly comparable as a turnkey, standards-aligned STEM ecosystem combining physical tools and curriculum, competing for the same district-level STEM budget SmartLab targets.
• STEMscopes (Accelerate Learning): STEMscopes is a leading K-12 STEM curriculum platform used by millions of students across U.S. districts. Directly comparable to SmartLab's career-connected PBL curriculum component, with similar standards alignment (NGSS) and district-wide adoption motion, though STEMscopes is largely digital rather than hardware-driven.
• Project Lead The Way (PLTW): PLTW provides K-12 STEM, computer science, and biomedical curriculum with hands-on project-based learning and teacher training. Directly comparable to SmartLab's career-connected PBL approach, serving the same district buyers with multi-year curriculum + PD contracts.
• PASCO Scientific: PASCO Scientific supplies K-16 science instrumentation, sensors, and lab curriculum with professional development. Comparable to SmartLab as a turnkey STEM lab vendor combining physical equipment, curriculum, and teacher training, especially at the high school level.

Emerging players

• Sphero: Sphero makes programmable robots and STEAM kits for K-12 education, including curriculum and teacher resources. Comparable as a hands-on STEM tools + curriculum provider but with a narrower robotics focus versus SmartLab's broader career-connected curriculum portfolio.
• VEX Robotics: VEX Robotics provides K-12 robotics kits, curriculum, and the VEX Robotics Competition ecosystem. Comparable as a STEM hands-on tools and curriculum provider competing for the same maker/robotics budget lines that SmartLab Pathfinder and Spark address.
• Tynker: Tynker provides K-12 coding and STEM curriculum with self-paced online learning. Comparable on the curriculum/software side, particularly SmartLab Pathfinder's App Design course, though Tynker is digital-only and lacks the physical lab environment component.
• Makeblock: Makeblock provides STEAM education robotics, coding hardware, and curriculum for K-12. Comparable as a hands-on STEM tools + curriculum provider competing for maker-space and robotics budgets that overlap with SmartLab Pathfinder and Spark offerings.

Broad incumbents

• BrainPOP: BrainPOP delivers K-12 digital STEM, science, and coding curriculum across subjects with broad district adoption. Comparable as a standards-aligned supplemental STEM content provider but lacks SmartLab's hands-on tools and physical lab environment layer.
• Discovery Education: Discovery Education is a broad K-12 digital content provider with STEM, science, and career-readiness curriculum used by a large share of U.S. districts. Comparable as a standards-aligned STEM content vendor with district sales motion but no physical lab environment, positioning it as a substitute rather than a like-for-like competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/smartlab_tweets
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCiY2g9pX2nxcLiWF8UpBTBw
• Facebookfacebook.com/SmartLabLearning
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/creative-learning-systems
• Instagraminstagram.com/smartlabs_cls

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SmartLab