1001 inventions
1001 Inventions is a UK not-for-profit (founded 2006) that produces and tours interactive exhibitions, films, live shows, books, and VR experiences about the scientific heritage of the Golden Age of Muslim Civilisation, serving families, schools, museums, and governments across 40+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2006
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What 1001 inventions does
1001 Inventions is a UK-based not-for-profit organization (legal entity 1001 Inventions Ltd, parent 1001 Foundation) founded in 2006 that produces and distributes educational experiences focused on the scientific and cultural heritage of the Golden Age of Muslim Civilisation. Its core product is a portfolio of themed touring exhibitions — anchored by the flagship '1001 Inventions from Arabic Science' exhibition launched at the London Science Museum in 2010 — comprising over 60 interactive exhibits, short films, live theatrical performances, VR experiences, hands-on workshops, books (published with National Geographic), and online exhibits hosted via Google Arts & Culture. The underlying technology stack is primarily physical-exhibit and content-driven, with interactive digital games, VR experiences, and digital publishing as the technical differentiators rather than software platforms.
The organization serves multiple customer segments: families and children (the primary consumer audience), schools and educational institutions (curriculum-linked STEM materials and workshops), museums and science centers (exhibition hosting/licensing), and government bodies (cultural and education programming, parliamentary displays). Revenue mechanics are diversified across exhibition licensing and hosting fees (multi-year contracts with museums and science centers), educational program delivery to schools, books and merchandise sales, partnerships and sponsorships with international funders (UNESCO, World Food Programme, KFAS, Abdul Latif Jameel), and franchise fees from the 1001 Inventions Club — an immersive STEM learning space franchise program. Distribution is global, with touring exhibitions across 40+ countries, and the organization claims to have reached approximately 450 million people across all media and 15+ million visitors to physical experiences.
1001 inventions firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- 1001 inventions
- Legal name
- 1001 Inventions Ltd
- Website
- https://1001inventions.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2006
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- 1001 Inventions is a UK not-for-profit (founded 2006) that produces and tours interactive exhibitions, films, live shows, books, and VR experiences about the scientific heritage of the Golden Age of Muslim Civilisation, serving families, schools, museums, and governments across 40+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
1001 inventions industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Educational and Cultural Heritage Services
- NAICS
- Museums (71211), Museums (712110)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Publishing (2741)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Science & Technology Museums (THAJADAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- STEM & Maker Education (Makerspaces, Coding Clubs, Robotics) (EDAAAFAL), STEM, Digital Literacy & Maker Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAG), STEM & Educational Toys Distribution (CRAOAMAF)
Keywords
Where 1001 inventions is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
1001 inventions business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Exhibition Licensing and Hosting: Museums, science centers, and cultural institutions pay to host and present 1001 Inventions touring exhibitions at their venues
- Educational Programs and School Services: Provides school programs, workshops, and educational resources to educational institutions
- Books and Merchandise: Sells educational books, merchandise, and learning materials
- Partnerships and Sponsorships: Works with international partners including UNESCO, National Geographic, and government bodies for funding and support
- Franchise Revenue (1001 Inventions Club): Franchise model for operating immersive spaces for children under the 1001 Inventions Club brand, with franchisees paying initial fees and operational costs
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Exhibition hosting fees for museums and science centers |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
1001 inventions product offering
Product offeringCore offering
1001 Inventions creates and delivers global educational initiatives focused on the Golden Age of Muslim Civilisation, including touring interactive exhibitions with 60+ hands-on exhibits, live science shows, award-winning short films, children's books, and digital content. The organisation licenses and hosts these experiences at museums, science centres, schools, festivals, and government venues across 40+ countries, and operates a franchise programme (1001 Inventions Club) for immersive STEM learning spaces.
Product overview
1001 Inventions is an award-winning UK-based not-for-profit organization that creates and delivers global educational initiatives about the Golden Age of Arabic Science. The organization operates a portfolio of experiential products including the flagship '1001 Inventions from Arabic Science Exhibition' (a blockbuster touring exhibition with 60+ interactive exhibits), themed initiatives like 'When the World Spoke Arabic', 'World of Ibn Al-Haytham', 'WIZARDS (Alchemy to Chemistry)', 'Rise of Machines and Robots', and '1001 Women', plus the '1001 Inventions Club' franchise programme. These are complemented by short films (including Academy Award-nominated productions), children's books published with National Geographic, educational learning materials, and Google Arts & Culture digital exhibits. The organization reaches audiences through museums, science centres, festivals, schools, and refugee camps in partnership with UNESCO, National Geographic, and the World Food Programme. 1001 Inventions experiences have engaged over 15+ million visitors worldwide and approximately 450 million people across all media.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- 1001 Women: The world's first global initiative dedicated to Women pioneers from the Golden Age of Muslim Civilisation.
- 1001 Meals
- 1001 Inventions Club
Products and services
- 1001 Inventions from Arabic Science Exhibition Award-winning blockbuster touring exhibition showcasing 1,000 years of scientific and cultural innovations from the Golden Age of Arabic Science, featuring over 60 interactive exhibits, short films, live performances, and hands-on workshops for museum and science centre audiences.
- When the World Spoke Arabic Interactive, immersive touring experience featuring 21 Arabic books of science and knowledge that changed the world, connecting historical ideas to questions shaping society today for families and cultural audiences.
- 1001 Women (Extraordinary Women of the Golden Age) World's first global initiative dedicated to women pioneers from the Golden Age of Muslim Civilisation, featuring a touring exhibition, short films, school programmes, and art installations for cultural and educational audiences.
- Journeys and Adventures Exhibition featuring Ibn Battuta and other explorers from Muslim Civilisation, with over 1,350 sqm of exhibits, Virtual Reality games, hands-on workshops, live shows, and film screenings for museum visitors.
- WIZARDS - Journey from Alchemy to Chemistry Immersive, interactive family experience developed with UNESCO that reveals how alchemy became modern chemistry, inspired by 8th-century Jabir ibn Hayyan, featuring live science shows, interactive games, and hands-on workshops for family audiences.
- Al-Jahiz and the World of Animals Interactive family experience exploring the animal kingdom through the eyes of 9th-century Al-Jahiz, featuring an orientation film, giant book exhibit, VR experiences, stage performances, and hands-on workshops for families and schools.
- 1001 Inventions and Cures from the East Educational initiative introducing the legacy of healthcare from the Golden Age of Muslim Civilisation through theatre, music, creative workshops, and hands-on activities for school and public audiences.
- Rise of Machines and Robots Educational initiative featuring an interactive adventure exploring robotics from smart machines in the past to modern AI and machine learning, with state-of-the-art robots and engaging live shows for families and school audiences.
- World of Ibn Al-Haytham Immersive touring STEAM/STEM experience inspired by the 'Father of Optics', featuring interactive learning about light, optics, vision, colour, and experiments through storytelling and hands-on activities for school and family audiences.
- 1001 Meals Global well-being initiative in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme, providing healthy meals coupled with 1001 Inventions educational activities for vulnerable children.
- 1001 Inventions School Fairs School programme providing free downloadable resources to help students develop their own 1001 Inventions exhibits, featuring costumes, models, experiments, and performances celebrating science and culture for primary and secondary schools.
- 1001 Inventions Club Franchise programme offering immersive spaces for children to learn scientific concepts through experiential learning, including school programmes, holiday camps, birthday parties, and family activities for franchise operators and end-family customers.
- Short Films Award-winning short films including 'Library of Secrets' featuring Sir Ben Kingsley and 'Journey to Mecca' IMAX film, screened globally and seen by hundreds of millions, distributed to museums, festivals, and online audiences.
- Books and Publications Range of children's and educational books including the award-winning National Geographic publication about Muslim heritage science and civilization, sold through online and retail channels to families and schools.
- Learning Materials and Activity Guides Educational resources, activity guides, and curriculum-linked materials for teachers and students supporting STEM learning, available for download and delivery to schools and families.
- Google Arts & Culture Online Exhibits Online exhibits and digital content featuring Banu Musa Science of Tricks, Ibn Al-Haytham, and House of Wisdom, distributed via the Google Arts & Culture platform to global online audiences.
Quantifiable outcome
- Reached 450+ million people globally
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use 1001 inventions
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
1001 inventions technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
1001 inventions partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.
- National GeographicflagshipMajor international partner collaborating on educational content and global reach initiatives
- UNESCOflagshipGlobal educational partner co-developing initiatives including 'Wizards - Journey from Alchemy to Chemistry' developed in collaboration with UNESCO
- International Year of LightcorePartner for Ibn al-Haytham initiative celebrating the International Year of Light 2015
- ASTCcoreAssociation of Science and Technology Centers - professional network for science museums and centers
- EUSEAcoreEuropean Science Events Association - professional network for science events and outreach
- World Food ProgrammeflagshipUN agency partnered for 1001 Meals initiative providing healthy meals and educational activities to vulnerable children at refugee camps in Jordan
- Foundation for Science, Technology and CivilisationcoreAcademic partner providing scholarly support and research for 1001 Inventions educational content
- The Royal SocietycoreHosted '1001 Inventions and Cures from the East' initiative during British Science Week 2018
- British Science AssociationcorePartner for British Science Week events and educational programming
- London Science MuseumflagshipLaunched global tour of 1001 Inventions blockbuster exhibition in 2010, attracting 400,000 visitors
- California Science CentercoreHosted exhibition with record-breaking extended run
- Google Arts & CulturecoreDigital partner for online exhibits including Banu Musa, Ibn al-Haytham, and House of Wisdom content
- 1001 Inventions Club FranchiseescoreFranchise partners operating immersive STEM learning spaces under the 1001 Inventions Club brand worldwide
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
1001 inventions competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Exploratorium: San Francisco-based interactive science museum creating hands-on exhibits and shows; comparable in producing interactive science exhibits and live demonstrations for family and school audiences.
- Children's Museum of Manhattan: US children's museum producing interactive exhibits and educational programs for families and schools; comparable in targeting primary segments (families, schools) with immersive experiential learning content.
- California Science Center: Major US science museum that has hosted 1001 Inventions exhibitions; comparable as a touring science exhibition host and producer of immersive STEM experiences for family audiences.
- Science Museum Group: UK-based museum group operating major science museums and touring exhibitions; directly comparable as a touring science exhibition producer and host, particularly given the London Science Museum's role as 1001 Inventions' flagship launch partner.
- King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra): Saudi Arabian cultural and educational center producing exhibitions, films, and programs focused on Arab and Islamic heritage and STEM; directly comparable in mission, content focus, and Gulf-region institutional positioning.
Broad incumbents
- Smithsonian Institution: Largest US museum and research complex producing exhibitions, educational content, and digital programming; comparable as a broad incumbent in cultural-heritage exhibition production and educational programming.
- National Geographic Society: Global educational and scientific organization producing exhibitions, films, and educational content; comparable as a major partner and a broader incumbent in cultural-heritage STEM education content production.
Regional players
- Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum: UK science museum producing interactive exhibits and educational programs; comparable as a regional operator of immersive STEM experiences and school-targeted programming.
- Questacon: Australia's National Science and Technology Centre operating touring exhibitions and interactive science shows; comparable in producing and touring interactive STEM experiences to schools and science centers across a defined geography.
- Copernicus Science Centre: European science center producing hands-on exhibitions and educational programs; comparable as a touring exhibition operator and STEM education content developer.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
1001 inventions social profiles
Digital presence1001 inventions financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
1001 inventions leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
1001 inventions funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
1001 inventions M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about 1001 inventions
What does 1001 inventions do?
1001 Inventions creates and delivers global educational initiatives focused on the Golden Age of Muslim Civilisation, including touring interactive exhibitions with 60+ hands-on exhibits, live science shows, award-winning short films, children's books, and digital content. The organisation licenses and hosts these experiences at museums, science centres, schools, festivals, and government venues across 40+ countries, and operates a franchise programme (1001 Inventions Club) for immersive STEM learning spaces.
Is 1001 inventions a public or private company?
1001 inventions is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was 1001 inventions founded?
1001 inventions was founded in 2006. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is 1001 inventions based?
1001 inventions is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does 1001 inventions make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Exhibition Licensing and Hosting is the primary driver. The others are educational Programs and School Services, books and Merchandise, partnerships and Sponsorships and franchise Revenue (1001 Inventions Club).
Who are 1001 inventions's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Exploratorium, Children's Museum of Manhattan, California Science Center, Science Museum Group and King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra). Broad incumbents are Smithsonian Institution and National Geographic Society. Regional players are Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, Questacon and Copernicus Science Centre.
Does 1001 inventions have an API?
No public API is recorded for 1001 inventions.
What industry is 1001 inventions in?
1001 inventions's product category is Educational and Cultural Heritage Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAJADAD, Science & Technology Museums, with a secondary code of EDAAAFAL, STEM & Maker Education (Makerspaces, Coding Clubs, Robotics). Its NAICS code is 71211 and its SIC code is 2741.