First Eight Companies for LAUNCH Education & Kids

We are just five weeks out from the LAUNCH Education & Kids event at Microsoft's campus in Mountain View June 12 & 13.

So far the LAUNCH team has spoken with over 130 startups in the education and kids space  -- we're blown away by the passion, sophistication and insights these founders (a number of them educators-turned-entrepreneurs) have shared with us.

Eight startups impressed us so much we couldn't wait to let their founders know they received one of the 25 spots on stage. Here they are:

BloomBoard - Improve how teachers receive feedback, support, and manage professional development.

Educreations - Create and share video lessons with your iPad or browser.

Launchpad Toys - Digital toys and tools like the Toontastic storytelling app that empower kids to create, learn, and share their ideas through play.

LearningJar - Add new skills to your jar by following proven resources, validating skills and sharing your success.

Motion Math - Learning games for iOS devices that let kids play with numbers.

Orca Health - Apps for health-care professionals, students, and consumer-patients in learning and solving medical issues.

Sifteo - Neighbor, tilt, shake, and press Sifteo cubes to play an expanding library of downloadable games.

Tipitap - Publishes best-selling iPhone, iPad, Android and Google Chrome apps for young learners.

All these and hundreds more are on our public spreadsheet of education/kids companies, and we are adding companies to it every day. Please ping us at edu@launch.co if you know a company we should include or a stealth startup we should see asap.

If you know an educator -- teacher, principal, superintendent, professor -- who loves trying out tech products in their classrooms or schools and would be able to join us in June, please have them apply here.

Startup founders can apply here and members of the press here.

Investors and consultants can support the event by buying a VIP ticket.

Even better -- sponsor breakfast, coffee, lunch or our exclusive dinner. Email partners@launch.is.