Mad Science

About Mad Science

Mad Science in China, which operates under the name Shanghai Ouso Information Technology Development Co., Ltd., is a franchisee of the Canadian-founded Mad Science Group. The global Mad Science brand was established in 1985 in Montreal, Canada, by brothers Ariel and Ron Shlien. It began franchising in 1995 and entered the Chinese market in 2013. The founder of Mad Science China is Sophie Huang.

The company specializes in providing science-based educational and enrichment services for children aged 3 to 12. Its business model is centered on a franchise system that delivers interactive, hands-on science experiences through various programs. These offerings include after-school programs, in-class workshops, preschool programs, camps, and special events covering topics like chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering. In China, the curriculum has been localized to suit the characteristics of Chinese students, with courses delivered bilingually in English and Chinese or entirely in English by foreign teachers. The Chinese team has developed a curriculum with over 500 course topics.

Revenue is generated through fees for these educational programs. The company serves families and schools, aiming to spark children's interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) from an early age. To enhance the learning experience, the company's offline centers in China are equipped with maker spaces that include 3D printers and laser cutting tools, allowing children to design and create their own products. Mad Science China also developed the “Mad Growth Folio,” a proprietary evaluation system that provides personalized assessments of a student's development in both science and soft skills.

The company has successfully raised capital to fuel its growth. It secured a Series A funding round of tens of millions of yuan, with investors including Befor Capital, Guojin Capital, and Yonghua Capital. Over time, Mad Science China has raised a total of $15.5M from investors such as Blue Elephant Capital and Eastern Bell Venture Capital. The funds are intended for upgrading campus services, enhancing the teaching experience, and expanding online product offerings as part of an OMO (Online-Merge-Offline) strategy.