I recently attended a briefing with Agilexe, a UK-based tech startup carving out a unique space in learning and development. Founded by ex-military professionals with experience in high-hazard industries, Agilexe has developed an AI-powered suite of tools that addresses a critical but often overlooked area in training development.
The Problem They’re Solving
Training development, particularly in defense, nuclear, oil and gas and other high-risk sectors, has long relied on outdated methods. Many of these organizations typically use Excel spreadsheets and Word documents for their Systems Approach to Training (SAT) processes, leading to:
- Inconsistent quality in training development
- Excessive time requirements (sometimes 950+ hours for a single training analysis)
- Heavy demand for scarce subject matter experts
- Poor alignment between job requirements and actual training delivered
According to Agilexe’s CEO David Crowe, this disconnect often leads to serious consequences, particularly in high-hazard industries where properly trained personnel are essential for safety and operational effectiveness.
The Agilexe Solution
Agilexe offers four cloud-based SaaS applications that automate and enhance the training development process:
- Shadow: Training needs analysis tool that identifies job requirements and generates appropriate training objectives
- Schema: Training design tool that creates learning specifications, curricula blueprints, and lesson plans
- Sphere: Content development tool that produces classroom materials, PowerPoints, and workplace training activities
- SIFT: Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) AI capability embedded in the other tools
These applications follow the Systems Approach to Training (SAT) methodology, bringing structure and intellectual rigor to the training development process.
What Makes This Approach Different
Agilexe stands out by focusing on the front end of training development — analyzing job requirements and designing appropriate training — rather than on delivery methods. Their key differentiators include:
- AI-powered automation that dramatically reduces analysis time while increasing output quality
- Process-driven approach that ensures regulatory compliance and proper alignment with job requirements
- Data digitization that creates structured, reusable content that can be exported to various platforms
- Security-focused architecture meeting UK MOD requirements, safeguarding sensitive information
- Reduced subject matter expert dependency through remote collaboration capabilities
Impressive Results
The results from their case studies demonstrate significant efficiency gains:
- A UK Ministry of Defence project completed in 14 hours that previously took 950 hours
- Output quality improved substantially (30 training objectives with 134 enabling objectives vs. 20 training objectives with 0 enabling objectives)
- Career pathway training development reduced from 440 days to just 10 days
- SME demand decreased from 286 days to 8 days
- Better accreditation alignment with civilian qualifications
According to their cost-benefit analysis, one L&D professional using Agilexe tools can accomplish the work of ten using traditional methods, potentially saving organizations £870K (~$1.1M) annually by avoiding additional hiring.
My Take
What impressed me most about Agilexe is the focus on a critical but not-terribly-glamorous aspect of training. While many EdTech companies prioritize flashy delivery methods, Agilexe targets the foundation: ensuring training addresses job requirements.
Their military background gives them credibility in high-consequence environments, and their systematic approach should resonate with organizations where training efficacy directly impacts safety and performance.
The company has been operating as a tech startup for just two years and recently made their product available to civilian customers.
For organizations struggling with training development efficiency or effectiveness, particularly in high-risk industries, Agilexe offers a solution that could significantly reduce development time while improving training quality. The ROI appears compelling for organizations with significant training development needs, particularly considering their case study showing that one L&D professional using their tools can accomplish the work of 10 who use traditional methods.
As they expand beyond their UK defense roots, it will be interesting to see how they adapt their offering for different markets and integrate with the broader learning technology ecosystem.
