InnoPlay

uses design, story, and play to create the conditions for collaborative innovation.

InnoPlay, founded by Dr Maarten Koeners and Adam Lusby, uses the art and science of design, play and story to enable innovation. With play we create spaces to think, create, and level-up skills and understanding of learning and innovation while simultaneously fostering prosocial connection. For us, play is more than an activity, it is a feeling.

Curious? Check out this short video:

Playposium 2025 Sizzle Reel

British Summer Festival: 22–25 June 2026

A gathering of people from across the world like no other, where playful and prosocial education comes alive, not just in theory but in practice.

Playposium 2026

Register

Normally hosted in the USA, the Playposium is coming to the UK for the first (and only) time. Landing at the University of Exeter, 22–25 June 2026. This global gathering of educators, researchers, artists, and playmakers explores how play can build more human, connected, and creative communities.

Call for Proposals & Abstracts

We welcome all proposals & abstracts, from workshops and performances to talks, games, or playful experiments. Every accepted idea becomes part of the experience itself. Don’t miss this unique chance to help shape the story of Playposium 2026.

Submit your proposal

The InnoPlay Studio (IPS) is a 5 day in-person course for educators/facilitators to upskill their ability to design and facilitate playful and prosocial experiences which enhance learning.

InnoPlay Studio

Sign up to IPS

Using design, play and story you will explore and practice how you can remove barriers and create relational safety to inspire motivation and engagement. You will be immersed in a range of bespoke activities to acquire experiences, a mindset or stance, and practical tools to design and facilitate your own playful and engaging content. Ultimately, this course will empower you to make positive changes in your daily practice – unlocking intention, imagination and connection.

Next courses:

Spring 2026: Monday 20 April - Friday 24 April (space is limited)

Summer 2026: Monday 15 June - Friday 19 June (space is limited)

InnoPlay Online Classrooms

InnoPlay Online Classrooms is a professional development course for educators who want to design engaging, immersive, and prosocial online learning experiences.

📅 30 September – 9 December 2025

Live sessions every Tuesday at 4pm GMT (90 minutes each)

Sign up to InnoPlay Online Classrooms

In this ten-week programme, delivered by InnoPlay in collaboration with an international teaching team, you’ll explore playful approaches and online affordances, including AI, to create prosocial and inclusive learning. Rather than focusing on tools or platforms, this course explores how to intentionally ‘dj’ the online space - using mood, connection and contemplation. You’ll come away with practical techniques, adaptable frameworks, and a mindset to design and deliver impactful and inspiring online learning.

InnoPlay Clinics

Bespoke services to design and facilitate an innovation process to address current and future challenges through design, play and story using both your head and your heart.

Other information

·     Podcast on Unlocking the Power of Prosocoial Connection for The Bouncebackability Podcast

·     Publication on the biology of play and education

·     Blog series for the British Educational Research Association

·     Podcast for INTO Educational Services Exeter

·     Podcast for rugby coaches

  • Engaging with this innovative approach […] has enabled me to build an enhanced toolbox of activities to keep energy, creativity, and attention in the classroom. I am delighted that I attended because the delivery of the programme was excellent, and I have come away with so much.

    Dr William Casely - Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

  • Adam, Maarten […] clearly role model their playful style so I learned the what and why, and I could clearly see the how of playful practice. This is where Innoplay goes one step further than other workshops/courses I have experienced, and why I would recommend Innoplay to anyone working with people: it enhanced and extended my personal practice and has enriched the team I work with - thanks Innoplay!

    Callum Elliott - Senior Youth Support worker with Space Youth Services

  • The InnoPlay Design Thinking Masterclass brings to the theme to life in surprising, powerful and useful ways. Learners experience design thinking LIVE, demonstrating that it works, and building the confidence that they can apply the process in their context. Fun, structured and impactful – the very definition of “serious play”.

    Dr Bill Russell - Senior Lecturer and 10 year plus researcher and teacher in Innovation Management at the University of Exeter, UK

  • I was surprised at my capacity to focus and remain on task……my mind was invigorated, and my energy levels felt different. As a neurodiverse person the morning workshop was perfect for me. The pace and variety of activities leading us to the main tone of problem solving was excellent”.

    Anonymous