Richard Branson and Made By Dyslexia launch free University of Dyslexic Thinking

Richard Branson has announced the launch of the University of Dyslexic Thinking (DyslexicU), a free online educational platform aimed at teaching Dyslexic Thinking skills to people around the world. 

DyslexicU is a collaboration between the Virgin Group founder and the charitable organisation Made By Dyslexia, and the courses are hosted by Open University.

Branson unveiled the platform during the United Nations General Assembly, emphasising the growing demand for skills that are often innate to dyslexics, such as problem solving, adaptability, and creative thinking. 

The launch comes alongside new research from Made By Dyslexia’s Intelligence 5.0 report, which suggests that dyslexic skills are increasingly sought after across all industries.

“We decided to launch the university to teach the skills most relevant to today’s world – Dyslexic Thinking skills,” Branson stated in a blog post. The courses, he explained, are open to everyone, whether they are dyslexic or simply interested in learning how Dyslexic Thinking can be applied to different sectors. He noted that these skills are becoming “more valuable than ever before.”

The Intelligence 5.0 report, which includes research from Randstad Enterprise, indicates that traditional education and workplace systems often focus on dyslexic challenges, while neglecting the skills that dyslexics excel in. 

According to the report, the increasing use of AI and automation in various industries has shifted the focus to human skills, such as creativity, resilience, and communication. These are areas where dyslexics tend to perform well, yet they are not typically measured by conventional tests.

Branson pointed out that the modern workforce needs more individuals with Dyslexic Thinking skills. “The report clearly demonstrates that today's AI-driven world needs a new kind of intelligence focused on human skills... It’s time for a new school of thought,” he wrote.

DyslexicU aims to address this by providing courses in areas such as entrepreneurship, storytelling, and activism. The first two courses available include “Entrepreneurs & Start-Up Mentality,” created in partnership with Virgin StartUp, and “Changemakers & Activism,” developed in collaboration with Virgin Unite. Additional courses covering topics such as sport, music, and fashion are expected to be added later.

At the launch event, held at Virgin Hotels in New York City, Branson was joined by a number of well-known dyslexic figures, including HRH Princess Beatrice, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, and Jean Oelwang. They discussed the importance of recognising and nurturing dyslexic talents in education and the workplace.

In his announcement, Branson also reflected on his own experiences with dyslexia. “If you’re a dyslexic, I know how disheartening that can be. I hope the launch of DyslexicU today can be a reminder to you that thinking in a different way to everyone else is indispensable in this new world of work. It’s your superpower,” he said.