GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPSMEET THE FOUNDER
Founder of MasterKids · STEM educator & entrepreneur
LEGO Education Teacher Trainer
Since 1994, Mert Balın has worked at the intersection of children’s learning, technology and educational entrepreneurship. His experience spans hands-on teaching, curriculum development, teacher training and building education businesses in Turkey and Cyprus.
THE SYSTEM BEHIND THE BRAND
Refined through real sessions with children, MasterKids combines themed small-group programs, evolving content and hands-on materials. Mentors connect technology with creative exploration, helping children practise problem-solving, collaboration and independent thinking.
For partners, the opportunity is to bring content, materials and team preparation together in one offer. Discuss a business partnership for your new or existing centre, or a school package delivered by your own teachers.
THE JOURNEY
While at university, Mert began teaching at Futurekids, an American education franchise. Working with LEGO Data products and BASIC programming, he introduced young children to computers through active exploration.
His work expanded into science and robotics with LEGO Mindstorms RCX. He developed original curricula centred on hands-on activities and individual learning, helping children connect abstract ideas with things they could build and test.
Mert co-founded SmartKids and TekNokta in Istanbul, creating centres for science and robotics education. Alongside teaching and curriculum development, he built experience in running learning spaces, preparing teams and working with schools.
As a FIRST LEGO League partner in Turkey, he helped launch activities with the “No Limits” season. His work included training students, coaches, referees and volunteers, as well as LEGO Education partnerships, teacher training and educational product support.
Mert founded MasterKids in Cyprus, bringing together creative learning, science and technology. Through school programs, workshops and events, his work has reached thousands of students and hundreds of teachers. In 2016, this journey expanded through LEGO Education reselling and a FIRST LEGO League partnership.
STEM education materials, training and support.
BRINGING STEAM INTO SCHOOL LIFE
More recently, Mert established a STEAM centre at an English school and integrated LEGO Education activities into its Cambridge curriculum. He also helped make FIRST LEGO League experiences part of nursery and primary learning, connecting classroom exploration with teamwork and shared challenges.
SCIENCE WITH A WIDER PURPOSE
Mert also founded the Happy Learners Center, a charitable initiative widening access to science education. Its Science Museum, interactive exhibitions and hands-on workshops have reached tens of thousands of students and hundreds of teachers across Cyprus, welcoming children from different backgrounds.
LEGO Education Teacher Trainer
Training led by Mert Balın, LEGO Education Teacher Trainer. We offer LEGO Education teacher training and certification for school teaching teams.
Let’s discuss your next step →Training connects robotics and coding with lesson planning, curriculum integration and classroom management. Educators experience activities as learners, then explore how to deliver them.
Teacher and mentor training is part of the partnership discussion for new businesses, existing centres and schools. Training scope, delivery format, support and certification arrangements are set out in your proposal.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
Experience connecting program content, materials and teacher preparation with everyday school life.
Experience building education centres, developing programs and preparing the teams that deliver them.
Through MasterKids Global, Mert’s goal is to share this experience with schools and business partners in more communities, making learning engaging, accessible and rooted in discovery.
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