Interplay Learning Recognized Among America's Best Startup Employers by Forbes in 2026
Interplay Learning, a frontrunner in immersive training for skilled trades and industrial crafts, has made its mark on Forbes' prestigious list of America's Best Startup Employers for 2026, earning an impressive overall ranking of 98 out of 500 startups nationwide. Notably, the organization secured the second position in the Education and EdTech sector, affirming its status as a leader in providing transformative training solutions. This recognition is particularly significant as it marks the fourth consecutive year Interplay Learning has featured on this esteemed list.
The annual rankings are compiled by Forbes in collaboration with Statista, a reputable market research firm. To create the current list for 2026, Statista evaluated approximately 2,700 privately held companies selected from a substantial pool exceeding 20,000 startups. To be eligible for consideration, companies had to meet specific criteria, including having a minimum of 50 employees, being founded between 2016 and 2023, and operating independently without being a spin-off of a larger corporation.
Statista's assessment of each organization involved analysis across three crucial categories: employer reputation, employee satisfaction, and growth metrics. A staggering 7 million data points were scrutinized to establish the rankings, encompassing aspects such as media coverage, online reviews, and social media feedback. This meticulous data analysis also measured sentiment around essential topics like corporate culture, employee engagement, and strategic direction. Evaluations related to employee satisfaction encompassed critical factors such as compensation, benefits, workplace flexibility, and opportunities for advancement. Growth metrics accounted for headcount expansion, job openings, and trends in website traffic over a two-year period.
Doug Donovan, the CEO of Interplay Learning, expressed his pride in the recognition. He articulated the organization's mission, stating, "Our mission is to empower the people who build, maintain, and operate the world we live in. That mission shapes how we show up every day, creating better learning experiences that help teams upskill faster, improve safety, and drive operational excellence. We're intentional about fostering a culture where employees can see the impact of their work, and this recognition is a meaningful reflection of that."
This accolade follows a series of other noteworthy achievements for Interplay Learning, including the IACET Instructional Impact Award for 2025, a spot on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, and recognition in the Austin Business Journal's list of fastest-growing private companies in the Austin area. These accomplishments highlight the organization's commitment to excellence and innovative approaches to workforce development.
For interested readers who wish to see the complete Forbes list of America's Best Startup Employers for 2026, they can visit Forbes. To learn more about Interplay Learning and its offerings, additional information can be found on their official website at Interplay Learning.
Founded as a leading provider in immersive training for skilled trades, Interplay Learning recently expanded its portfolio to include Industrial Training International (ITI), recognized globally for specialized industrial learning solutions. By utilizing a blend of instructor-led training, online simulations, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality, Interplay aims to assist organizations and educational institutions in upskilling their workforce, minimizing risk, and enhancing operational readiness. With nearly 600,000 individuals trained, Interplay Learning continues to shape the future of workforce development, paving the way for better careers and improved lives.
The recognition garnered from Forbes reinforces Interplay Learning's reputation as a transformative entity within the educational landscape, specifically within skilled trades and industrial crafts. Readers and industry professionals alike should keep a close watch on Interplay Learning as it continues to innovate and expand its role in developing a capable workforce equipped to meet the challenges of the future.
The annual rankings are compiled by Forbes in collaboration with Statista, a reputable market research firm. To create the current list for 2026, Statista evaluated approximately 2,700 privately held companies selected from a substantial pool exceeding 20,000 startups. To be eligible for consideration, companies had to meet specific criteria, including having a minimum of 50 employees, being founded between 2016 and 2023, and operating independently without being a spin-off of a larger corporation.
Statista's assessment of each organization involved analysis across three crucial categories: employer reputation, employee satisfaction, and growth metrics. A staggering 7 million data points were scrutinized to establish the rankings, encompassing aspects such as media coverage, online reviews, and social media feedback. This meticulous data analysis also measured sentiment around essential topics like corporate culture, employee engagement, and strategic direction. Evaluations related to employee satisfaction encompassed critical factors such as compensation, benefits, workplace flexibility, and opportunities for advancement. Growth metrics accounted for headcount expansion, job openings, and trends in website traffic over a two-year period.
Doug Donovan, the CEO of Interplay Learning, expressed his pride in the recognition. He articulated the organization's mission, stating, "Our mission is to empower the people who build, maintain, and operate the world we live in. That mission shapes how we show up every day, creating better learning experiences that help teams upskill faster, improve safety, and drive operational excellence. We're intentional about fostering a culture where employees can see the impact of their work, and this recognition is a meaningful reflection of that."
This accolade follows a series of other noteworthy achievements for Interplay Learning, including the IACET Instructional Impact Award for 2025, a spot on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, and recognition in the Austin Business Journal's list of fastest-growing private companies in the Austin area. These accomplishments highlight the organization's commitment to excellence and innovative approaches to workforce development.
For interested readers who wish to see the complete Forbes list of America's Best Startup Employers for 2026, they can visit Forbes. To learn more about Interplay Learning and its offerings, additional information can be found on their official website at Interplay Learning.
Founded as a leading provider in immersive training for skilled trades, Interplay Learning recently expanded its portfolio to include Industrial Training International (ITI), recognized globally for specialized industrial learning solutions. By utilizing a blend of instructor-led training, online simulations, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality, Interplay aims to assist organizations and educational institutions in upskilling their workforce, minimizing risk, and enhancing operational readiness. With nearly 600,000 individuals trained, Interplay Learning continues to shape the future of workforce development, paving the way for better careers and improved lives.
The recognition garnered from Forbes reinforces Interplay Learning's reputation as a transformative entity within the educational landscape, specifically within skilled trades and industrial crafts. Readers and industry professionals alike should keep a close watch on Interplay Learning as it continues to innovate and expand its role in developing a capable workforce equipped to meet the challenges of the future.
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