ASU+GSV Summit Sessions

Join GSV Co-founder Deborah Quazzo for a candid conversation with Phil Regier, University Dean for Educational Initiatives and CEO, EdPlus at ASU, about the journey of building one of education's most influential innovation organizations, helping reshape online learning and the role of technology in higher education. Together, they'll reflect on the early vision, the bold bets, the failed experiments, and the decisions that helped transform online learning and redefine what's possible for higher education.More than just a success story, this conversation offers founders, operators, and investors an inside look at how enduring innovation actually happens: testing ideas, learning from setbacks, scaling what works, and staying relentlessly focused on impact.

Shoshana Vernick, Founder and Managing Partner of Avathon Capital, joins NU Advisory Partners' Meredith Rosenberg at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit to discuss what makes an education company investable in today's market and why durable demand, profitable growth, and measurable outcomes matter more than ever.Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, this GSVtv interview explores how investors are navigating uncertainty across K-12, higher education, and adult learning. Shoshana Vernick discusses why Avathon Capital is focused on outsourced and managed services that help education institutions operate effectively, the shift away from "growth at all costs," the importance of business fundamentals and customer retention, and why enduring companies must deliver solutions that work—not simply follow market trends.

Vivek Kamath, Partner at Tyton Partners Investment Banking, joined NU Advisory Partners' Meredith Rosenberg at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit to dissect what investors and buyers are looking for in today's education market and how AI disruption, shifting valuations, and changing capital dynamics are shaping M&A.Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, this GSVtv interview explores the state of education investment and M&A in 2026. Vivek Kamath discusses where deals are still getting done, why tech-enabled services and mission-critical software continue to attract buyers, how AI is changing the way investors evaluate businesses, and what separates companies that successfully close deals. From growth and profitability to customer concentration, retention, and net revenue retention, the conversation breaks down the metrics that matter in today's market.

Alex Sarlin is joined by Ankur Agarwal and Manav Kedia, two of the three co-founders of CuePilot, a 2026 GSV Cup 50 startup. They discuss how voice AI can reduce administrative work for early childhood educators while preserving the relationships at the heart of learning.Recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit 2026, this GSVtv interview explores the story behind CuePilot AI and its approach to designing technology around the natural workflows of preschool teachers. Ankur and Manav discuss using voice AI to document student learning, streamline parent communication, reduce administrative burdens, and give educators more time to focus on meaningful interactions with children. They also share how CuePilot AI is expanding from India into markets including the United States, Singapore, and the Middle East.

Max Azarov, CEO and Co-founder of Novakid, and Chris Kemsley, Product Lead for NovaPals, join Alex Sarlin at the ASU+GSV Summit to unveil NovaPals, Novakid's new AI-powered English language learning app for teens.Launched live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, NovaPals is built on Novakid's experience serving hundreds of thousands of learners across more than 50 countries. Max Azarov and Chris Kemsley discuss how AI is transforming language learning through conversational practice, engaging AI companions, and gamified experiences designed specifically for young learners. The conversation explores AI-native product design, English language acquisition, hybrid learning, personalized practice, AI guardrails, and why combining AI with live teachers creates the best outcomes for language learners.

Josh Allen, Ph.D., leads Content and Strategy for Walmart Academy. He joins GSV Ventures' Jennifer Lee to explore how one of the world's largest employers is building AI skills at scale.Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, this conversation examines Walmart's approach to AI upskilling, workforce development, AI certifications, career mobility, and organizational change. Josh Allen discusses why AI literacy requires more than access to technology; how psychological safety and experimentation drive adoption; and how AI is transforming frontline training, leadership development, and the future of learning and earning.

Christie Pang, Co-founder and CEO of Lirvana Labs, joins Lucy Baldwin at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit to discuss how AI can transform literacy, multilingual learning, and teacher support around the world.From helping Syrian refugee children improve foundational literacy and numeracy to building AI-powered learning tools for multilingual classrooms in New York City and beyond, Christie Pang shares how Lirvana Labs is developing an agentic AI platform that empowers educators, personalizes instruction, and puts teachers and students at the center of AI design. The conversation explores early childhood education, co-design with educators and students, AI safety, multilingual learning, creativity, and the future of human-centered education technology.

Tade Oyerinde, Founder and Chancellor of Campus and a 2026 ASU+GSV Summit Innovator of Color honoree, joins Tiffany Taylor to discuss reimagining higher education for the AI era.Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, Tade Oyerinde shares his journey from educator to entrepreneur, explaining why expanding access isn't enough: students need affordable, high-quality education that leads to real economic mobility. The conversation explores Campus's live online learning model, debt-free pathways, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, scaling quality at higher education institutions, and why the next generation of innovators should embrace "10X ambition" to solve education's biggest challenges.

Zach Hrynowski, Senior Education Researcher at Gallup, joins David Harris at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss groundbreaking new research on how Gen Z's attitudes toward artificial intelligence are changing.Drawing on a national study conducted in partnership with GSV and the Walton Family Foundation, Zach Hrynowski details why Gen Z's AI adoption has plateaued while anxiety and anger about the technology are rising. The conversation examines AI in education; workforce readiness; critical thinking; higher education policy; responsible AI adoption; and why clear AI guidelines are essential for students, educators, and employers navigating the future of learning and work.

Arun Saigal, CEO and Co-founder of Thunkable, joins Alex Sarlin at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss how AI and no-code development are transforming computer science education and empowering anyone to build real-world mobile apps.Drawing on his experience helping create MIT Scratch and Thunkable, Arun Saigal explains how visual programming, vibe coding, and AI are lowering the barriers to software creation while preserving the computational thinking skills students need for the future. The conversation explores AI literacy, student innovation, workforce readiness, app development, and inspiring stories of young creators using technology to solve real problems in their schools and communities.

Caleb Hicks, CEO and Co-founder of SchoolAI, joins Alex Sarlin at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss how artificial intelligence can strengthen student connections, personalize learning, and support teachers at scale.Drawing on his experience as a classroom teacher responsible for more than 300 students, Caleb Hicks explains how SchoolAI helps educators better understand both academic progress and student well-being through AI-powered conversations, formative insights, and personalized learning experiences. The conversation explores AI in classrooms, teacher support, student engagement, social-emotional learning, responsible AI adoption, and the future of human-centered education technology.

Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux, Roy E. Larsen Professor of Education and Human Development and Dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, joins Alex Sarlin at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss the future of literacy, AI, and educator preparation.Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, Dr. Lesaux shares her vision for leading the Harvard Graduate School of Education at a pivotal moment for learning. The conversation explores the science of reading, improving literacy outcomes, early childhood education, responsible AI adoption, educator development, and how research, technology, and human-centered innovation can work together to improve learning opportunities for children and educators around the world.

Larry Chu, Partner at Goodwin, joins GSV Ventures' Jennifer Lee at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping mergers and acquisitions, startup growth, and investment across education technology.Drawing on decades of experience advising some of the technology industry's most significant transactions, Larry Chu shares why AI has shifted the value of startups beyond revenue to include exceptional teams, execution speed, and proprietary data. The conversation explores the future of EdTech consolidation, AI-driven learning, founder strategy, venture capital, workforce development, and why education is becoming an increasingly important market for AI innovation.

Alison Griffin, Principal Consultant at FutureRise, joins Mary McCall Leland at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss how philanthropy, policy, employers, and education providers can work together to build stronger pathways from learning to employment.Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, the conversation explores FutureRise's efforts to transform Colorado's postsecondary ecosystem through pooled philanthropic investment, workforce-aligned credentialing, narrative change, and systems collaboration. Alison Griffin shares why stackable credentials, short-term training programs, and coordinated investment are critical to expanding opportunity and creating a more connected future for learners and employers.

Dr. Josephine Yeboah Van-Ess, Superintendent of Queens South High Schools at New York City Public Schools and winner of the 2026 Education Innovation Showcase presented by SquirrelAi Learning, joins Alex Sarlin at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss how STEM in the South is transforming career-connected learning for students across 30 high schools.Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, Dr. Van-Ess shares how STEM in the South breaks down traditional school boundaries by allowing students to access specialized STEM and CTE pathways—including cybersecurity, drones, esports, healthcare, culinary arts, digital music production, and more—regardless of which school they attend. The conversation explores expanding educational opportunity, industry certifications, work-based learning, shared instructional models, and preparing students for college and high-demand careers.

2026 Education Innovation Showcase finalists from the FAST Foundation's Generation AI School join Alex Sarlin at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss one of the world's most ambitious national AI education initiatives.Representing the first international finalist in the Education Innovation Showcase, Suzanna and Hasmik share how Armenia's Generation AI program is expanding access to advanced AI, machine learning, mathematics, and computer science education across the country. The conversation explores preparing students to become AI creators rather than just users, expanding opportunity in rural communities, training the next generation of AI talent, and building a national strategy for the future of work.

Sawyer Altman, CEO and Co-founder of Goblins, joins Alex Sarlin at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss AI-powered math instruction, real-time differentiation, and the future of personalized learning.Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, Sawyer Altman shares how his experience as a classroom teacher inspired Goblins, an AI-powered platform that helps students solve math problems by speaking, drawing, and showing their work while receiving personalized feedback from interactive teacher avatars. The conversation explores real-time formative assessment, adaptive instruction, student engagement, learning science, and how AI can help teachers provide individualized support at scale without replacing the relationships that matter most.

Michael Ioffe, Co-founder & CEO of Arist, joins GSV Ventures' Jennifer Lee at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss the Department of Labor's Make America AI Ready initiative and how AI literacy can be delivered at national scale.Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, Michael Ioffe shares how Arist partnered with the U.S. Department of Labor to create a conversational, mobile-first AI literacy course designed to meet workers where they are. The conversation explores AI readiness, workforce development, bite-sized learning, real-time course updates, learner engagement, and how AI can help workers build confidence and practical skills for the future of work.

David Rogier, Founder & CEO of MasterClass, joins Alex Sarlin at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss the unique founding and evolution of MasterClass, the current landscape of AI-powered education, and how we can best prepare learners and leaders for the future of work.Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, David Rogier shares the personal story behind his founding of MasterClass, inspired by his grandmother's belief that education is something no one can take away. The conversation explores what world-class performers have in common; why feedback fuels excellence; how MasterClass has expanded into AI leadership and career-focused learning; and why AI literacy, adaptability, and becoming a skilled generalist will be essential in the years ahead.

Ashley Berner, Director of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy and author of Educational Pluralism and American Democracy, joins Electra Frelinghuysen at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss educational pluralism, school choice, and the future of K–12 education policy.Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, Dr. Berner explains how educational pluralism is practiced around the world, explores the historical roots of America's education system, and discusses why school choice, academic rigor, and accountability should work together to improve student outcomes. The conversation also examines bipartisan opportunities for education reform and expanding high-quality educational options for families.

Anton Pavlovsky, Founder & CEO of Headway, joins GSV Venture's Luben Pampoulov at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss scaling consumer learning platforms, AI-first product development, and the future of lifelong learning.Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, Anton Pavlovsky shares Headway's journey from a bootstrapped startup in Kyiv, Ukraine, to a global learning platform serving millions of users through apps like Headway, Impulse, Nibble, Skillsta, and AddMile. The conversation explores mobile-first learning, AI-driven product innovation, consumer and enterprise learning, and why continuous learning and AI literacy will be essential skills in the future of work.

Arman Jaffer, Founder & CEO of Brisk Teaching, joins Alex Sarlin at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss AI-powered teaching, instructional coherence, and the future of classroom technology.Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, Arman Jaffer shares how Brisk Teaching has grown to support millions of educators by embedding AI directly into teachers' existing workflows. The conversation explores AI-native instructional tools, curriculum intelligence, classroom automation, and why productive struggle and teacher agency remain essential as AI transforms teaching and learning.

Maya Bialik, CEO and Co-founder of QuestionWell and co-author of Irreplaceable: How AI Changes Everything and Nothing in Teaching and Learning, joins Alex Sarlin and NU Advisory Partners' Meredith Rosenberg at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss AI's impact on education, cognitive science, and the future of teaching.Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, Maya Bialik shares how QuestionWell uses AI to help educators create high-quality instructional materials while preserving teacher agency and instructional decision-making. The conversation explores the enduring principles of learning science, balancing the opportunities and challenges of AI in education, and why human connection, critical thinking, and effective pedagogy remain essential as AI transforms teaching and learning.

Dr. C. Edward "Eddie" Watson, Vice President for Digital Innovation at AAC&U and bestselling author of Teaching with AI, joins David Harris at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss AI literacy, curriculum transformation, and the future of teaching and learning in higher education.Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, Dr. Watson explores how generative AI and agentic AI are reshaping higher education, from academic integrity and assessment to curriculum design and workforce preparation. The conversation examines the growing importance of AI literacy, institutional leadership, faculty engagement, and AAC&U's AI Institute as colleges and universities prepare students for an AI-enabled future.

Anthony Salcito, General Manager of Enterprise at Coursera, joins Alex Sarlin live at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss AI-driven workforce transformation, lifelong learning, and how Coursera is preparing learners and organizations for the future of work.Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, Anthony Salcito discusses how AI is reshaping workforce development and why continuous upskilling and reskilling are becoming essential for learners, businesses, and governments. He shares insights from Coursera's latest Job Skills Report, the growing importance of human skills alongside AI, new partnerships with OpenAI and Microsoft, and how Coursera is evolving personalized learning through SkillsTracks, Course Builder, and AI-powered learning experiences.

Tiffany Taylor, President of the ASU+GSV Summit, and Alexis Proctor, Business Entrepreneurship student at Morgan State University, connect at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss the impact of the Summit's HBCU partnership, entrepreneurship, and expanding opportunities for students.Alexis Proctor shares how participating in the ASU+GSV Summit's HBCU partnership inspired her to launch the HBCU Yard Plug app, a platform designed to connect students with campus services, businesses, internships, grants, and one another. She reflects on the value of attending Morgan State University, the importance of networking, and how the Summit continues to create meaningful pathways for HBCU students pursuing entrepreneurship and innovation.

Lauren May, Vice President at Step Up For Students, joins Electra Frelinghuysen of GSV at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss the federal education tax credit, school choice, and expanding access to scholarships for families across the United States.Lauren May explains how the new federal education tax credit will allow taxpayers to support scholarship-granting organizations, helping eligible students access scholarships for private school tuition, tutoring, therapy, transportation, and other educational needs. The conversation also explores how technology and AI are improving scholarship administration, streamlining application processes, and supporting more personalized learning opportunities for students through school choice.

The Kresge Foundation's Ashley Johnson joins Tiffany Taylor at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss investing in HBCUs, strengthening pathways to higher education, and expanding opportunities for student success.Ashley Johnson reflects on The Kresge Foundation's longstanding commitment to HBCUs, the importance of building strong institutional systems that support student success, and why higher education remains a powerful pathway to economic mobility and community impact. The conversation also explores the ASU+GSV Summit's HBCU partnership initiative, increasing student participation, and the value of creating inclusive spaces where diverse perspectives can shape the future of education and innovation.

Lev Gonick, Enterprise Chief Information Officer at Arizona State University, joins Alex Sarlin at the ASU+GSV Summit to discuss how AI is transforming higher education from traditional EdTech to a new era of "TechEd."Lev Gonick explains why AI represents a fundamental shift rather than an incremental improvement, outlining Arizona State University's approach to building AI-powered infrastructure through CreateAI, low-code development tools, and institution-wide collaboration. The conversation explores how universities can redesign learning experiences, empower faculty and students as AI creators, and accelerate innovation through a bias toward action.

Tiffany Aliche, Founder of The Budgetnista, joins Tiffany Taylor, President of the ASU+GSV Summit, at the ASU+GSV Summit in Financial Education, Wealth Building & The Budgetnista to discuss financial literacy, wealth building, and expanding access to financial education for learners of all ages.Tiffany Aliche shares her personal journey from financial hardship to becoming a self-made millionaire and explains how those experiences inspired her to create The Budgetnista. She discusses the importance of meeting learners where they are, integrating financial education into K–12 schools, and the work behind New Jersey's financial literacy legislation. The conversation also explores how financial confidence, practical education, and intentional planning can help individuals build lasting financial security and generational wealth.

Ryan Delk, Founder and CEO of Primer, joins Alex Sarlin at ASU+GSV Summit 2026 to discuss how microschools are expanding educational choice by empowering teachers to launch personalized learning environments for students and families.Recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit 2026, this GSVtv interview explores Primer's full-stack approach to helping educators open microschools while removing the operational burdens of running a school. Ryan Delk discusses his personal journey, the growth of the microschool movement, teacher entrepreneurship, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), increasing access to high-quality education, and why flexible learning models are reshaping the future of K-12 education.

Dr. Marjorie Hass, President of the Council of Independent Colleges, joins David Harris at the ASU+GSV Summit 2026 to discuss leadership, free expression, and higher education's role in navigating an increasingly polarized society.Recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit 2026, this GSVtv interview explores how colleges and universities can foster thoughtful dialogue during a time of political and cultural division. Drawing on her background in philosophy and higher education leadership, Dr. Hass discusses civil discourse, academic freedom, institutional leadership, diversity of thought, navigating disagreement, and why education should prepare students to embrace complexity rather than retreat into binary thinking.

Keith Jacobs, Director of Provider Development at Step Up For Students, joins Electra Frelinghuysen at the ASU+GSV Summit 2026 to discuss how Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are expanding personalized learning and school choice for families.Recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit 2026, this GSVtv interview explores Florida's Education Savings Account model and how it enables families to access flexible, a la carte educational services across public schools, charter schools, private schools, and homeschool programs. Keith Jacobs discusses the growth of education choice, partnerships with school districts, the evolving role of public education, and how greater flexibility can better meet the diverse needs of students and families.

Philip Colligan, President & CEO of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, and Sofia Mohammed, Executive Director, North America, at the Raspberry Pi Foundation, join Tiffany Taylor, President of the ASU+GSV Summit, to discuss expanding access to computer science and AI education for every student.Recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit 2026, this GSVtv interview explores the Raspberry Pi Foundation's expansion into the United States and its mission to provide free, high-quality computer science and AI learning resources for educators and students. Philip Colligan and Sofia Mohammed discuss empowering teachers, building AI literacy, developing foundational computing skills, strengthening partnerships with schools and education organizations, and preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.

Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche shares her advice at the ASU+GSV Summit 2026 for middle and high school students exploring career pathways and preparing for life after graduation.Recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit 2026, the NYT bestselling author and financial educator encourages students to explore a wide range of interests, embrace new experiences, and discover their strengths by trying different opportunities before choosing a career path.

Lisette Nieves, President of the Fund for the City of New York and a 2026 ASU+GSV Innovator of Color Award honoree, joins Tiffany Taylor, President of the ASU+GSV Summit, to discuss leadership, innovation, and expanding opportunity through education and workforce development.Recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit 2026, this GSVtv interview explores Dr. Nieves' leadership journey across higher education, philanthropy, and civic innovation. She shares insights on building and sustaining mission-driven organizations, developing talent, scaling impact, strengthening connections between education and workforce, supporting social entrepreneurs — and why bold, collaborative leadership is essential for creating greater opportunity and economic mobility.

Alex Sarlin and NU Advisory Partners' Meredith Rosenberg sat down with Mara Steiu, Co-Founder and CEO of Journify Learning — the K-12 category Fan Favorite in the 2026 GSV Cup, presented by AWS & GSV Ventures and supported by Pearson. They discuss how AI can personalize instruction, reduce educator workload, and improve outcomes for students receiving special education services.Recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit 2026, this GSVtv podcast explores how the platform connects IEPs, assessments, curriculum, accommodations, and classroom data to deliver personalized instruction while automating compliance workflows. Mara Steiu discusses the challenges facing special education, teacher shortages, responsible AI, universal design for learning, and how AI can help educators spend more time supporting students and less time on paperwork.Watch the 2026 GSV Cup Fan Favorite finals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZXZt-wlsF0

Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, Mary McCall Leland sat down with Kavitta Ghai, Co-Founder and CEO of Nectir — the Higher Education category Fan Favorite for the 2026 GSV Cup, presented by AWS & GSV Ventures and supported by Pearson. They discussed how AI infrastructure is transforming higher education by delivering personalized, FERPA-compliant learning support for every student.This GSVtv interview explores how Nectir integrates directly into learning management systems to provide AI-powered tutoring, advising, and student support while keeping faculty in control through pedagogical guardrails. Kavitta shares the inspiration behind building Nectir, the company's recent $12.5 million Series A funding, its partnership with the California Community Colleges system, and why equitable access to personalized learning is central to the future of higher education.Watch the 2026 GSV Cup Fan Favorite finals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZXZt-wlsF0

Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, GSV's Amanda Grace David sat down with Luyen Chou, Founder and CEO of DeweyLearn — the Workforce category Fan Favorite for the 2026 GSV Cup, presented by AWS & GSV Ventures and supported by Pearson. They discussed how AI can bring expert-level analysis to teaching and learning through video-based classroom insights.This GSVtv interview explores how the company uses AI to analyze classroom interactions, coaching sessions, and other learning environments to provide scalable insights into student engagement, teaching practices, and learning outcomes. Luyen Chou also reflects on the evolution of education technology, the opportunities created by AI-native companies, and his advice for the next generation of education entrepreneurs.Watch the 2026 GSV Cup Fan Favorite finals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZXZt-wlsF0

Julie Lammers, President and CEO of Britebound, joined Alex Sarlin at the ASU+GSV Summit 2026 to discuss how career readiness, profession-based learning, and AI are helping middle and high school students prepare for a rapidly changing workforce.Recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit 2026, this GSVtv podcast explores Britebound's mission to expand career exploration and work-based learning opportunities for young people. Julie Lammers discusses the organization's evolution from American Student Assistance to Britebound, the importance of career readiness beginning in middle school, profession-based learning, AI-powered career navigation, durable skills, policy, and the launch of a new tool designed to help students navigate education and career pathways.

Sandra Liu Huang, President of Learning Commons, and Laurence Holt, Senior Advisor at XQ Institute and Teaching Lab, joined Alex Sarlin at the ASU+GSV Summit 2026 to discuss how shared AI infrastructure can help education technology deliver more effective, research-based learning experiences at scale.Recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit 2026, this GSVtv podcast explores how Learning Commons is building open infrastructure for AI in education through its Knowledge Graph, educational evaluators, and developer platform. Sandra Liu Huang and Laurence Holt discuss the importance of learning science, shared standards, curriculum mapping, background knowledge, AI quality evaluation, and why open tools can help developers create more effective products that better support teachers and students.

Sandra Liu Huang, President of Learning Commons, and Thomas Thompson, Co-Founder and CEO of Eduaide, joined Alex Sarlin at the ASU+GSV Summit 2026 to discuss how open AI evaluation tools are helping developers build higher-quality educational experiences that improve teaching and learning.Recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit 2026, this GSVtv podcast explores Learning Commons' latest literacy evaluators and how they enable education technology developers to measure AI-generated content against research-based educational standards. Sandra Liu Huang and Thomas Thompson discuss grade-level appropriateness, background knowledge, instructional scaffolding, transparency, and the importance of open infrastructure and rigorous evaluation to ensure AI supports meaningful student outcomes.

Jason Fournier, Senior Vice President of Product Management, AI Initiatives, and Data at Imagine Learning, and Sambit Mohanty, Associate Vice President and Head of Education Practice at Infosys, joined Alex Sarlin at the ASU+GSV Summit 2026 to discuss how AI can improve student outcomes by supporting educators, scaling innovation, and strengthening education systems.Recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit 2026, this GSVtv podcast explores how AI is delivering measurable value across education—from accelerating teacher feedback and improving student engagement to enabling institutions to identify at-risk students and scale personalized support. Jason Fournier and Sambit Mohanty discuss the importance of curriculum-informed AI, institutional readiness, data foundations, faculty adoption, responsible AI governance, and why successful AI implementations are designed to enhance, not replace, human judgment.

Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Vivian Wu, Managing Partner, Ventures at Chan Zuckerberg Initiative; Atin Batra, Director, Impact Investing at ECMC Group’s Education Impact Fund; Matt Zieger, Chief Programs and Partnerships Officer at GitLab Foundation; and Esther Benjamin, CEO & ED at World Education Services.Philanthropy had increasingly begun borrowing from venture and open-source models, prioritizing speed, transparency, and proximity to the people it serves. This session brought together foundation leaders rethinking the fundamentals of philanthropic capital, including shorter funding cycles that enable rapid learning, ROI frameworks that guide decisions rather than constrain them, and collaborative models that invite educators and learners to help co-create public goods.Drawing on lessons from open-source communities and organizations, speakers explored how philanthropy can act with agility even without perfect data, break out of silos, and translate good intentions into meaningful progress at scale. The conversation examined how mission-driven organizations can adopt startup-speed principles while maintaining a focus on long-term public value and equitable impact.By redefining how philanthropic capital is deployed, this session highlighted a new playbook for foundations seeking to move faster, learn continuously, and build more responsive systems for social and educational innovation.

Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Deepanshu Arora, Founder & CEO at Toddle; Arif Karakus, CFO at Doping Technology; Joleen Liang, Co-founder at Squirrel AI Learning; Zara Zaman, Investor & Head of Platform at Emerge Capital; and Joy Chen, Senior Advisor at GSV Ventures and Stanford Accelerator for Learning.Some of the world’s most ambitious EdTech companies had been built not in Silicon Valley, but in intensely competitive markets around the globe defined by massive demand, rapid iteration, and high stakes for learners and families. As more of these companies looked beyond their home markets, this session explored why the path from local success to global relevance is anything but straightforward.This conversation brought together founders and operators at different stages of international expansion to examine what it truly takes to scale globally. Speakers discussed key challenges and strategic decisions spanning early market selection, product localization, partnerships, regulation, and organizational readiness. Panelists also shared lessons learned, ongoing missteps, and practical insights from navigating the complexities of expanding across borders.By exploring how leading EdTech companies move from dominant local players to globally relevant organizations, this session highlighted the operational, strategic, and cultural considerations shaping the next generation of international education innovation.

Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Kaylee Seely, Head of Immersive at Pearson Labs, Pearson; Elina Ollila, Deputy Center Director and Professor of Practice at Endless Games and Learning Lab at ASU; Nicole Staubli, Head of Education at Meta; and Jim Chilton, Board Director at SNHU Board.Immersive technology had long promised to transform learning, but this session explored how the real shift today is not hype—it is infrastructure. With game engines, spatial computing, and high-fidelity world-building tools now making it possible to construct persistent learning environments, speakers examined how students can increasingly explore, manipulate, and inhabit educational spaces in new ways.This conversation focused on how immersive learning is moving beyond one-off VR experiences into fully realized educational worlds. From digital twins of laboratories and historical sites to interactive simulations that mirror real systems, panelists discussed how the next generation of platforms is building environments where learning happens through participation rather than observation.Speakers also examined what it takes to bring immersive learning into real classrooms, including the technical stack behind these environments, the design principles that make virtual worlds educationally meaningful, and the practical realities of district adoption as immersive tools move from experimentation to infrastructure.By exploring both the promise and implementation challenges of AI + XR, this session highlighted how immersive technologies may finally be positioned to scale as meaningful educational infrastructure in the future of learning.

Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Brian Johnsrud, Director of Education at Adobe; Will Ji, Head of Customer Success at HeyGen; Gabrielle Rosemond, Head of Industry, Education & Services at TikTok; and Dan Quine, Senior Director of AI and Engineering at Learning Commons.As AI gained the ability to draft marketing copy, design graphics, generate video avatars, remix audio, and simulate entire creative workflows, this session examined a defining question: when creation becomes frictionless, what changes?Speakers explored how AI is reshaping authorship and ownership, whether prompting is emerging as a new creative skill, and how direction, taste, and curation are becoming increasingly important core competencies. The conversation also examined what happens to mastery when output becomes abundant and how professional creators must evolve in a world of infinite generation.By addressing the intersection of creativity, learning, and AI, this session highlighted how education and creative industries are redefining the skills that matter most when human imagination is augmented by increasingly powerful generative tools.

Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Carolina Recchi, CEO at EdSights; Lev Gonick, Enterprise Chief Information Officer at Arizona State University; Christina Yancey, Vice President at AIR (American Institutes for Research); Emily Smith, VP, Strategic Partnerships at CollegeVine; JC Bonilla, COO and Head of AI at Element451; and Tim Renick, Executive Director of the National Institute for Student Success at Georgia State University.As institutions pursued stronger engagement and retention, a new wave of Agentic AI tools promised personalized outreach, predictive support, and 24/7 responsiveness. This session explored the transformative potential of scalable connection, early risk detection, and enhanced student experience—while acknowledging that the reality is still unfolding.Speakers examined critical questions around whether student voices should serve as the key KPI, whether these systems can truly lower costs, empower staff, and increase persistence, and how institutions should evaluate the trade-offs between automation and meaningful human support. The conversation also addressed essential human considerations including privacy, authenticity, and agency as higher education navigates the line between automation and co-intelligence.By exploring both the promise and the complexity of Agentic AI, this session highlighted how colleges and universities are rethinking recruitment, retention, and student engagement strategies to build more responsive, ethical, and effective systems for learner success.

Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Kevin Guthrie, President at ITHAKA; Chris Ferguson, Executive Vice Chancellor of Finance and Strategic Initiatives at California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office; Abby Snay, Deputy Secretary, Workforce Strategy at California Labor and Workforce Development Agency; Brenda Thames, President/CEO at El Camino College; and Anna Silk, Partner at BCG.Across the country, colleges and workforce systems have been rethinking how learning is recognized so students can receive credit for the skills they gain through work, military service, apprenticeships, and industry certifications. This session explored how expanding Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), aligning credentials with industry demand, and improving credit mobility and the portability of learning records across institutions and employers can create faster, more affordable pathways into high-demand careers—particularly for working adults.Drawing on lessons from California’s large-scale credentialing reforms and Ithaka’s strategic research on student mobility, credit transfer, and outcomes, speakers highlighted practical strategies, emerging models, and policy enablers that other states and systems can adapt to improve equity, reduce time to completion, and strengthen economic mobility.By examining how credentialing systems can evolve to better reflect real-world skills and learner mobility, this conversation showcased how colleges, workforce leaders, and policymakers are building more flexible, inclusive pathways to opportunity for the future of work.

Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Jamie Reffell, Chief Product Officer at Clever, Inc.; Dan Meyer, VP User Growth at Amplify; Christian Pantel, Chief Product Officer at D2L; Dr. Kimberly Smith, Executive Director at Jackson Public Schools; and Erin Mote, CEO at InnovateEdu.As AI and consumer platforms entered classrooms, the line between technology designed for engagement and technology designed for learning had become increasingly blurred. This session explored the design gap between consumer-grade tools and education-focused technology, examining how learning science, procurement, and policy shape what actually reaches students.Speakers discussed how rapid evidence and outcomes-based contracting can help schools distinguish between tools that simply make answers easier and those that make thinking deeper. Rather than debating whether technology belongs in schools, the conversation focused on defining what quality looks like when learning—not engagement—is the primary goal.By confronting the challenges of design, implementation, and accountability, this session highlighted what it takes to ensure educational technology supports meaningful cognitive development and stronger student outcomes in an AI-enabled era.