GSV Cup opens global call for early-stage EdTech startups

The GSV Cup is now inviting nominations for its annual competition spotlighting the world’s most promising early-stage startups in digital learning and workforce development.

Contents

Aim Benefits Eligibility Requirements Deadline

The programme offers a major global platform for founders seeking visibility, mentorship and investment opportunities at a crucial stage of their growth.

Aim

The initiative aims to elevate startups shaping the future of education and skills training.

Each year, leading investors, accelerators and industry experts nominate young companies for the prestigious GSV Cup 50—a recognition awarded to startups with the potential to transform how people learn and work.

The goal is to accelerate their impact by connecting them to global influencers, decision-makers and strategic partners.

Benefits

While the competition does not offer direct cash funding, selection comes with powerful visibility and access.

Honourees receive:

Free admission to the ASU+GSV Summit, the world’s largest gathering for education and workforce innovation.
The opportunity to demo their solutions before thousands of investors, educators, executives and technology leaders.
Entry into an exclusive founder network.
Priority access to the AI Show at the Summit.

Eligibility

The opportunity is open to early-stage companies such as:

Pre-seed and seed-stage startups
Companies building solutions for education or workforce skills
Startups that remain early-stage during the nomination period in September
Ventures seeking global visibility, partnerships and investment connections

Requirements

All nominated startups will be evaluated using GSV’s “5 P’s” framework: People, Product, Potential, Predictability and Purpose.

Judges assess:

The strength and expertise of the founding team
The quality and innovation of the product
Market opportunity and scalability.
Clarity of long-term plans.
Mission alignment and potential for positive impact.

Every nominated company is also considered for one of 150 free Golden Tickets to attend the ASU+GSV Summit, offering valuable access even if they are not selected for the Cup.