Deadline Date: November 30, 2025
The GSV Cup serves as a global stage for recognizing and accelerating the world’s most promising pre-Series A startups in digital learning and workforce skills.
Each year, leading venture capitalists, strategics,accelerators, and entrepreneurs worldwide nominate groundbreaking young companies for the prestigious “GSV Cup 50” distinction.
This recognition elevates these startups into a spotlight of global visibility, expanding their reach and fueling their growth at a critical stage of development.
Honorees receive complimentary access to the ASU+GSV Summit, the premier global gathering for education and workforce innovation. At the Summit, selected startups gain exclusive opportunities to demo their solutions in front of thousands of influential leaders, including investors, educators, corporate executives, and technology innovators. This exposure connects founders with mentors, strategic partners, and potential buyers who can help accelerate their trajectory.
Eligibility is open to any pre-seed or seed-stage startup working to transform digital learning or workforce development. Startups must still be at these early stages by the nomination period in September. Every nominated company receives a chance at one of 150 free Golden Tickets to the Summit, offering valuable access even for those not selected for the Cup. Judges evaluate applicants using GSV’s “5 P’s” framework, emphasizing the strength of the team, the quality of the product, market potential, roadmap clarity, and mission-driven purpose.
Startups selected for the GSV Cup 50 enter an exclusive network with year-round access to high-level education leaders, including superintendents, university presidents, and chief learning officers. They also receive priority access to the AI Show at ASU+GSV, where innovations are showcased to over ten thousand educators and investors seeking the next wave of transformative technology.
Being named one of the GSV Cup 50 signifies recognition as one of the world’s top emerging companies reinventing how people learn and work. Honorees gain not only global visibility but also meaningful connections, opportunities, and support that position them for long-term success in shaping the future of education and workforce skills.
For more information, visit GSV Summit.
