ASU+GSV Summit

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.