Education Innovation Showcase FAQ

What is the Education Innovation Showcase & Award?

The Education Innovation Showcase is a global opportunity to celebrate the innovation and impact of K-12 educator systems leaders. This year, the Showcase will honor two innovations at different phases of the Innovation Curve:
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- pre-implementation (idea category): While you have engaged stakeholders, done the research, have a plan, and are ready to implement, you have not yet implemented your idea
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- post-implementation (impact category): You have seen a project through to completion and have measurable results to demonstrate impact

Innovations should foster meaningful change that addresses a key challenge in education at the systems level.

Through the application and review process, we’ll narrow down the submission to the Top 10 finalists, who will each receive one complimentary registration and one hotel accommodation for the 17th ASU+GSV Summit. The Showcase event will feature all 10 finalists, with some having the chance to pitch live for the chance to take home cash and prizes!

Is There a target for the level of impact (audience reached)?

We are looking for projects and innovations that influence systems change and help fuel scalable impact. While the initial size should be appropriate for the audience identified, projects and learnings should be scalable.

When is the application due?

The application deadline is Monday, January 5, 2026, at midnight PST.

What is the grand prize?

Each category (Idea and Impact) will have five finalists and one grand prize winner! Prizes are listed on the Education Innovation Showcase homepage.

When will I know if I'm one of the 10 finalists and invited to participate in the ASU+GSV Summit?

We will release decisions in late Jan/early Feb 2026. Note: if you are not selected as one of the 10 finalists, you can register for the Summit using the Educator Discount.

What are the major dates for showcase finalists?

10/27 - Application Live!
12/3 - Ask Me Anything Live Event about the Showcase (RSVP)
1/5 - Applications Deadline
Feb - Notifications Sent
Feb - Top 10 Announced
April 12 - 15, 2026 - The 17th ASU + GSV Summit, with Top 10 Celebrated and Winners Selected!

Who are the sponsors of the Education Innovation Showcase & Award?

The Showcase is powered by the ASU+GSV Summit, Digital Promise, Educating All Learners Alliance, LEAP Innovations, TIES Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM and Transcend Education.

Who should apply?

The Showcase is open to K-12 school or school system leaders from around the world. To apply, you must be actively working within a K-12 school, district, or network. We acknowledge that many school districts collaborate with companies and nonprofits, and we encourage innovations related to these partnerships. However, it's important that the application comes from the school or school system itself.

What is required for the Application?

Applicants must submit a written application to answer basic questions about the project and a 2-3 minute video that explains your project and impact. Videos will be submitted via YouTube (please ensure permissions are set to “anyone with the link”). If your video features students, media releases must be shared as part of your submission. Videos do not need to be produced or professionally edited. Last year many finalists submitted a simple recording explaining their project. The video allows us to understand your story and impact in your own words.

What is the framework for evaluation?

Reviewers will focus on the issue, innovation, impact, insight, and inclusion. The short answer prompts within the application share more details about what we’re looking for.

What are the benefits of applying for the Education Innovation Showcase and Award?

We created the Showcase to elevate and celebrate innovation in the K-12 community. In addition to the grand prize, the 10 finalists will receive:
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Complimentary registration and hotel accommodations for the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit
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A chance to share your impact with a diverse community of EdTech leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and education thought leaders
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Benefits from our sponsors! There are prizes awarded to all Top 10 finalists.

Can I know who reviewed my application?

Unfortunately, no. We cannot disclose who reviewed your application, but we can guarantee that all applications will be reviewed and feedback will be provided.

If I have entered the last Educator Showcase or previously presented at the ASU+GSV Summit, can I still apply?

Yes! Absolutely.

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