We’re still feeling the energy from ASU+GSV 2025, a truly unforgettable gathering of innovators, educators, and changemakers. From thought-provoking panels to spontaneous community connections, it was a joy to see so many familiar faces and meet new ones across just a few days.
As we wind down, we’ve gathered a few standout moments to celebrate and are excited to share a series of on-site interviews that capture the spirit of the summit. Consider this a little something to keep the momentum going until next year!
ASU+GSV Postcard Interviews
This year at ASU+GSV, Alex had the opportunity to chat with some of the most exciting people in AI and EdTech right from the THE AI SHOW @ ASU+GSV floor.
He recorded 10 mini-interviews for Edtech Insiders, and wow… the range of ideas and energy was off the charts!!! From big names like OpenAI and Google to fast-growing startups, these folks are building the future of learning in real time! Here are all the amazing leaders we got to interview:
The Edtech Insiders Happy Hour at ASU+GSV has become an annual tradition bringing together edtech entrepreneurs, educators, investors, and system leaders. Thanks again to our sponsors and co-hosts Google, StartEd, Magic Edtech, Penn GSE, and EDT & Partners, along with our season sponsors Cooley and Tuck Advisors.
This year was just as good as ever, thanks to all of you who came to connect and celebrate with us! You can view all the photos from the event here. We can’t wait to see you again next year!
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OpenAI has unveiled GPT-4.1, its latest flagship AI model, boasting a massive one-million-token context window—nearly eight times larger than its predecessor, GPT-4o. The release includes two smaller variants: GPT-4.1 Mini, offering a cost-effective option for developers, and GPT-4.1 Nano, described as OpenAI's smallest, fastest, and most affordable model to date. With enhanced capabilities in coding and instruction following, GPT-4.1 is also 26% cheaper than GPT-4o, positioning it as a significant upgrade in performance and efficiency .
2. Anthropic is reportedly launching a voice AI you can speak to
Anthropic is poised to introduce a new voice mode for its Claude AI chatbot, featuring three English-language voices: Airy, Mellow, and Buttery. This feature, anticipated to launch as early as this month, aims to rival OpenAI's voice capabilities in ChatGPT. The development follows previous hints from Anthropic's Chief Product Officer and discoveries by app researchers in the company's iOS app .
3. China's Yuanfudao unveils next-gen AI learning device
Chinese edtech company Yuanfudao has launched the Xiaoyuan AI learning machine, a next-generation device designed to personalize education through artificial intelligence. Functioning both as a tablet and an interactive study companion when docked, it offers features like adaptive camera angles, built-in printing, and advanced error analysis to identify and address students' learning gaps. Building on the success of its predecessor, which sold over a million units in 16 months, this new model aims to revolutionize learning by integrating data, models, logic, and scenarios for a customized educational experience.
Brisk Teaching, an AI-powered platform for educators, has won the 2025 GSV Cup at the ASU+GSV Summit, emerging as the top startup among approximately 2,000 global edtech contenders. The award, presented by Amazon Web Services and GSV Ventures, honors Brisk's mission to deliver technology that genuinely enhances student learning by meeting learners where they are.
5. Bills in Congress detail path to closing the Education Department
Several bills introduced in Congress this year propose how to divide up the U.S. Department of Education's responsibilities among other federal agencies — and thereby carry out President Donald Trump's plan to eliminate the 45-year-old agency. Some of the bills recommend moving student loan programs to the U.S. Department of Treasury, transferring special education oversight and grants to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and folding civil rights enforcement into the U.S. Department of Justice. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers have filed their own measures to prevent the Education Department shutdown and express support for the federal role in education.
Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for edtech innovators, from early childhood through workforce. Informed by decades of experience in the education vertical, Cooley created the first edtech practice to provide industry-informed, business-minded counsel to companies and organizations at all stages of the corporate lifecycle. Cooley provides a multidisciplinary approach to client needs, offering seamless collaboration across offices and practices.
To learn more about what Cooley can do for you, reach out to Naomi May.
We have had some amazing guests on The Edtech Insiders Podcast in the last few weeks. One of our stand-out interviews from this past week is with Kees Bol, the CEO of 2U, a global leader in education technology that expands access to affordable, career-relevant learning in partnership with the world's top universities, institutions, and industry experts.
Here’s a deep dive on our interview with Kees, and we encourage you to give the full episode a listen for more!
Kees Bol emphasizes 2U’s evolving role as a “force multiplier” for universities, providing capabilities in scale, innovation, and strategic foresight that complement rather than replace institutional strengths. As higher ed institutions grow their internal online capacity, 2U focuses on deepening partnerships by adding value through tech enablement and data-driven insights.
“Our best partnerships are the ones where we're not being thought of as a replacement... but as a force multiplier that really makes one and one become three or even more.” - Kees Bol
Microcredentials and the Shift to Lifelong Learning
Kees Bol underscores a growing demand for flexible, shorter-form learning due to workforce transformation and AI-driven job disruption. While traditional degrees remain vital, microcredentials and modular learning are gaining momentum, allowing learners to reskill in real-time without long interruptions to their careers.
“There’s going to be a billion people who will be in need of some re-skilling... and that’s where microcredentials will fill a very real need.” - Kees Bol
AI as Both Content and Catalyst
AI is reshaping both what learners want to study and how learning is delivered. Kees Bol describes 2U’s threefold AI strategy: enhancing internal productivity, improving learning outcomes behind the scenes, and powering student-facing tools like AI learning assistants. The promise of AI isn’t just efficiency—it’s increased engagement and access.
“The percentage of students using our AI learning assistant is significantly higher than those using a real-life one—it’s breaking down barriers to engagement.” - Kees Bol
Strategic Resilience in a Changing Education Landscape
In an era of enrollment cliffs, political shifts, and technological disruption, Kees Bol advocates for strategic agility over passive waiting or risky moonshots. He urges universities to “sow options” through experimentation, scenario planning, and partnerships that offer speed and adaptability.
“What isn’t the right path is basically sitting still and waiting... You’ve got to start things that prepare you for possible outcomes.” - Kees Bol
Blurring the Lines Between Degrees and Credentials
Kees Bol identifies a key trend: the fading boundaries between degree programs and non-degree offerings. He envisions a unified learner journey, supported by institutions offering flexible pathways that adapt to changing career demands—something 2U is well-positioned to facilitate across its portfolio.
“The bright lines between degree programs and anything that’s not a degree are blurring faster and faster—learners and institutions are both starting to see it as one integrated path.” - Kees Bol
Curious to Learn More?
You can listen to our full interview with Kees Bol, as well as interviews with many other edtech founders, investors, and thought leaders at The Edtech Insiders Podcast! Check it out, and as always, we’d love to hear what you think!
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