Education Innovator: Reach Your Goals at SXSW EDU 2025

Are you ready to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey? SXSW EDU isn’t just a conference, it’s a launchpad for big ideas, bold collaborations, and breakthrough solutions.

This is your chance to connect with other trailblazers, fuel your imagination, and take your work to the next level. Dive into SXSW EDU 2025 sessions and events that allow education innovators like you to continue to thrive.

Elevate the Innovator in You:

Check out the panel New Philanthropy Playbook: Funding Innovation in Education, where leading experts tackle the future of education funding. Discover how rapid innovation, AI, and sustainable models are reshaping the landscape and what it means for organizations driving change.

Join the Elevating Higher Ed Entrepreneurship Centers with Technology Meet Up to explore how tech can amplify impact, boost efficiency, and engage students like never before. Dive into emerging tools, share best practices, and connect with leaders driving innovation in higher ed entrepreneurship.

Get ready to pitch like a pro with How Abbott Elementary Would Write a Startup Pitch! This lively workshop helps introverted edtech leaders channel the charm of Principal Ava, the focus of Gregory Eddie, and the passion of Janine Teagues. Conquer presentation nerves and learn practical techniques to captivate investors and buyers while showcasing your game-changing ideas for the future of education. Perfect for anyone prepping for their next big pitch!

Other Sessions to Attend:

• Seeding Innovation: The Power of Breakthrough Funding
• Innovate & Educate: Diverse Funding Models for Ed R&D
• Early Stage Funding for K-12 Schools

Beyond Sessions

Get inspired at the Launch Startup Competition, where entrepreneurs seeking feedback, investment, strategic partnerships, and exposure present their early-stage company before a panel of industry experts, early adopters, investors, and educators as well as the live SXSW EDU audience. 

See what is at the top of student innovators' minds at the Student Impact Challenge. Celebrating student innovation and leadership, this competition empowers high school students to tackle pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges by giving them a platform to present their groundbreaking solutions. 

Then, head over to the Startup Village to explore the exciting work of fellow educators! Immerse yourself in the innovative possibilities shaping the future of education.

Networking Opportunities 

Get ready to connect with fellow innovators at the Launch Spotlight and celebrate the winners of the Launch Startup Competition! This exciting reception is your chance to meet the finalists and semifinalists, see their groundbreaking products in action, and network with trailblazers in education innovation.

Take your network to the next level with one-on-one Mentor Sessions, where you’ll gain invaluable insights from leading entrepreneurs and education changemakers, including SoVonna, Day-Goins, Elena Sanina, Liam Rahman, Danielle Kristine Toussaint, Ellen Cassidy, and Jessica Falkenthal.. Whether you’re seeking strategic advice or fresh perspectives, these sessions offer a unique chance to connect with experienced mentors. Stay tuned—RSVP opens soon!

 If you're focused on scaling your startup, don’t miss the Roundtable: Scaling Early-Stage Startups, an interactive session that blends expert insights with peer-driven discussions. Walk away with actionable strategies and new connections to help take your education innovation to the next level.

Beyond the conference rooms, immerse yourself in Austin’s vibrant culture by joining a walking tour, where you’ll explore downtown, the East Side art scene, and the city’s rich music history—all while networking with like-minded peers.

Try These Tips

• Prep your pitch- Do you have an education startup of your own? You never know who you'll meet, so be prepared to pitch your startup!
• Set Your SXSW EDU Goals - Are you here to make connections? Enhance your skillset? Get inspired by other education innovators? Set goals so you can enjoy SXSW EDU with intention.
• Plan Your Schedule - Start saving your favorite sessions to your personal schedule. Learn more about how to do this in the SXSW EDU Schedule, which syncs to the SXSW EDU GO app.

See You at SXSW EDU 2025

Registration is open for SXSW EDU 2025! Book your hotel early for the best rates and hotel options March 3-6, 2025 in downtown Austin.

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Photo by Daniel Poe