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The Finals

The 2025 finalists will present their pitches on September 11 in New York City as part of HolonIQ’s Back to School Summit.

An inspiring day of innovation from purpose-driven ventures advancing teaching and learning through innovation.

Watch the final pitches and Q&A with judges, and vote in real-time for the Audience Choice Prize winner. Network with education entrepreneurs and edtech investors, and gain insights from industry leaders.

Congratulations to the 2025 Finalists!

This year’s finalists are redefining what’s possible in education—breaking barriers and reimagining how students learn, grow, and thrive. Their ventures address some of the field’s most urgent challenges, including equity and access, literacy and innovative learning, safety and justice, and representation.

  • Canopy Nepal

    Canopy Nepal empowers underserved students to stay in school by combining scholarships with story-based learning that builds confidence, critical thinking, and lifelong skills. Through inclusive education and government partnerships, the organization works to reduce dropout rates and break cycles of poverty.
    Founder: Mohit Rauniyar

    canopy nepal
  • Cloud IX

    Cloud IX is a confidential chatbot app that connects student survivors of sexual violence to resources on and off campus. Founded by Tulane student and survivor Isabella Kulstad in 2023, the venture is driven by a mission to create trauma-informed, accessible, and empowering support systems. With a team of technologists and advocates, Cloud IX is redefining how universities respond to sexual violence and building safer, more compassionate campuses.
    Founder: Isabella Kulstad

    Cloud IX logo
  • College Contact

    College Contact is a platform that simplifies and personalizes the U.S. college application process for international students. By providing tailored guidance, streamlined tools, and accessible resources, it helps students navigate complex admissions systems and reach their dream schools.
    Founder: Sophie Smith

    college contact logo
  • Cosmic Writers

    Cosmic Writers is a nonprofit bringing creative writing education to K–12 classrooms. Through interactive workshops led by trained university students, the program fosters imagination, literacy, and confidence, giving young people the tools to find their voice.
    Founder: Rowana Miller

    Cosmic Writers logo
  • EnlightApp

    EnlightApp is a peer-to-peer learning platform that makes knowledge more accessible by connecting students with short-form, relatable educational content. By combining AI-powered search with bite-sized video lessons, it enables learners to gain insights from people with shared experiences.
    Founder: Dieumerci Christel

    EnlightApp
  • Rézme

    Rézme is a compliance software platform that breaks down barriers keeping justice-impacted individuals from jobs, housing, and education. Founded by Jodi Anderson Jr., who experienced these challenges firsthand, Rézme automates fair chance hiring compliance, educates employers on legal responsibilities, and empowers job seekers to leverage their rights. With major partnerships and AI-powered tools in development, Rézme is building a more inclusive economy where talent is not defined by a record.
    Founder: Jodi Anderson Jr.

    Rezme logo
  • Solve Education!

    Solve Education! uses technology and gamification to expand access to quality education for young people in underserved regions. Its AI-powered learning platform equips learners with critical skills, bridging the gap between education and employability.
    Founders: Peng Tsin Ong and Janine Teo

The Milken-Penn GSE EBPC Finals have been a hallmark event in the edtech industry for more than a decade.

The live pitch competition will be held September 11, 2025 in New York City as part of HolonIQ’s Back to School Summit.

  • Final Pitches

  • Award Ceremony

  • Networking

The Back to School Summit

The 2025 HolonIQ ‘Back to School’ Summit will take place on September 10-11, 2025 in New York City, bringing together 500 CEOs and influential leaders from leading companies, major institutional investors, and global foundations for two days of presentations, roundtable sessions, and private meetings. The Summit will follow three tracks including private roundtables and dinners, fireside chats and panels, dedicated networking sessions and networking receptions.

Register for the Milken-Penn GSE finals in New York City

Registration to the final pitches is free to attend in person.

Please note, registration for the Milken-Penn GSE finals does not include entry to the Back to School Summit.

2025 Finals Registration
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