GESAwards: Breaking Barriers with Innovation in AI, Music, and Prison Ed

Oct 27, 2025

Guest

Tom Gale

Guest

Jessica Hicklin

Guest

Avi Warshavsky

Avi Warshavsky, founder of MindCET and creator of the GESAwards, shares insights on global edtech communities. Jessica Hicklin from Unlocked Labs discusses innovative education systems for incarcerated learners, addressing unique needs that mainstream solutions overlook. Tom Gale of Solfeg.io emphasizes the importance of music education in fostering engagement and well-being, while showcasing how the platform has transformed learning through popular songs. Together, they explore AI's role in leveling the education playing field and the benefits of collaboration among regional partners.

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INSIGHT

Community Is The Core Innovation

The GESAwards built a global community that helps startups scale beyond small domestic markets.
Avi Warshavsky says community and cross-border visibility are their biggest achievement.

INSIGHT

Local Partners Reveal Hidden Gems

Local partners surface high-quality regional startups that global scouts often miss.
Avi credits regional partners for insider access to hidden EdTech gems worldwide.

INSIGHT

AI Levels The Global Playing Field

Generative AI levels the playing field so small teams can build impactful products quickly.
Avi warns the challenge is distinguishing commodity uses of AI from truly defensible products.

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In this special episode, we spotlight the GESAwards, often called the “United Nations of EdTech,” with founder Avi Warshavsky of MindCET and three inspiring finalists from around the world. They share how they’re harnessing AI, rethinking prison education, and transforming music learning for millions of students.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why GESAwards are built on local partnerships
How AI levels the global EdTech playing field
Designing learning platforms for prisons
Music education’s link to wellbeing and STEM
How global collaboration fuels EdTech visibility

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:02:15] Avi Warshavsky on the GESAwards’ biggest achievement: global community
[00:04:34] How regional partners uncover hidden EdTech gems worldwide
[00:07:19] AI as an equalizer for startups in small markets

Finalist Interviews:
[00:12:02] Chen Berger, COO of StudyWise.io on AI for assessments & adaptive learning
[00:18:28] Jessica Hicklin, Co-founder of Unlocked Labs on Prison education reform
[00:31:18] Tom Gale, CEO of Solfeg.io on Music education for engagement & wellbeing

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