Genius Academy

Last month, WGU Labs published a report with our Accelerator client Daivergent on modernizing vocational rehabilitation to better support underemployed individuals with disabilities, research on the impact of an AI-assisted learning tool on student outcomes, research-based strategies for building trust and empowering educators with new technology, and an interview with K Rocco Shields, the CEO and founder of our Accelerator client Genius Academy. Learn more in the round-up below.

SXSW EDU is always a fabulous learning experience and this year, students and innovators stole the show. The Allstate Foundation sponsored the Student Impact Challenge with these outstanding finalists Teach For Nigeria, INSPEC, Adubo Organico Para Todos, Swype AI, Unfold4All and winner, Spark, a prototype by Autism Unity Initiative. The Walton Family Foundation sponsored a competition of ed tech innovators, Ambessa, Bill, College Contact, Genius Academy, Making Space, Mathos AI, and Polymath University. Finally, GlobalMindED’s partners at Jobs for the Future (JFF), led by Maria Flynn, facilitated an engaging Health Tech Panel on Igniting a Spark Globally: Bridging Gaps into Healthcare Tech with speakers Carol O’Donell, Craig Maloney, and Dr. Sally Saba MBA. Thanks to the wonderful SXSW EDU team and volunteers for such a great event and such much needed inspiration during times of shifting sands. Anatola Araba, Greg Weatherford II, Juanita S., Tiana Day, Cengage Group, Trashbots, Youth Advocates For Change, Alix Guerrier, DonorsChoose, Amelia Kelly, SoapBox Labs, John Gamba, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, Katie Fang, SchooLinks, Missy Testerman, Michele Leardo, InStride, Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC), Medtronic

Check out the latest edition of IgnitED from Western Governors University to learn more about how K Rocco Shields, CEO and founder of our Accelerator client Genius Academy, and her team are revolutionizing mental health education!

One week. One stage. One opportunity to showcase how Genius Academy is revolutionizing mental health education. We are officially one of the Top 7 finalists at SXSW EDU 2025, standing among the most innovative startups shaping the future of learning. ?? Mental health professionals are expected to guide people through life’s most vulnerable moments—yet many begin their careers without ever practicing on real cases in a safe environment. That’s where Genius Academy steps in. We’re the flight simulator for human skills, ensuring that mental health professionals are prepared before they ever see their first client. Join us on this journey as we redefine readiness for the mental health workforce. See you in Austin! K Rocco Shields Brittany Odoms David Tillman #SXSWEDU #EdTech #MentalHealth #Innovation #GeniusAcademy #AI #FutureOfEducation

Excited to welcome WGU Labs as a partner in our mission to transform mental health education! At Genius Academy we’ve built something extraordinary: a platform that moves beyond textbook knowledge to truly measure and validate the critical skills that matter most—like empathy, cultural competency, and real-world decision-making. These skills have long been considered unquantifiable, but with our AI-driven, cinematic experiential learning platform, we’re making them measurable, actionable, and impactful. A survey by the Mary Christie Institute found that nearly 40% of recent college graduates believe their institutions did not adequately prepare them for the emotional and behavioral aspects of transitioning to the workplace. Genius Academy is addressing this gap head-on by equipping students with the tools they need to confidently enter their professions and make an immediate difference. I’m also thrilled to welcome Jason Levin to the Genius Academy Board of Directors (joining alongside Smita Bakshi James Kenigsberg and Rob Kingyens). Your expertise and commitment to innovation will be invaluable as we take Genius Academy to the next level. A heartfelt thank you to Jessica Cornell, MBA and Jay Bozman for believing in our vision and supporting our mission to solve the global mental health crisis. https://lnkd.in/gEwCncxW

Each year, we heard the same thing: “Not this time.” We kept hoping, kept applying, and kept believing in what we were building. Now, after years of persistence, Genius Academy is one of just seven EdTech finalists worldwide in the SXSW EDU Launch Startup Competition. I’m so proud of what we’ve built and the mission we’re bringing to life. To anyone hearing “not this time” on their own journey—don’t give up. The right moment will come. See you on stage in Austin! Who will be there?? #SXSWEDU #NeverGiveUp #GeniusAcademy SXSW SXSW EDU

?? Big News from Genius Academy! ?? We’re beyond thrilled to announce that Genius Academy has been selected as one of seven finalists for the SXSW EDU Launch Startup Competition! In just a few weeks, we’ll be taking the stage in Austin, Texas, to showcase how we’re transforming education and empowering the next generation of professionals. Our mission? To go beyond textbooks and traditional learning. At Genius Academy, we focus on fostering soft skills—empathy, communication, problem-solving, and cultural competency—because these are the skills that truly change lives and make a lasting impact. We’re proud to be leading the charge to redefine teaching and learning, helping students and professionals connect knowledge with real-world application like never before. And now, the world is taking notice. ?? Are you heading to SXSW EDU? Let’s connect! Comment below, and let’s meet in Austin to talk about the future of education. Check out the announcement from SXSW EDU here: https://lnkd.in/g_YY6GFv #SXSWEDU #EducationInnovation #SoftSkills #FutureOfLearning #GeniusAcademy

? New year, new ideas — we are thrilled to announce the incredibly innovative finalists selected to pitch their cutting-edge ideas for the SXSW EDU 2025 Launch Startup Competition & Student Impact Challenge! Launch: Ambessa Play Bilingual Generation College Contact Genius Academy Making Space Mathos AI Polymath University Student Impact Challenge: SPARKWISE INITIATIVE InSpec Organic Fertilizers for Everyone (Adubo Organico para Todos) Spark Swype AI Unfold4All Also, dive into this year’s semifinalists, judges, emcees, and the organizations providing coaching. But wait, there’s more! 26 new sessions have been added to the lineup as well. Dive into the full announcement: https://lnkd.in/g_YY6GFv

“Genius Academy is a unique workforce learning platform that leverage what we believe is a strong use case for AI....behavior based application simulations, starting with mental health training. Genius Academy's platform puts learners in virtual immersive simulations to develop therapy skills and prepare students for real-world practice. We were really impressed with Genius Academy's combination of advanced learning methodologies, Hollywood styled production and personalized learning via AI integration. Mental health is a logical starting point with numerous behavior based use cases ahead (i.e. compliance training, DEI training to name a few). Will be excited to see how this platform evolves over time.” Thanks LearnSimple for the kind words!

Thrilled to see our work making headlines!