Global Startup Coach Award 2025 (GSCA)

30 June 2025 - 12 December 2025
Global

Applications Closed

Applications Now Closed

Your chance to win a part of $200,000 prize fund and make a real impact on the EdTech community.




We know that coaches are fundamental to startup development. They are a pivotal part in guiding founders to reach their full potential. Unlike mentoring, coaching doesn’t focus on telling you what to do or giving you advice. Instead, coaching fosters independent thinking. It is often this shift in mindset, that adds to the transformative growth in founders and startups.

This is why the GSCAward was created. It aims to highlight the amazing work that coaches do behind the scenes. We believe that their efforts deserve to be recognised and celebrated. With a total cash prize of $200,000 up for grabs (which will be split between our 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners), our unique award champions their efforts and brings the work of startup coaches to the forefront.

Whether you are looking to transfer from mentoring to coaching, or perhaps you are from a completely different work background with transferrable skills, you should apply to take part. We are looking for coaches with versatile experience and expertise across various sectors. With your experience, there are lots of things that can be achieved through coaching. The mission is simple. It is to transform education through technology. We can use it to improve access, equity and quality of education, as well as drive societal progress.

This award is to celebrate the wide range of startup coaches out there with something positive to offer. Do you think you have what it takes? Are you an impactful coach? Are you passionate about the development of startups?
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Who Should Apply?



  • Coaches involved in startup development
  • Professionals from other backgrounds with transferrable skills
  • Coaches with versatile experience across various sectors
  • Individuals passionate about startup development and impact
  • Individuals transitioning from mentoring to coaching
24-Week Global Startup Coach Award Programme

STEP 1. Screening

After reviewing all applications, we will select 20 coaches based on criteria such as coaching qualifications, experience with startup coaching, EdTech and business background, and coaching competencies.

STEP 2. Diagnosis and Objective Setting

Each coach will be matched with a pre-selected startup. Based on an intensive diagnosis of the startup, the coach will outline key objectives for acceleration to help the startup Diagnosis and achieve its unique mission.

STEP 3. Acceleration: Weekly Coaching Sessions

Each coach will be responsible for: Conducting weekly coaching sessions with their assigned startup. (These sessions will run at 90 minutes each.) Completing and sharing a coaching report after each session

The schedule for the 2025 award has not been finialised yet.

16 June 2025

Application close

1 July - 25 July (4 weeks)

Diagnosis Phase

28 July - 12 December (20 weeks)

Acceleration Phase

21-23 January

Award Ceremony at Bett UK 2026

Key Partners

Past Awards

ESCA 2024 (now GSCA)

ESCA 2024 Ceremony at Bett UK 2024 View summary
View summary