ASU+GSV 2026 Recap: The Power of Fusion in an AI-Driven Future

The 2026 ASU+GSV Summit brought together thousands of leaders across education, technology, business and government in San Diego to explore how innovation and collaboration are reshaping the future of learning and work.

This year’s theme, “The Power of Fusion,” highlighted how meaningful progress in education is increasingly driven by stronger connections between institutions, employers and technology. Across the Summit, conversations centered on how AI is accelerating change, not in isolation, but as part of a broader shift in how skills are developed, measured and applied in the workforce.

Cengage leaders contributed to these conversations through three high-impact panels, sharing forward-looking perspectives on AI, workforce readiness and the future of career-connected learning.

Cengage Panel Recap from ASU+GSV 2026:

 

Advancing Human-Centered Learning with Agentic AI

Darren Person, Chief Digital Officer, joined leaders from BoodleBox, Huston-Tillotson University and Kyron Learning to examine how agentic AI is redefining the learning experience.

The discussion focused on the shift beyond generative AI toward agentic systems that can take action on behalf of users. This evolution is prompting a fundamental rethink of education, moving from content delivery to the development of expertise. Panelists explored how AI can enable more personalized and proactive learning by helping educators better understand how students think, where they struggle and how they progress.

Darren emphasized that realizing this potential requires more than new tools, it calls for fundamental changes in how learning is measured and supported at the institutional level. As AI becomes more embedded in education, it will deepen educator-student engagement and elevate the importance of human connection and soft skills.

 

Reimagining the Education-to-Employment Pipeline

Michael Hansen, Chief Executive Officer, joined leaders from SEEK Investments and Covista to address the growing strain in the traditional path from education to employment.

The panel examined how rising costs, shifting job requirements and declining confidence in higher ed ROI are challenging long-held assumptions about the value of degrees. At the same time, AI is reshaping entry-level roles, reducing opportunities for early-career skill development and increasing pressure on education to better prepare learners before they enter the workforce.

Michael highlighted the need to build clearer, more outcomes-driven pathways that align education more directly with workforce demands. panelists emphasized the importance of integrating skills, experience and employer collaboration, while also reinforcing that human capabilities such as critical thinking, communication and judgment remain essential in an AI-driven economy.

 

Scaling Durable Career Pathways Through Outcomes and Partnership

Justin Singh, General Manager of Cengage Work, joined leaders from Stepful, Ascend Learning and Clasp to explore how workforce pathways can be designed to be both resilient and scalable.

Using healthcare as a leading example, the panel highlighted how strong employer partnerships, clear credentialing and visible advancement opportunities can create pathways that support both entry into the workforce and long-term mobility. The discussion emphasized that outcomes, including employment and wage progression, are central to building trust and driving learner decision-making.

Justin also underscored the importance of connecting training, financing and employment into a more cohesive system, particularly as industries look to attract new talent and support workers navigating career transitions. Looking ahead, AI was identified as a key enabler in areas such as skills verification, simulation and more personalized career navigation.

 

Learn More:

To learn more about Cengage and the education markets we serve, click here. You can also learn more about our sessions from last year’s Summit here.