A North Texas education tech change-maker just took a big step toward transforming how the world can experience new dimensions of learning.

Taylor Shead, founder and CEO of Dallas-based Stemuli—whose generative gaming platform “turns schools into video games” where kids and their avatars earn tokens while they learn—has evolved her offering to encompass workforce development, continuous learning, brand building, and more. 

Shead recently pitched Stemuli to the AI for Good Innovation Factory, a United Nations-sponsored acceleration platform. The competition seeks to identify and support innovative startups that use artificial intelligence  to advance the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.

This week, Shead got the news that she’d won the competition—and will now represent North America at the Innovation Factory World Competition in Geneva, Switzerland on May 30.

As the North American winner, Stemuli also received a prize package worth $200,000, “which will support their global scaling efforts with the help of international organizations, leading technology companies, and investors,” according to AI for Good.

Tim Kapp, Co-Chair of the AI for Good Innovation Factory, said on LinkedIn that “Founder Taylor Shead  gave an inspiring pitch on the use of Generative AI in Education.”

“Stemuli is a generative gaming platform that redefines continuous learning through immersive experiences and personalized pathways,” he added. “It helps individuals discover careers, learn academic and workforce skills, and have fun with their peers in an engaging world.”

Stemuli won the pitch among a field of high-impact finalists

Shead’s solution came out on top among a field of high-impact finalists, including groundbreaking applications of AI in vascular disease, early autism detection, protection for first responders, and ambient health monitoring for seniors.

“We are over the moon!” Shead wrote on LinkedIn on discovering she had won. “Congrats to the other contestants and thank you for this powerful recognition.”

Next stop, Geneva

The “grand finale” of the AI for Good Innovation Factory competition will take place during the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva on May 30-31. “The summit itself is a major event that attracts participants from around the world, both in-person and online, to discuss and explore the use of AI in addressing global challenges such as health, climate change, and gender equality,” AI for Good said.

Gaining mentorship and industry support

The AI for Good Innovation Factory doesn’t just showcase groundbreaking AI solutions. It also fosters “a collaborative environment where innovators can receive mentorship and support from industry leaders.” The initiative aims to be a crucial force to drive practical applications of AI in solving pressing global issues, aligning with the broader goals of the United Nations to promote sustainable development worldwide.

Stemuli announced double merger last year

In April 2023, Shead announced that Stemuli had merged with two companies based in the Los Angeles area: Infinity.careers, a tech career exploration and talent training marketplace; and Oppti, which works with school districts and high schools to provide an all-in-one hub for work-based learning, as well as providing internships for high schoolers and college students.

As a result of the merger, Infinity.careers Founder Naomi Thomas became head of digital for Stemuli. Oppti Co-Founder Khiry Kemp became Stemuli’s head of operations. The three founders met while participating in Jobs for the Future’s Entrepreneur in Residence incubator, led by JFF’s innovation lab JFFLabs.

From that example alone, one can see that Shead turns opportunities into action. Who knows what will happen once she makes connections on a global stage in Geneva?

Get on the list.
Dallas Innovates, every day.

Sign up to keep your eye on what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth, every day.