Cohort III selection in progress 🚀
Let’s build the future of learning in Africa, together
Join us as we partner with the Mastercard Foundation to shape the future of education through cutting-edge technology solutions.
$1.2m
Disbursed
so Far
12+
Startups
Supported so Far
A Partnership designed for African Edtech Growth
ihub and Mastercard Foundation are partnering to empower edtech startups who are building tools that enhance learning outcomes and accelerate access to equitable and quality education for Africa’s next generation. Startups that make it into our accelerator programme enjoy the following benefits.
Equity Free Funding
Qualified startups are entitled to $100k in equity free funding over the course of the accelerator programme
Support & Mentoring
Startups can tap into our multidisciplinary experts for design, product, and tech optimization.
Investor Network
Startups, through this programme would be exposed to investors to help scale their products
Discount & Deals
Startup through this programme can enjoy special deals from tools and service providers we have partnered.
Marketing Strategy
Our team of experts will help startups align their market strategy to enable them hit PMF
Is your Edtech
Startup Eligible?
Startups must be Africa focused and incorporated in Kenya. They should be building solutions that address challenges across K-12, tertiary education and vocational skills training.
Your Edtech Solution must posses these two qualities
EdTech Solution Based
Must have verifiable users aligned with our accelerator’s focus: education access, student learning, school management, and teacher/trainer effectiveness.
Inclusive Teams
Applicants should have a balanced team, passionate about education. Female founders of EdTech solution companies are strongly encouraged to apply
Applications will be reviewed in 3 stages
Interested innovators are to apply below. In this stage, the Edtech solutions will be assessed on the following criteria
- Problem/Solution Fit
- Founder Potential
- Business Model Fit
- Traction
Selected EdTech solutions from the first stage will be assessed based on the following criteria
- Scalability
- Long-term
- Plan/Vision
- Competitive Advantage
- Team Potential
The final stage will be an interview with applicants who have successfully gone through the assessment stage. A final selection will then be made, subject to due diligence.
Startup Testimonials
2mins Read
NABU Shines Bright: Gold Winner for Best Educational App!
NABU has achieved a significant milestone, earning the Gold Winner title for Best Educational App at the 2024 Vibrant Media..
1mins Read
Kenya Primary School Heads Association Partners with Kurasa to Equip Teachers with Essential Digital Skills
In a significant step towards enhancing the quality of education in Kenya, the Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association (Kepsha) has..
1mins Read
Access Hub Africa Partners with Virtual Essence Limited to Transform K-12 Education in Kenya
We are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership between Access Hub Africa (AHA) and Virtual Essence Limited aimed at transforming..
1mins Read
AU Startup WatchlistHighlights Top 4 East African EdTech Startups Transforming Education
The African Union’s Startup Watchlist recently highlighted 12 innovative startups that are redefining education across East Africa, recognizing them for..
2mins Read
Angaza Elimu Selected to Participate in SAP Social Sabbatical Program 2024 in Kenya
Angaza Elimu, one of the esteemed alumni of the Mastercard Edtech Fellowship Program, has been selected to participate in the..
2mins Read
LoHo Learning and Ubongo Kids Partner to Revolutionize Education Through Edutainment
LoHo Learning, one of the startups in the Mastercard Edtech Fellowship Program and Ubongo Kids, a leading innovator in children’s..
Impact Videos
Our startups emphasize how the Edtech Fellowship program has enhanced their products to effectively cater to the needs of the African learners.
They have benefited from diverse support across various growth verticals, including product and design optimization, learning sciences, product distribution, investment readiness, and Talent support.
Watch the experiences and growth stories of our startups during the program.
Virtual Essence
FunKe Science
Loho Learning
Smart Brains Kenya
Dals Learning
Esoma
eKitabu
Fundis
Kurasa
Mzizi
Nabu
Soma Siri
Soma Chat
Uptyke
Got Questions?
Discover answers to common queries in our FAQs. Click the button below to explore information about the program. If you still have unanswered questions, register for one of our upcoming info sessions. Join us to ask your questions and receive immediate assistance.
About Us
Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work.
iHub
We are an innovation centre dedicated to accelerating the application of social capital and technology for economic prosperity
