Frequently Asked Questions
About the Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organisations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. It is one of the largest private foundations in the world with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world. It was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. The Foundation is an independent organisation, and its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by its own Board of Directors and senior leadership team. It is a registered Canadian charity with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa.
What is the objective of the Inclusive EdTech Innovation Cohort?
The primary goal is to support early-stage solutions that specifically target and solve systemic problems related to access, inclusion and the use of data for informed decision-making within Kenya’s EdTech landscape.
What are the key thematic areas this cohort will be focusing on?
The program will focus on four priority themes, which are:
- Solutions for Learners Living with Disabilities.
- Solutions for Refugees & Displaced Persons (RDPs), and Underserved or Rural Communities
- Solutions focused on young girls and women.
- Solutions focused on education and skills data.
We are looking for startups in these thematic areas that are leveraging technology to address learning challenges across K-12, tertiary education, formal and informal skills training.
How does this specific cohort differ in structure from the previous EdTech Fellowship cohorts?
This cohort focuses on early-stage startups at the MVP or post-MVP stage with a small but verifiable user base. This includes an intensive 12-month incubation phase followed by 6 months of post- incubation support, with a strong emphasis on piloting and co-building with key stakeholders to address learner needs across the thematic areas. Previous cohorts primarily focused on growth-stage startups, with a 6-month incubation phase followed by 12 months of post-incubation support.
What are the benefits of this program for an EdTech startup?
- Expert advisory from experts across learning science, product development, talent management, distribution, investment and other key areas.
- Guidance from domain experts in inclusive design practices, special education, gender inclusion and education policy.
- Access to a community of practice to test out products.
- Access to equity-free funding of $100,000.
- Networking with other founders building amazing solutions in EdTech.
- Exposure to a vibrant network of investors.
- Access to an exclusive perks and benefits repository.
What are the entry requirements?
Your company needs to be incorporated in Kenya, majority Kenyan-owned,and have verifiable traction and aligned with the accelerator’s thematic areas. We are also looking for inclusive teams with gender balance. If you’re a female founder, we strongly encourage you to apply. In addition, you must be willing to partner with a strategic organisation to conduct a pilot as part of the program and allocate funds towards the pilot.
How can I apply?
To apply for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, visit the Future of Learning website – https://futureoflearning.ihub.co.ke and follow the standard application process.
Is piloting required during the incubation phase?
Yes. Piloting will be a core part of the 18-month incubation and post-incubation period. Startups will co-create and test solutions in real delivery settings with pilot partners and use learnings to iterate, improve and prepare for scale.
Who can be a pilot partner and do we need a confirmed pilot partner to apply?
Pilot partners can include NGOs, school networks, community-based organisations (CBOs) and refugee-serving organisations among others.
You can apply with partners you are currently engaging or plan to engage. Partner confirmation status does not affect selection.
What is a pilot plan and why is it required?
A pilot plan outlines how, where, and with whom you will test your solution, including your approach to implementation and learning. It helps assess your readiness for real-world delivery and ensures the solution is shaped by learners’ needs.
How will the pilot plan be assessed?
Pilot plans will be assessed and scored based on their strengths, intended outcomes and feasibility. If selected, the budget allocation will be based on the scope of the pilot plan.
What is the planned number of EdTech startups to be accepted into this cohort?
We plan to select a total of 12 EdTech startups across the four thematic areas.
When does the call for applications close?
10th April 2026 11:59PM EAT. We are keeping applications open for 6 weeks from the date of the announcement of the programme, so you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
What is the duration of the programme?
Selected startups will receive 18 months of support including 12 months of intensive incubation, followed by 6 months of post-incubation support.
When does the programme start and how long will it run for?
The programme runs for 18 months. It starts in July 2026, with the 12-month incubation phase running from July 2026 to July 2027, followed by 6 months of post-incubation support from August 2027 to January 2028.
What is the required maturity level or stage of development for a startup to be eligible to apply?
We are primarily seeking early-stage startups, specifically those at or beyond the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage, with verifiable users.
How will applications be reviewed and selected?
Applications will be assessed in three stages: an initial review for problem–solution fit, founder potential, business model, traction; a second review for scalability, long-term vision, competitive advantage, team potential and a final interview after which selections are confirmed subject to due diligence.
Do I have to be based in Kenya to apply?
Yes, you have to be based in Kenya as a founder and a citizen of Kenya. In addition to your startup being incorporated in Kenya, the program will require you to be physically present in Kenya with the rest of your cohort for training, community engagement and networking activities.
Do web-based/online portals and solutions qualify for the programme?
Yes. The program is open to any EdTech solution regardless of platform. The minimum expectation is to have technology built into your solution.
Do you invest in pre-revenue companies?
Yes, for this cohort, we encourage you to apply. Our focus is on supporting startups with an existing MVP and some level of usage to build traction and scale further.
Do I need to provide any other additional documents for my application?
Yes. Required items include: a founder video (a short video of the founder speaking about the solution, shared via an accessible YouTube link), a link to your pitch deck, a link to your product demo and your pilot plan.
We have different EdTech Solutions in our startup. Can we submit multiple solutions for the program?
No. You may submit only one application. Please apply with one solution that aligns with the program’s thematic areas.
Do you need to have a registered company before applying?
This is strongly encouraged. Due diligence will be done at the final stage of the interview process to verify this.
What is the recommended team size?
We understand that at this stage, you might have a lean team but we recommend at least 3 team members with diverse expertise covering critical areas for building your solution.
Do I need to know someone at iHUB or be an iHUB member to apply?
No. The application process is free, transparent, and open to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria. You do not need to know anyone at iHUB or be a member to apply. Personal connections, payments, or favours do not influence selection. If you experience any inappropriate conduct, you can report it confidentially via the Deloitte Tip-offs Anonymous platform. https://tip-offs.deloitte.com.ng/report
How can I find out more if I have additional questions?
Visit our website futureoflearning.ihub.co.ke
You can also email us at edtech@ihub.co.ke and follow @iHUB on social media for updates. We will also host information sessions and office hours before the application deadline.
