Twelve Kenyan EdTech startups have received a significant boost in their mission to revolutionize education. Through the MasterCard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Programme, each startup has secured $100,000 ($1.2 million total) to scale their innovative solutions and improve learning outcomes across Kenya.

This timely funding comes as the country actively pursues the digitization of its education system, recognizing the potential of technology to address learning challenges and equip learners with essential skills.

The selected startups emerged from a rigorous selection process conducted by iHub Kenya. They impressed the judges with their unique solutions addressing learning gaps across early childhood education, formal schooling, and even the corporate world.

MasterCard Foundation Lead for Strategic Partnership, Suraj Shah, expressed his optimism about the program’s impact, stating, “The programme is expected to reach at least 2 million learners by 2026.” He further emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to supporting EdTech innovation across Africa, stating plans to empower 12 tech hubs and reach 250 EdTech companies within three years.

The program offers more than just funding. The startups have undergone an intensive acceleration program designed to enhance their products, talent, and distribution strategies. This comprehensive support ensures the solutions are grounded in the science of learning and effectively reach a wider audience.

iHub Managing Partner Nissi Madu highlighted the importance of learning outcomes, stating, “For us, the biggest focus is that these solutions actually lead to improving learning outcomes. We won’t improve learning outcomes if we are not adopting the science of learning and how the products themselves are designed.”

The first cohort of beneficiaries includes:

• FunKE Science
• LoHo Learning
• Angaza Elimu
• Snapplify
• Arifu
• Easy Elimu
• Elewa
• Kidato
• Ntemata
• Silabu
• Smart Brains Kenya
• Virtual Essence

These promising startups are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in Kenya. With the support of the EdTech Fellowship Programme, they are well-equipped to reach millions of learners and empower them with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the 21st century.