Twelve Kenyan EdTech startups have been selected for the prestigious Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, receiving not only financial support but also a comprehensive package of resources to help them scale their impact.

This fellowship, run by iHub Nairobi in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is a game-changer for Kenya’s EdTech landscape. Each of the twelve startups will be awarded Ksh13.3 million (approximately $100,000) in equity-free funding.

iHub serves as a hacker space and innovation hub for Nairobi’s tech community. Founded in March 2010 by writer, TED fellow, and entrepreneur Erik Hersman, it was purchased by Co-creation Hub in 2019.

These funds will provide crucial resources to further develop and implement their innovative solutions aimed at improving access to quality education across all levels, from kindergarten to post-secondary education, vocational training, and even out-of-school learning programmes.

Meet the Changemakers: Diverse Solutions for Diverse Needs

From skilling up entrepreneurs and job seekers with Arifu’s interactive platforms to promoting a love of learning at home with Kidato’s engaging family space, these solutions cater to learners of all ages.

FunKe Science ignites a passion for science in young minds, while Lemfundo Technologies empowers students with a comprehensive K-12 online platform.

Teachers are not forgotten – Ntemata streamlines assessments and Angaza Elimu personalizes learning, while Silabu connects students with tutors and Smart Brains Kenya equips schools for in-house coding and robotics programs.

Loho Learning personalizes the learning journey, Snapplify provides a digital learning library, and Elewa invests in teachers through scalable professional development programs.

More Than Just Money: A Holistic Approach to Growth

The fellowship goes beyond just financial support. Throughout the programme, these startups will gain access to a supply of resources designed to accelerate their success. This includes:

Technical and advisory resources: Experts will provide guidance to help refine and strengthen their technological solutions.
Mentorship: Seasoned professionals will offer invaluable guidance and support.
Courses on the science of learning: Gaining a deeper understanding of learning methodologies will empower these startups to develop even more effective educational tools.
Global network: Connecting with a global network opens doors to collaboration and potential expansion opportunities.

Building on Success: Reaching Even More Learners

The Mastercard Foundation has a proven track record of success. Joseph Nsengimana, Director of the Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning, emphasised the impact of the 2023 cohort, reaching over 32,000 learners. The expectation is that this year’s group will achieve even greater results.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme

This programme empowers young Africans to pursue secondary or university education. It’s not a direct scholarship programme, but rather works through partner universities and NGOs. Here’s what you need to know:

Target: high-potential students from marginalised groups in Africa
Focus: Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees
Benefits: Covers university fees, living expenses, and other academic needs.
Application Process:

You apply directly to the university of your choice, not the Mastercard Foundation.
Each university has its own deadlines, requirements, and admissions process. Carefully research the programme details on the university’s website.
Be prepared to submit required documents such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and standardised tests (if required by the university).

Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Programme (Applications Closed for 2024)

This fellowship supports EdTech startups that are using technology to improve education across all levels in Africa.

Target: high-growth, high-impact EdTech startups
Focus: Innovative solutions for K–12, tertiary education, vocational training, and out-of-school learning
Benefits:
1. Ksh 13.3 million (around $100,000) in equity-free funding
2. Technical and advisory resources
3. Mentorship
4. Access to courses on the science of learning
5. A global network for collaboration and potential expansion

The Mastercard Foundation boasts a vast network of partner universities offering a diverse range of programmes. Here’s a look at the possibilities:

Undergraduate Studies:

American University of Beirut
Ashesi University College
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)
University of Abomey-Calavi
University of Gondar
EARTH University
Makerere University
USIU-A
African Leadership University
International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE)
University of Rwanda
University of Western Cape

Master’s Studies:

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
American University of Beirut
Arizona State University
Carnegie Mellon University Africa
McGill University
University of Oxford
Sciences Po
University of British Columbia
University of Cambridge
University of Cape Town
University of Edinburgh
University of Gondar
University of Pretoria
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
University of Toronto (U of T)
University of Western Cape

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

Head over to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme website at https://mastercardfdn.org/all/scholars/ to explore the programme in detail and discover the path to your academic dreams.

By providing financial resources, mentorship, and access to a global network, the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is fostering a wave of innovation that has the potential to transform how Kenyans of all ages learn and grow.

With this significant investment in Kenyan EdTech startups, the future of education in the country is looking bright.Stay tuned for updates on these promising startups and their journeys to transform education in Kenya and beyond!