African innovators developing technology to transform education now have a powerful opportunity to scale, refine, and grow their solutions. The Future of Learning EdTech Fellowship – Cohort 4 is a competitive accelerator for early-stage education technology startups building products that enhance learning outcomes, especially for underserved learners across the continent. Supported by iHUB in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, this Fellowship offers funding, mentorship, technical support, and connections to global investors to help transform and expand impactful EdTech ventures.
The goal of the Fellowship is to strengthen the future of learning by empowering EdTech startups that address real educational challenges — from inclusive tools for learners with disabilities to tech that supports teachers, caregivers, and school systems. By participating in the program, innovators get access to resources that help refine product design, validate market fit, and accelerate growth.
What the EdTech Fellowship Offers
Participants accepted into Cohort 4 of the Future of Learning EdTech Fellowship receive a suite of support designed to accelerate the development and impact of their education technology solutions:
- Equity-free funding — Selected startups will receive up to $100,000 in non-equity funding to support product development, scaling strategies, and operational growth throughout the program period.
- Mentorship and technical support — Startups gain direct access to expert mentors across technology, product design, learning science, business strategy, and marketing.
- Connections to investors and ecosystem partners — Through iHUB’s network and Mastercard Foundation connections, participating ventures build relationships that help them attract follow-on capital and market opportunities.
- Peer community and learning — Fellowship members join a cohort of like-minded EdTech innovators, creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and shared growth.
Startups in previous cohorts credit the program’s mentorship, strategic support, and network access with enhancing their product offerings, strengthening go-to-market strategies, and even securing new partnerships or funding. Startups have also used the guidance to refine their educational content, broaden user adoption, and boost impact across Kenya and the wider African learning ecosystem.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Education technology is transforming how learners access information, engage with content, and participate in modern learning environments. In many parts of Africa, EdTech innovations are closing gaps left by traditional systems — especially for learners with limited resources, those in remote or conflict-affected areas, and those with disabilities.
However, building a sustainable EdTech company requires more than a strong product idea. Ventures need strategic guidance, business development support, investment readiness, and traction-oriented mentoring — all of which the Future of Learning EdTech Fellowship provides. By equipping startups with tools and networks, the program helps ensure that promising solutions can grow beyond pilot stages and build lasting impact.
In past cohorts, ventures have achieved significant milestones. For example, an earlier cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship supported startups that reached hundreds of thousands of learners, strengthened institutional adoption, and expanded access to personalized digital schooling across Kenya.
The emphasis on inclusive design, learning science, and real-world scalability ensures that Kenya’s and Africa’s education systems benefit from innovations that are both locally relevant and globally competitive.
Who Should Apply
The Fellowship is open to early-stage EdTech startups that meet the following criteria:
- Africa-focused solutions — Products should be designed to address educational challenges across African contexts, including K-12 learning, post-secondary education, vocational training, or out-of-school learning.
- Incorporated in Kenya — Startups must be formally registered in Kenya to qualify.
- User-focused impact — The solution must demonstrate alignment with improving learner access, teacher effectiveness, school management, or other education outcomes.
- Inclusive teams encouraged — Teams with gender balance and diverse perspectives — particularly female founders — are strongly encouraged to apply.
This Fellowship is ideal for founders who are ready to transition from early proof of concept to scaling solutions that reach broader markets and deeper impact.
Application Timeline and How to Apply
Applications for Cohort 4 of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship opened in February 2026. At the end of the application period, a selection process will identify up to twelve EdTech startups to join the Fellows for the 12-month accelerator program.
Applications close: 10 April 2026
Interested founders can submit their applications and learn more at the official Future of Learning website.
Looking for more opportunities? Check out the Opportunities for Youth website!
