Applications open for 2025 Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship

• Applications have now been opened for the 2025 Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship.
• The Fellowship is being handled in partnership with local non-profit Injini.
• Entrepreneurs selected for the Fellowship will go on a six-month program starting in April 2025.

If you’re a South African startup or entrepreneur interested in edtech, you should consider applying for the 2025 Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship.

Mastercard is partnering with local non-profit Injini on the initiative, and the pair have announced that applications are now open. They close soon on 8th December 2024, so those interested should apply as soon as possible.

“The Fellowship offers participating start-ups a unique combination of direct grant funding, product evaluation, tailored market research, skills development, mentorship, and market access opportunities,” the pair pointed out in a release sent to Hypertext.

“Through the Fellowship, the businesses, and entrepreneurs of the first two cohorts were empowered with various tools and resources tailored to their specific needs. This included resources to boost sales and profits and secure future funding opportunities. Notably, the program emphasised collaboration and facilitated partnerships with the Mastercard Foundation and other ecosystem players,” they added.

The Fellowship, which kicks off in April next year for accepted entrepreneurs, will also make the following resources available over the six-month long program:

• “Comprehensive support from education innovation, fundraising, impact measurement, and business strategy experts.
• Pedagogical evaluation and certification through collaborations with EdTech Impact and Education Alliance Finland.
• Bespoke market research from Injini’s education innovation researchers.
• Access to “Sponsored Skills,” offering external consultant expertise for specific business needs.
• Networking opportunities and learning exchanges with leading ecosystem contributors and industry experts.
• Access to courses and office hours with Carnegie Mellon University’s Human-Computer Interaction Institute faculty.
• A chance to contribute to the growing evidence base on effective EdTech solutions in Africa.
• Equity-free venture funding exceeding R1,000,000.”

Eligible edtech entrepreneurs are encouraged to learn more about the Fellowship, as well as apply here before 8th December 2024.

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