Applications Are Now Open for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2025
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2025 is a prestigious program designed to support South Africa-based startups aiming to improve education through innovation. This fellowship offers a unique combination of direct grant funding, product evaluation, tailored market research, skills development, mentorship, and market access opportunities. Here are the details!
About the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is a six-month acceleration program that provides comprehensive support to growth-stage, impact-driven EdTech companies. The fellowship is organized in partnership with Injini, a local non-profit organization, and aims to enhance educational outcomes in South Africa by leveraging technology and innovation.
Fellowship Details
The fellowship kicks off on March 6th, 2025 and offers the following benefits:
1. Equity-free venture funding exceeding R1,000,000.
2. Comprehensive support from education innovation, fundraising, impact measurement, and business strategy experts.
3. Pedagogical evaluation and certification through collaborations with EdTech Impact and Education Alliance Finland.
4. Bespoke market research from Injini’s education innovation researchers.
5. Access to Sponsored Skills, offering external consultant expertise for specific business needs.
6. Networking opportunities and learning exchanges with leading ecosystem contributors and industry experts.
7. Access to courses and office hours with Carnegie Mellon University’s Human-Computer Interaction Institute faculty.
Eligibility Criteria
The typical participating EdTech company in the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Program fits the following profile:
Addresses a substantial market opportunity with a focus on South Africq
Post-revenue, growth-stage startup (annual revenue likely exceeding R1,000,000). If the applicant is a non profit entity, grant funding constitutes annual revenue;
Has the potential to reach 8,000 direct learners within one year of program participation
Led by a diverse team with a strong understanding of the context in which they operate - we're especially excited to support inspiring female founders and leadership teams.
Application Process
Applications for the fellowship are open until December 8, 2024.
Interested startups can apply through the official fellowship webpage.
ℹ️ Applications are reviewed and the top 25 will be selected on a rolling basis, therefore, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
The selection process focuses on the potential impact of the EdTech solutions and the commitment of the applicants to drive meaningful change in the education sector.
🗓️ Program Timeline
Applications close: 8 December 2024
Top 25 online interviews: 22 Jan - 13 Feb 2025
Top 18 pitch live in Cape Town: 19 - 20 Feb 2025
Official Program Kick-Off Event: 6 Mar 2025
Useful Application Documents
🌐 To submit your application and read further information, click button below.
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