iHUB and Mastercard Foundation Open Applications for 4th EdTech Fellowship Cohort

In a significant boost to Kenya’s "Silicon Savannah" and its burgeoning education technology sector, iHUB, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has officially opened applications for the fourth cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship. This 12-month acceleration program is designed to identify and scale high-potential, early-stage startups that are developing innovative solutions to bridge the educational gap for underserved communities across Kenya. The fellowship is structured as a comprehensive support system for edtech entrepreneurs. For the 2026 cycle, 12 Kenyan startups will be selected to receive $100,000 each in equity-free funding—a rare and highly sought-after form of capital that allows founders to retain full ownership of their companies while scaling. Beyond the financial injection, the fellows will benefit from specialized mentorship, technical assistance tailored to product development, and direct access to a robust network of global and regional ecosystem partners. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to ensuring that quality education remains inclusive and equitable. By focusing on startups that target underserved learners, the program aims to address systemic barriers to education through localized technology, such as offline learning platforms, mobile-first literacy tools, and affordable digital classroom management systems. The curriculum is specifically designed to strengthen business models, ensuring these startups move from pilot phases to long-term sustainability and measurable social impact. Applications for Cohort 4 are currently open and will remain so until March 26, 2026. Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply through iHUB’s "Future of Learning" platform. Since its inception, the fellowship has become a critical pipeline for African edtech, with previous alumni successfully reaching thousands of students and securing follow-on investment from international venture capital firms. Why This Matters Capital without Dilution: The $100,000 equity-free grant provides critical "runway" for early-stage founders without the pressure of giving up company shares. Inclusive Education: Directly incentivizes the creation of tech solutions for students who are often overlooked by mainstream commercial edtech. Ecosystem Maturity: Strengthens Nairobi’s position as a regional hub for specialized tech acceleration (EdTech, AgriTech, FinTech). Scaling Potential: Access to the Mastercard Foundation network provides startups with a "stamp of credibility" that is invaluable for future fundraising. Opportunity Sector EdTech, Software Development, Digital Content Creation, Impact Investing, Social Entrepreneurship. Follow @MotoSeenAfrica for more updates on business, trade, investments, opportunities and economic growth across Africa. Moto Seen Africa — Africa’s View, Seen Clearly. #EdTechFellowship #iHUB #MastercardFoundation #KenyaStartups #FutureOfLearning #EducationInnovation #EquityFree #NairobiTech