CcHub Mastercard Foundation Edtech Fellowship to Support Entrepreneurs. (access to up to $100,000 in non-equity grants)

The CcHub-Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Program is an entrepreneurship acceleration initiative designed to support promising African EdTech ventures. Implemented in partnership with innovation hubs and accelerators across Africa, the fellowship provides selected EdTech companies with critical business and financial support, as well as insights into the science of learning, preparing them for scale, sustainability, and impact. 

Applications for Cohort III of the program are currently open, with a deadline of January 31, 2025. Eligible startups must be Africa-focused and incorporated in Nigeria, building solutions that address challenges across K-12, tertiary education, and vocational skills training. Qualified startups are entitled to $100,000 in equity-free funding over the course of the accelerator program. 

Participants in the program receive exposure to a vibrant network of investors, coaching and mentoring by successful founders and experts, expert advisory across learning science, product development, marketing, sales, and talent management, access to a community of practice to test out products, networking opportunities with other founders building innovative solutions in EdTech, and access to up to $100,000 in non-equity grants. 

Interested EdTech startups can apply by visiting the Official Program Application Website before the application deadline. 

How to Succeed in Getting the CcHub Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Program

1. Understand the Program's Objectives:

Familiarize yourself with the fellowship's goals, which focus on supporting innovative EdTech solutions in Africa. Tailor your application to align with these objectives.

2. Demonstrate Innovation:

Highlight how your EdTech solution addresses critical challenges in education, such as access, quality, or scalability, especially within the African context. Unique and impactful ideas stand out.

3. Focus on Scalability and Sustainability:

Showcase a clear plan for scaling your solution to impact a broader audience. Include a sustainable business model that ensures long-term growth.

4. Highlight Team Expertise:

Emphasize your team’s skills, experience, and passion for education and technology. A strong, diverse team inspires confidence in your ability to execute your vision.

5. Provide Strong Evidence of Impact:

Include data or testimonials that demonstrate the effectiveness of your solution. If your solution has been piloted, share measurable outcomes.

6. Leverage Learning Science:

Integrate principles of learning science into your solution to make it evidence-based and effective. This aligns with the fellowship's emphasis on impactful education solutions.

7. Develop a Robust Application:

Pay close attention to the application requirements. Submit all necessary documents, including your business model, financial plan, and details about your target audience.

8. Showcase Market Fit:

Demonstrate that your solution meets the needs of its intended audience and has potential for adoption within the educational ecosystem.

9. Engage with the EdTech Community:

Network with other EdTech entrepreneurs and thought leaders. Participating in webinars or conferences related to EdTech can boost your visibility and knowledge.

10. Seek Feedback Before Submitting:

Share your application with mentors, advisors, or peers for constructive feedback. This can help refine your application and increase its competitiveness.

---

Impact of the CcHub Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Program

1. Equity-Free Funding:

Participants receive up to $100,000 in grants, which enables them to focus on growth without the pressures of equity dilution.

2. Access to Expertise:

Fellows gain mentorship and expert advisory in areas such as learning science, product development, marketing, and sales, enhancing their operational capacity.

3. Networking Opportunities:

The program connects fellows with a vibrant network of investors, partners, and other EdTech entrepreneurs, opening doors to collaborations and funding opportunities.

4. Enhanced Product Development:

Participants receive guidance to improve their solutions’ design, functionality, and user experience, making their products more competitive.

5. Market Readiness:

The program prepares startups for market entry and scaling, equipping them with tools to succeed in competitive environments.

6. Impact on Education:

The program’s support helps participants create solutions that improve access to quality education, fostering innovation and bridging learning gaps in Africa.

7. Global Recognition:

Being part of the fellowship enhances a startup’s credibility, attracting attention from global stakeholders in the EdTech space.

By successfully participating in the program, startups position themselves as leaders in the African EdTech sector, driving significant educational transformation across the continent.