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Applications Open for the 2025 Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship
- Nov 28, 2024
- 2 min read
Injini, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, has officially opened applications for the 2025 Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship. This exciting opportunity invites growth-stage EdTech companies committed to transforming educational outcomes in South Africa to apply before December 8, 2024.
What is the Fellowship About?
This six-month program, beginning in April 2025, is tailored to support South African start-ups that use innovation to address educational challenges. Fellows gain access to a comprehensive package of resources, including:
Direct grant funding exceeding R1 million, equity-free.
Customized market research and pedagogical evaluation.
Skills development and one-on-one mentorship.
Networking opportunities with key industry players and experts.
Access to specialized training with partners like Carnegie Mellon University’s Human-Computer Interaction Institute.
This program also emphasizes collaboration, enabling start-ups to forge partnerships with the Mastercard Foundation and other key stakeholders in the education and innovation ecosystem.
Proven Impact of the Fellowship
The previous cohorts of the Fellowship delivered remarkable outcomes. For instance:
Start-ups from the 2023 cohort impacted 1.9 million new learners during their acceleration phase.
Fellows reported significant growth in sales, profits, and funding opportunities.
Strategic alliances and partnerships, supported by the Fellowship, enhanced scalability and sustainability.
The program has been especially effective in reaching underserved groups, including rural communities, women and girls, youth, and individuals with disabilities.
Insights from Injini and Mastercard Foundation Leaders
Krista Davidson, Executive Director of Injini, highlights the program's transformative impact:
“The success of our 2024 EdTech Fellowship reaffirmed our commitment to fostering innovation in Africa’s education sector. As we launch the 2025 Fellowship, we look forward to supporting another cohort of entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of learning across the continent.”
Rodwell Mangisi, Acting Director at the Mastercard Foundation’s Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning, adds:
“This initiative is closing gaps in access and quality, prioritizing relevance and sustainability. Over 140 EdTech companies have been accelerated since 2020. We aim to build on this momentum to ensure even greater impact for underserved learners.”
How to Apply
EdTech entrepreneurs passionate about driving change in South Africa’s education landscape are encouraged to apply. Don’t miss this opportunity to join a network of innovators shaping the future of learning.
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