Twelve innovative Kenyan ed-tech startups have been selected to join the third cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, a six-month acceleration programme managed by iHub Kenya. The initiative provides each venture with up to US $100,000 in equity-free funding, mentorship, and post-programme advisory over 12 months.
Initiated in 2019, the Fellowship supports ed-tech startups across Africa, offering critical business support, product validation, teacher training, market research, and access to networks across the education ecosystem.Over six months, selected teams receive tailored guidance to refine their solutions, expand market reach, and deepen educational impact, followed by a year of advisory support. Each venture is eligible for up to US $100,000 in non-dilutive funding, enabling rapid iteration without giving up equity.
This year’s cohort includes seven ventures founded or co-led by women, reinforcing the Fellowship’s commitment to gender diversity:
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LeadNow by Dignitas – Upskills teachers/school leaders through data-driven coaching.
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Cloud School System – Automates school administration and payments.
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Elimu Shop – Offers gamified math and science learning.
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iFunza – AI platform for personalized learning, school finance, and curriculum support.
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Infoney Solutions Limited – Combines digital content, smart devices, and teacher training.
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M-Lugha Technologies – Literacy/numeracy learning in indigenous languages.
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Nyansapo AI – AI-powered assessments that aim to double learning outcomes.
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Bigbrainz Solutions Limited – Provides school management software and STEM education tools.
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Verb Education – Simplifies record-keeping and supports competency-based teaching.
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AHAINNOVATE – Solar-powered, offline interactive learning systems for children.
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Zydii – B2B micro-learning content via WhatsApp and other platforms.
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Digifunzi – Integrates robotics, AI, and coding into school curricula.
Nissi Madu, Managing Partner at iHub Kenya said:
“Welcoming our third cohort is a proud moment…. We intentionally sought ventures with strong potential and a commitment to gender diversity.”.
Rodwell Mangisi, Acting Director at the Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning said:
“We need to accelerate solutions that serve even those out‑of‑school young people…when we design with the end user in mind, the business case … is more scalable, sustainable and impactful.”.
Fellows benefit from product evaluation, pedagogy certification, and market access support across East Africa. Over half of the selected startups are women-led—an essential step toward equitable innovation. Earlier cohorts have reached hundreds of thousands of learners, onboarded schools, and helped bridge education quality gaps.
By supporting these 12 dynamic startups, the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is reinforcing Kenya’s ecosystem for scalable and inclusive educational innovation. With mentorship, funding, and strategic backing, this cohort is poised to significantly enhance learning outcomes and access across the region.
For more information visit the website.
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