Ubongo, a Tanzanian Ed-tech startup that cuts across millions of families through accessible technology has emerged winner of the ‘Next Billion’ Edtech Prize. The competition was launched by The Varkey Foundation with aims to recognize technologies that makes an impact on education in low income countries and emerging worlds. The startup received a sum of 25,000 USD.
Ubongo uses the power of entertainment, the connectivity of mobile devices and the reach of mass media to deliver localized learning to Africans at both a low cost and massive scale. This is achieved through a variety of channels ranging from online to radio and TV – multi-channel players etc. cartoons are a central part of Ubongo’s storytelling approach.
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Nisha Ligon, Ubongo’s Chief Executive said “We’re delighted to have won the Next Billion Prize. We’re already having an impact reaching children but this award will mean we can do so much more. By 2022 we plan to reach 30 million children in Africa and our ultimate goal is to reach 440 million – every child in Africa.”
30 startups were selected to pitch for the ‘Next Billion’ Edtech Prize, which focuses on low income and emerging economies. The winners were chosen from six finalists which included FinEazy, Signa, and Sabaq. Delegates at The Global Education & Skills Forum voted for Ubongo out of the startup finalists which include PraxiLabs, and Dost. All three winners will be awarded $25,000 respectively.
The expert panel of judges was made up of venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, experts in Edtech and learning sciences, and senior education policy makers, who were led by TechCrunch Editor-at-Large Mike Butcher.