CcHUB, Mastercard Foundation select 12 startups for fourth EdTech Fellowship cohort

As I sat in the bustling CcHUB offices in Lagos, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and optimism. The innovation hub, Nigeria's first, has been a beacon of hope for startups and entrepreneurs for years. And today, they were announcing the latest cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship. The 12 selected startups are evidence of the power of innovation and the potential for technology to drive positive change in education.

The EdTech Fellowship is an 18-month accelerator programme that supports early-stage education technology companies building solutions for learners. Each startup will receive up to $100,000 in equity-free funding, alongside structured technical assistance across product development, communications and business strategy. This year's cohort continues the Fellowship's focus on backing African EdTech startups, but with a specific emphasis on founders tackling barriers to education for learners with disabilities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), underserved and rural communities, girls and young women, as well as startups building education and workforce data systems.

According to Nissi Madu, managing partner at CcHUB, this year's cohort was designed around the belief that the most important decisions about inclusion are made at the earliest stages of innovation. "This cohort represents founders who are building with this understanding at the core of their solutions," she said. "Our role is to help them test, refine, and generate evidence for their solutions while building sustainable businesses that can scale their impact." This focus on inclusion is critical, as it acknowledges that education is not a one-size-fits-all solution. By supporting startups that are building solutions for marginalized communities, the EdTech Fellowship is helping to create a more equitable education system.

The 12 selected startups span four thematic focus areas. TrainDTrainer Ltd, Talktu, DAWN AI STUDY, and Efiwe are developing solutions for learners with disabilities. These startups are working to break down barriers and create inclusive education systems that cater to the needs of all learners. Ileemore Technologies Limited, Skillup Africa, and Lena are expanding access to education in underserved, rural, and displacement-affected communities. These startups are helping to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, ensuring that everyone has access to quality education.

Ribara Analytica is building data infrastructure to strengthen education planning and improve pathways from learning to employment. This is a critical area of focus, as data-driven education can help identify areas of improvement and inform policy decisions. By providing founders with media readiness support and stakeholder engagement infrastructure, the Fellowship is helping to increase the visibility of their work among partners, funders, and the communities they serve.

As I watched the CcHUB team present the EdTech Fellowship, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the future of education. The 12 selected startups are not just building solutions for learners; they are creating a more inclusive and equitable education system. With the Mastercard Foundation's support, these startups will have the resources and expertise they need to scale their impact and make a real difference in the lives of millions of learners.

• 12 Nigerian startups selected for the fourth cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship
• 18-month accelerator programme providing equity-free funding and technical assistance
• Focus on inclusion and supporting startups tackling barriers to education for marginalized communities
• Four thematic focus areas: learners with disabilities, underserved and rural communities, girls and young women, and education and workforce data systems

As the EdTech Fellowship continues to support innovation and entrepreneurship in education, I have no doubt that these 12 startups will make a lasting impact. They are the pioneers of a new generation of EdTech leaders, and their work will shape the future of education for years to come.

The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is a shining example of what can be achieved when innovation and philanthropy come together. By supporting startups that are building solutions for marginalized communities, the Fellowship is helping to create a more equitable education system. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of education, it is clear that innovative solutions like these will be critical to driving positive change.