iHUB Kenya has concluded the acceleration of Cohort 3 of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship for the twelve EdTech startups, 75 percent led by women founders.
The 12 startups went through an eight month acceleration with tools and mentors to enhance their applicability in classrooms and communities to expand access for learners in low-connectivity and under-resourced areas.
According to Nissi Madu, Managing Partner at iHUB, “Through the Fellowship, we’re seeing a new generation of African innovators redefning what equitable and impactful education can look like. As we move into the post-programme phase, we’re excited to continue supporting these startups as they scale their solutions to reach millions of learners and drive lasting improvements in learning outcomes across Kenya.”
Since its inception, the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, implemented by iHUB, has supported 36 EdTech companies that have collectively reached over 580,000 learners, empowered over 8,800 educators, and engaged 2,000 schools across Kenya.
The startups have also extended access to 2,000 learners with hearing and visual disabilities, illustrating how inclusive innovation can close long-standing gaps in the education ecosystem.
The 2025 cohort include AHA Innovate, Cloud School System, Digifunzi, Digiskool, Dignitas, Elimu Shop, iFunza, Infoney Solutions, M-Lugha, Nyansapo AI, Verb Education, and Zydii,
From AI-powered adaptive learning platforms that tailor lessons to individual student needs, to solar-powered ofine classrooms that enable learning in regions without reliable internet connectivity, each solution addresses a critical barrier in access to education, proving that when technology is localized and inclusive, it can be transformative.
Over the next year, iHUB will continue to support Cohort 3 startups through post-program advisory, mentorship, and access to capital, helping them scale sustainably and strengthen their impact.
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship aims to strengthen Africa’s EdTech ecosystem and to increase access to inclusive, relevant education beyond the classroom.
The Fellowship supports African innovators looking to solve the continent’s education challenges through afordable, technology-enabled learning for all, especially young people including learners with disabilities, those in refugee and displaced persons settlements as well as young people in marginalized communities. Beyond Kenya, the Fellowship is being implemented in eleven other countries in Africa.
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