Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Welcomes Third Batch, Offers Up to $60K for Startups!

EdVentures, the investment arm of Nahdet Misr initiative, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, has just announced that applications are now open for the third batch of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship! This special program is all about accelerating EdTech startups and helping them grow both locally and across the region.

The Program

This program offers a fantastic blend of fellowship and acceleration for promising African EdTech startups. It has a special focus on supporting learners in areas that need it most, and empowering young people and women. The main goal is to help these companies expand their reach and boost their educational impact by providing crucial funding, expert mentorship, and strong professional networks.

Awesome Benefits and Perks

* **Non-Refundable Funding:** You could get up to $60,000 for your company, and you won't have to give up any equity! * **Mentorship and Guidance:** Enjoy one-on-one sessions with top industry experts and business model gurus. * **Academic and Technical Support:** Get access to specialized courses in "Learning Sciences" to make sure your educational products are super effective. * **Networking:** Connect with investors, strategic partners, and major educational institutions. * **Support Services:** Receive help with marketing, public relations, legal services, and cloud computing. * **Program Duration:** It's an intensive 7 to 8 months of acceleration, followed by a full year of support and follow-up to ensure your growth is sustainable.

Who Can Apply? (Admission Criteria)

* Your company needs to be registered and operating in Egypt, or at least focused on the Egyptian market. * You should be in the Growth Stage, meaning you have a ready product and an active user base. * **Operational Age:** Ideally, your company should have been operating for 3 years or more. * **Priority:** We're especially looking for applications from young people and women between 18 and 35 years old. * You must offer an innovative and scalable solution in education technology.

Program Achievements So Far (Up to 2026)

According to reliable reports, the program, through EdVentures, has supported about 23 startups in its two previous batches by early 2026. The solutions from these companies have already reached over 410,000 new learners in Egypt! Regionally, the program aims to support 250 EdTech companies and reach 1.8 million young Africans by the end of 2025/2026. Data shows that 50% of the supported companies were led by women or young people, and women made up about 61% of the final beneficiaries of the solutions provided. In February 2026, the program hosted a Demo Day for its second batch, featuring 12 startups working in areas like basic education, workforce readiness, and inclusive tools for people with disabilities.