The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship
SCALING INNOVATIVE GROWTH-STAGE EDTECH ENTERPRISES
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is a 3-year catalytic acceleration program designed to bridge the education gap for underserved young people in Ethiopia. Reach for Change, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, will support the scaling of three cohorts, each comprising 12 EdTech enterprises, specifically targeting initiatives that enhance inclusive learning in Ethiopia. This support will be provided through coaching, funding, networking, and post-acceleration support for two years. Additionally, we will focus on cultivating cross-sector collaborations and enhancing Ethiopia's national ecosystem and policy for EdTech products and solutions.
Unleashing the power of technology for education
Inclusive education for all children in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, access to quality education remains a challenge for many. Technology has the power to revolutionize education and provide access to quality education for all children, regardless of their background or circumstances. Local EdTech entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to develop inclusive education solutions by building on existing technologies and adapting them to the needs of the Ethiopian educational sector. EdTech Fellows will be selected for their potential to address the diverse needs of underserved communities.
Applicants must be growth-stage oganisations, incorporated in Ethiopia, (co-)owned by an entrepreneur of Ethiopian nationality. A variety of legal forms will be considered: from non-profits to profitable companies.
The entrepreneur must offer a new tech-based educational solution. It must have been implemented with the primary target group and running for at least 2 years. The organisation must be able to demonstrate the potential for impact by presenting results.
The entrepreneur must have an ambition to scale the solution to a significant share of the target group, and should have identified a potential way to do it. We are keen to support solutions that have the potential to reach 8,000 direct learners within one year of program participation.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they are currently able to generate revenue and that they are committed to and on track to identify a sustainable business model, that will permit them to dedicate resources to pursue impact scaling.
Applying organizations must have a diverse team that understands the local context to influence policy and systems change. A clear project owner who will be responsible for the scaling of the solution and will take part in all activities in the program is required.
The Award Fund
Group-based peer learning sessions with fellow EdTech entrepreneurs
Access to science of learning courses from Carnegie Mellon University
Visibility for your work through impactful storytelling
Equity-free funding of USD 60,000 for each entreprise
Useful Information
If you have any questions, please contact Abel Geberemeskel, Program Officer, at: [email protected]
Highlights from the Kick-Off Event
First Cohort 2024
Muya Space
Hiwot Zelalem
Muya Space provides TVET services for children, youth, and marginalised communities in Ethiopia. They offer an interactive online platform connecting learners with skilled artisans through video tutorials and live chat.
Koderlab Training Centre
Hermela Fikre
The centre addresses limited access to IT education in Ethiopia. They offer software and hardware training, online classes, and workshops to empower students with essential digital skills.
Kuraz Tech
Bisrategebriel Fisseha & Biruk Mamo
The organization is addressing unequal access and outdated methods in Ethiopian education with a comprehensive suite of EdTech platforms prioritizing affordability, accessibility, personalization, and inclusive support.
Second Cohort 2025
ECP Consultancy
Abel Kebede
The organization focuses on improving English proficiency among high school and university students, helping them access opportunities in education and careers.
EduTech ICT Solutions PLC
Gurmu Tadesse
Curriculum-aligned digital tools and exam preparation resources to supplement in-person learning for grades 9-12.
Geez Education & Training (GET)
Tewelde Zemichael & Biniam Melkamu Hagos
An organization bridges Ethiopia's digital skills gap through tailored EdTech platforms, an LMS, and digital skills training programs focused on empowering youth and underserved communities with skills for meaningful employment and entrepreneurship.
About us
Reach for Change
Reach for Change is a global non-profit organization unleashing the power of local social entrepreneurs for children and youth.
The Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation seeks a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper.