Mastercard EdTech Fellowship Offers $70,000 in Grants – Apply Now
Education technology startups in Uganda can now apply for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Uganda Cohort 2.
This is a 12-month business acceleration programme offering up to $70,000 in equity-free funding, mentorship and tailored business support to help innovative ventures scale their impact.
Implemented by Hive Colab in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the fellowship targets locally founded and locally led EdTech businesses that are already operating, have developed functional products and demonstrated market traction, and are seeking to expand access to quality and inclusive education.
The programme aims to strengthen education technology enterprises, improve digital learning solutions and support innovations that address educational challenges in Uganda, particularly among underserved communities.
About the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is a growth-focused initiative designed to support education technology ventures in Uganda to build sustainable businesses while improving teaching and learning outcomes.
The second cohort seeks startups that have moved beyond the idea stage and are ready to strengthen their business models, improve their products and expand their reach.
Selected businesses will participate in a structured acceleration programme designed to improve operational efficiency, product development, financial sustainability and educational impact.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Successful applicants will receive the following support:
- Equity-free grants: Up to $70,000 in milestone-based funding to support business growth without requiring founders to surrender ownership of their companies.
- 12-month business support: Structured acceleration focused on strengthening business operations, product development and sustainable growth.
- Mentorship and coaching: One-on-one guidance from experienced professionals and industry experts.
- Technical assistance: Support to improve product quality, implementation and technology development.
- Market access and partnerships: Opportunities to connect with educational institutions, government agencies and ecosystem partners.
- Learning impact support: Guidance on measuring educational outcomes and improving learning experiences.
- Investment readiness: Assistance with business strategy, fundraising preparation and long-term sustainability.
- Post-fellowship support: Up to 24 additional months of support focused on market expansion, fundraising and business development.
The funding is milestone-based, meaning grants are disbursed according to agreed business or programme targets.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to eligible education technology ventures that meet the following criteria:
1. Locally founded and locally led
The business must be founded and led by Ugandans, with leadership and key decision-making rooted in Uganda.
2. Growth-stage business
Applicants must be at the early-revenue, growth or scaling stage. Idea-stage and pre-revenue startups are not eligible.
3. Working product and demonstrated traction
The venture must have an existing EdTech product or platform and evidence of market traction, such as active users, paying customers, revenue, institutional partnerships or sustained deployment.
4. Operating in Uganda
The business must be operating in Uganda, with the majority of its learners or users based in the country.
5. Education-focused solution
The venture must use technology as a core component of learning delivery and demonstrate how its solution improves teaching, learning or educational outcomes.
6. Inclusive learning approach
Priority will be given to ventures addressing the needs of underserved learners, including:
- Young people and girls.
- Learners with disabilities.
- Refugees and displaced communities.
- Students in rural and low-connectivity areas.
- Learners from low-income communities.
Required Application Documents
Interested applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Certificate of incorporation: A legal registration document or equivalent proof of business registration.
- Pitch deck: A presentation outlining the business, educational problem, solution, target market, business model, traction and growth strategy.
- Product demonstration video: A video of no more than five minutes showing how the EdTech product works. Applicants should provide a YouTube, Vimeo or Google Drive link with viewing access enabled.
- Safeguarding or child protection policy: A gender, safeguarding or child protection policy, if available.
Applicants will also be required to provide information about their founders, team, revenue, users, partnerships, funding history, learning outcomes and data protection practices.
How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Uganda Cohort 2
Eligible education technology ventures can apply online by following these steps:
- Visit the official application portal.
- Read the eligibility criteria and programme requirements carefully.
- Complete the application form with details about the business, founding team, product and target beneficiaries.
- Provide evidence of traction, including users, customers, partnerships and revenue.
- Explain how the venture improves learning outcomes and supports underserved communities.
- Upload the required business registration document and pitch deck.
- Submit a link to the product demonstration video and provide relevant safeguarding information.
- Review the application thoroughly and submit it before the deadline.
Application Portal: https://ims.hivecolab.com/submit-application?opportunity_id=5
Application Deadline
November 26, 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early and ensure all required information is provided.
Is There an Application Fee?
No. Application to the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is completely free. The organisers have cautioned applicants against paying individuals or organisations claiming to guarantee admission or access to funding.
For enquiries regarding eligibility and the application process, contact:
- Email: edtech@hivecolab.com
- Phone: +256 392 177 978
Apply Now
Ugandan education technology entrepreneurs with innovative, market-ready solutions and demonstrated impact can apply for the second cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship through the official portal:
Apply for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Uganda Cohort 2
