The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026 (Cohort 3), delivered in partnership with EdVentures, is a transformative acceleration program designed to scale growth-stage EdTech startups in Egypt while driving inclusive, technology-enabled learning across Africa.

This 7–8 month fellowship empowers startups to expand market reach, strengthen business models, and increase access to digital education solutions—particularly for women, youth (18–35), refugees, and people with disabilities.

The program offers equity-free funding of up to $60,000, expert mentorship, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) learning sessions, in-kind business services, and two years of post-program support.

Program Overview: Scaling EdTech for Impact Across Africa

The Fellowship aims to revolutionize the MENA EdTech ecosystem through:

• Digital innovation

• Inclusive education solutions

• Youth empowerment

• Sustainable job creation

• Gender equity

• African-led entrepreneurship

It aligns with the strategic goals of the Mastercard Foundation and EdVentures to drive long-term transformation in education systems while strengthening entrepreneurship in Egypt with an African focus.

Key Program Details

Duration: 7–8 months
Post-Program Support: 2 years
Location Requirement: Incorporated in Egypt
Eligible Founders: African origin or residing in Africa
Funding: Equity-free grant of up to $59,600–$60,000
Stage: Growth-stage EdTech startups

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to:

• EdTech startups incorporated in Egypt

• Growth-stage startups operating for at least three years

• Startups with a developed product and post-revenue status

• Market-ready and scalable EdTech solutions

• Founders of African origin or residing in Africa

• Youth founders aged 18–35 (preferred)

• Women-led startups (preferred)

The program strongly encourages solutions focused on inclusion, particularly those serving:

• Women and girls

• Young people

• Refugees

• People with disabilities

Fellowship Benefits

Selected startups receive:

Mentorship Opportunities
Guidance from experienced industry leaders and business experts.

Training Sessions
Structured growth-focused learning including business scaling strategies.

Science of Learning Courses
Specialized learning modules to strengthen education technology design.

Networking Events
Access to investors, partners, and ecosystem leaders.

Equity-Free Grant
Up to $60,000 in non-dilutive funding.

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Support
Advanced knowledge-sharing sessions and growth advisory.

In-Kind Services

• Marketing services

• Legal services

• Cloud services

• Studio services

• Fintech solutions

• Media & PR support

• Partner matchmaking

Program Structure and Journey

The Fellowship journey includes:

1. Application submission

2. Screening and shortlisting

3. Initial interviews

4. Intensive Bootcamp (3 days outside Cairo at a reputed hotel)

5. Final presentations and pitch

6. Official onboarding into the program

7. 7–8 month acceleration phase

8. Two years of post-program support

The program incorporates milestone-driven monitoring and evaluation to ensure measurable growth outcomes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What is the selection process like?

The selection process includes:

• Application Screening

• Initial Interview

• Bootcamp Phase

• Final Pitch Presentation

• Official Program Entry

What is EdTech?

EdTech refers to technology-based tools, platforms, and solutions designed to enhance education systems, teaching methods, learning experiences, and institutional effectiveness.

What criteria are used to evaluate applicants?

Applicants are evaluated based on:

• The problem being solved

• Innovation and technology uniqueness

• Market potential

• Team expertise

• Scalability

• Alignment with program goals

• Social impact

What is the objective of the program?

The Fellowship aims to empower growth-stage EdTech startups to scale operations and increase access to technology-enabled learning, with emphasis on women, youth, refugees, and people with disabilities.

What are the eligibility criteria?

Startups must:

• Be incorporated in Egypt

• Have operated for at least 3 years

• Be growth-stage with MVP and post-revenue

• Offer scalable EdTech solutions

• Preferably be women-led

• Preferably have youth founders (18–35)

• Encourage inclusive education models

What resources will participants receive?

Participants receive:

• Mentorship

• Workshops

• CMU sessions

• Networking

• In-kind services

• Equity-free grant funding

• Post-program support

How is the program structured?

The program includes:

• Workshops

• Knowledge-sharing sessions

• Mentorship

• Networking

• Monitoring & Evaluation support

What is the program duration?

7–8 months, plus two years of post-program support.

Where will the Bootcamp take place?

Outside Cairo for three days in a reputed hotel.

What stage should my startup be in?

Growth-stage with developed product and post-revenue.

Can I be a solo founder?

Solo founders may apply, but teams with at least two co-founders and gender diversity are preferred.

Application Deadline

No specific deadline is publicly stated. Applications are currently open.

APPLY HERE

For more information about the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, click HERE

Visit HERE for more fellowship opportunities.