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Application Deadline: April 10th, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 CcHub-Mastercard Foundation Edtech Fellowship Programme. CcHUB in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation is calling for applications for the 4th cohort of the EdTech Fellowship focused on supporting early-stage innovators developing inclusive, context-relevant solutions that improve learning outcomes and expand access to education for underserved learners. Selected innovators will receive structured support to strengthen their solutions, improve implementation readiness, and expand their reach.
Requirements
This programme is for Edtech Startups who are:
- Building for Learners Living with Disabilities
- Building Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and Underserved or Rural Communities
- Building Solutions for young girls and women
- Building for National and Subnational Education Data Systems
Eligibility Requirements
Identify if your startup is the right fit for our inclusive education cohort in Nigeria. We are looking for founders building the future of accessible learning.
Business Registration
- Your startup must be legally incorporated in Nigeria, with physical presence in Nigeria.
Nigerian Ownership
- The company must be majority Nigerian-owned.
Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- Be early-stage with either a Prototype (testable build with evidence of early user testing), or an MVP (functional product with verifiable users)
Inclusion Focus
- Have an inclusive team, with a commitment to gender balance and be building an EdTech solution aligned with one of Cohort 4’s four thematic areas.
Benefits
Selected fellows will benefit from:
- $100,000 in Equity-free funding
- Product development and inclusive design support
- Mentorship from experts in education, technology and innovation
- Access to ecosystem partners and implementation opportunities
- Strategic guidance to strengthen impact, sustainability and growth
Program Structure
Phase 1: Incubation phase
Startups will undergo a 12-month incubation process with deep technical and implementation support.
Learning Science
Adopting evidenced-based pedagogical principles
Human-Centered Design
Inclusive design practices with target demographics
User Research
Special education, gender inclusion, education systems, and policy.
Product Development
Test solutions in real contexts and strengthen readiness for adoption.
Phase 2: Post-Incubation phase
Following incubation, startups will receive six months of follow-on support focused on growth and sustainability.
Go-to-Market Strategy
Refining business models, pricing, and user acquisition pathways.
Investment Readiness
Workshops and mentorship to prepare for fundraising and pitch to investors.
Distribution & Partnerships
Participation in visibility platforms such as the EdTech Festival, and introductions to key distribution and implementation partners.
Branding & Marketing
Strategic communications support to strengthen brand identity and user trust.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be reviewed in 3 stages
1. Assessment
In this stage, the Edtech solutions will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Problem/Solution Fit
- Founder Potential
- Business Model Fit
- Traction
2. Evaluation
Selected EdTech solutions from the first stage will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Scalability
- Long-term plan / Vision
- Competitive Advantage
- Team Potential
3. Interviews
The final stage will be an interview with applicants who have successfully gone through the assessment stage. A final selection will then be made, subject to due diligence.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the CcHub-Mastercard Foundation Edtech Fellowship Programme
