A major Kenyan technology hub has opened applications for its latest accelerator programme, targeting startups capable of tackling the continent’s most persistent education gaps.
The iHUB, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is seeking twelve early-stage companies for the fourth cohort of its EdTech Fellowship.
Successful applicants will join a 12-month programme designed to scale educational innovations through a combination of financial backing and expert mentorship.
Each of the twelve selected startups will receive $100,000 in equity-free funding. Furthermore, the year-long initiative provides technical support and vital introductions to ecosystem partners.
Applications for the programme opened on 27 February and are set to close on April 10, 2026. Interested entrepreneurs are invited to apply here.
While previous years have seen a broad range of participants, this fourth cohort is narrowing its lens.
The programme is specifically looking for “startups that can perform under constraints,” focusing on four key pillars: Tools for learners with disabilities, Solutions for displaced and conflict-affected communities, Gender-inclusive EdTech and Data systems integrated into real school workflows.
This strategic shift follows criticism that African EdTech has historically catered to affluent households with stable internet.
Conversely, this cohort aims to reach the “underserved learners” who constitute a significant portion of Africa’s student population but are often ignored by commercial interests.
Since the Fellowship launched in Kenya in 2023, the impact has been measurable. To date, iHUB has supported 36 companies across three cohorts.
“Collectively reached over 580,000 learners and worked with more than 2,000 schools.”
Beyond these figures, the programme has extended access to 2,000 learners with hearing and visual disabilities. Notable alumni include:
M-Lugha (Cohort 3): A platform delivering early-learning content in mother-tongue languages to bridge the gap for children who do not speak the primary language of instruction.
Zydii (Cohort 3): A mobile-first service providing digital training via WhatsApp, specifically designed for users with limited connectivity.
As the deadline approaches, the iHUB continues its effort to reshape the digital classroom into a more inclusive environment for every Kenyan student.