Deadline: April 10, 2026
The CcHub-Mastercard Foundation Edtech Fellowship Programme 2026 (Cohort IV) is now open for applications! This transformative initiative supports early-stage education technology (EdTech) startups that are creating innovative, inclusive, and scalable solutions to improve access to quality education for underserved learners in Nigeria.
Through this prestigious fellowship, selected startups will receive equity-free funding, product development support, mentorship, and access to an extensive network of partners dedicated to transforming education across Africa.
About the CcHub-Mastercard Foundation Edtech Fellowship Programme 2026 (Cohort IV)
The CcHub-Mastercard Foundation Edtech Fellowship Programme 2026 (Cohort IV) is designed to accelerate the growth of education technology ventures addressing critical educational challenges across Nigeria. The programme focuses on inclusive education and seeks to empower visionary founders who are leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes and ensure no learner is left behind.
The fellowship identifies, supports, and scales EdTech innovations that deliver real impact — whether through improved access to learning resources, data-driven education systems, or solutions tailored to the unique needs of marginalised learners.
Application Deadline
📅 Deadline: 10 April 2026
Interested startups must submit their applications before the closing date. Late entries will not be considered, so early application is strongly encouraged.
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is ideal for founders and startups who are passionate about creating inclusive and sustainable educational solutions. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be legally incorporated in Nigeria with a verifiable physical presence.
- Be majority Nigerian-owned.
- Have a prototype or minimum viable product (MVP) already developed, with evidence of user engagement.
- Be led by a balanced and inclusive team committed to educational impact.
Startups should also be addressing key educational challenges in any of the following areas:
- Learners living with disabilities
- Internally displaced persons (IDPs) and underserved/rural communities
- Young girls and women’s education
- Education data systems at national or subnational levels
What Selected Fellows Will Receive
Successful applicants will gain access to a wide range of benefits designed to strengthen and scale their EdTech ventures, including:
- 💰 $100,000 in equity-free funding to accelerate growth and impact.
- ⚙️ Product development and inclusive design support to refine and enhance user experience.
- 🧑🏫 Mentorship from seasoned experts in education, innovation, and technology.
- 🌍 Access to networks and strategic partners that can facilitate product deployment and expansion.
- 📈 Sustainability and growth support, including guidance on fundraising, business development, and long-term impact strategies.
Programme Structure
The fellowship runs through two major phases designed to equip startups for success:
- Incubation Phase – This intensive phase focuses on refining the product, business model, and impact measurement strategies. Startups receive hands-on mentorship, technical guidance, and access to implementation partners.
- Post-Incubation Support – Following incubation, selected ventures continue to receive tailored support for up to six months. This includes assistance with go-to-market strategies, partnerships, branding, investment readiness, and scaling.
Selection Process
The selection process for the CcHub-Mastercard Foundation Edtech Fellowship Programme 2026 (Cohort IV) is thorough and competitive. Applications go through three key stages:
- Assessment Phase – Review of the problem and solution fit, founders’ profiles, traction, and business model.
- Evaluation Phase – In-depth analysis of scalability, innovation, competitive advantage, and team capacity.
- Interview Stage – Final discussions with shortlisted applicants to determine suitability for the fellowship.
Why You Should Apply
This fellowship offers not just funding but a complete ecosystem of support for EdTech founders who aim to build lasting educational impact. It’s a chance to collaborate with industry leaders, gain visibility, and transform your idea into a solution that improves learning outcomes across Nigeria.
Key Takeaways
- Programme: CcHub-Mastercard Foundation Edtech Fellowship Programme 2026 (Cohort IV)
- Location: Nigeria
- Funding: $100,000 equity-free support
- Application Deadline: 10 April 2026
How to Apply
🚀 Apply here: Click to Apply Now
📘 Read more about the programme: Learn More Here
💡 Need expert help?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to strengthen your application and boost your chances of success.
