Quick Summary:
Twelve South African startups have been selected for the Injini Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship.
This program provides funding, mentorship, and market access to transform education.
With innovative solutions, these startups aim to bridge learning gaps and improve accessibility.
Their journey marks a step towards a brighter future for education in South Africa.
Empowering Innovation in Education
Twelve innovative South African startups have been selected for the third edition of the Injini Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship. This program aims to equip these startups with crucial funding and support to enhance their educational solutions.
About Injini and Its Mission
Founded in 2017, Injini is a registered non-profit organization and a member of the UVU Africa Group. It is the only ed-tech specialized accelerator in Africa, dedicated to improving education outcomes across Sub-Saharan Africa. Through its Injini Think Tank, the organization conducts research and develops programs to enhance education quality, accessibility, and relevance.
Partnership with the Mastercard Foundation
In 2023, Innovation Village reported that Injini partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to launch the EdTech Fellowship, specifically targeting South African startups. This initiative provides selected startups with:
- Direct grant funding
- Comprehensive product evaluations
- Skill development and mentorship
- Market research and access to new markets
Meet the 2024 Fellowship Cohort
Following a rigorous selection process, Injini has announced its third cohort, featuring a diverse group of startups focused on transforming education. The selected startups include:
- EduFeArn
- Edulution Learning
- Edutech Institute
- Huddle Education
- Keller Education
- Limu
- OLICO Maths Education
- OURS
- SchoolAdvisor
- Thuma Mina Teaching
- TechWays
- Thooto
Tailored Support for Long-Term Impact
Like previous cohorts, these startups will receive customized support aimed at expanding market access and reaching underserved learners. The program will also focus on:
- Measuring educational impact to demonstrate scalability
- Enhancing business sustainability
- Preparing startups for future investment opportunities
Driving Change Through Ed-Tech
Krista Davidson, Executive Director of Injini, highlighted the transformative role of ed-tech, stating:
“We believe that ed-tech, when used in impactful ways, can democratize education, enabling learners to access meaningful and relevant learning opportunities.”
She further emphasized that the selection process prioritized addressing key challenges in South Africa’s education system, including teacher training, infrastructure deficits, and access to quality education.
Conclusion
With the support of the Injini Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, these twelve startups are set to reshape education in South Africa, driving innovation and ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all.
