iHub Unveils 2nd Cohort for Mastercard Foundation Ed-Tech Fellowship in Kenya

iHub, a prominent Nairobi-based innovation hub, has announced the twelve startups chosen for the second Kenyan cohort of the Mastercard Foundation Ed-Tech Fellowship Programme. This program empowers promising education technology ventures with funding and support to accelerate their growth.

The Mastercard Foundation Ed-Tech Fellowship Programme is a $15 million initiative launched in February 2023. It’s a collaborative effort between the Mastercard Foundation and Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), iHub’s parent company. The program focuses on supporting EdTech startups in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, with Injini leading a similar initiative in South Africa. Following a successful first year with a stellar inaugural Kenyan cohort, iHub has now revealed the second group of twelve ventures ready to take center stage.

The new cohort comprises a diverse range of EdTech companies tackling various challenges in the educational landscape:

• Dals Learning: Offers a digital platform packed with interactive and approved educational content.
• Fundis: Assists artisans in showcasing their work, acquiring new skills, and obtaining certifications for better job prospects.
• Soma Siri Afrika: Leverages psychology, AI, and analytics to create personalized and engaging learning experiences.
• Uptyke: Provides a comprehensive library of digital educational resources catering to K-12 students.

Here’s a glimpse at the other program participants:

• eKitabu: Develops early-grade reading materials in Kenyan Sign Language.
• Kuze.ai: Uses AI to personalize learning experiences for students.
• Ultratude Tech: Offers a comprehensive school management system.
• SomaChat: Provides a digital learning platform equipped with AI-powered educational tools.
• NABU: Creates mother-tongue and curriculum-aligned digital learning resources.
• Esoma Solutions: Supplies online digital learning materials for foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
• Kurasa: Develops innovative tools for enhancing K-12 education.
• Recess: Aims to revolutionize school management by offering personalized learning content and fostering improved communication between educators and parents.

Nissi Madu, the managing partner at iHub Kenya, expressed great enthusiasm about the chosen startups’ potential to revolutionize the Kenyan EdTech scene. Building on the success of the first cohort, she’s eager to witness the positive impact this new group will have on educational outcomes for Kenyan learners.

This initiative by the Mastercard Foundation and iHub is a promising step towards fostering innovation and improving the quality of education in Kenya and beyond.