CcHub–Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026 (Cohort IV) – $100,000 Equity-Free Funding

Applications are now open for the 2026 CcHub–Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Programme (Cohort IV).

Co-created by Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) and the Mastercard Foundation, this fellowship supports early-stage Nigerian EdTech startups that build inclusive, context-relevant learning solutions for underserved communities.

Selected startups will receive $100,000 in equity-free funding, alongside deep technical support, mentorship, and ecosystem access to scale their impact.

Who Should Apply?

The programme is designed for Nigerian EdTech startups building solutions for:

• Learners living with disabilities
• Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and underserved or rural communities
• Young girls and women
• National and subnational education data systems

The focus is on inclusive education and measurable learning outcomes.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, your startup must:

1. Business Registration

• Be legally incorporated in Nigeria
• Have a physical presence in Nigeria

2. Nigerian Ownership

• Be majority Nigerian-owned

3. Stage of Development

• Be early-stage
• Have either:
  • A Prototype (testable build with early user validation), OR
  • A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with verifiable users

4. Inclusion Focus

• Have an inclusive founding team
• Demonstrate commitment to gender balance
• Align with one of Cohort IV’s four thematic focus areas

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Fellowship Benefits

Selected startups will receive:

• $100,000 in equity-free funding
• Product development and inclusive design support
• Mentorship from experts in education, innovation, and technology
• Access to ecosystem partners and implementation opportunities
• Strategic guidance to improve sustainability and scalability

Programme Structure

Phase 1: 12-Month Incubation

Startups undergo an intensive incubation process focused on:

• Learning Science – Evidence-based pedagogy integration
• Human-Centered Design – Inclusive product design practices
• User Research – Gender inclusion, special education, and policy alignment
• Product Development – Testing and refining solutions in real-world settings

Phase 2: 6-Month Post-Incubation Support

After incubation, startups receive growth-focused support including:

• Go-to-Market Strategy refinement
• Investment readiness workshops
• Access to investors and pitch opportunities
• Distribution partnerships
• Branding and marketing support
• Visibility at platforms such as the EdTech Festival

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed in three stages:

Stage 1: Assessment

Startups are evaluated on:

• Problem–Solution Fit
• Founder Potential
• Business Model Fit
• Traction

Stage 2: Evaluation

Selected startups are further assessed on:

• Scalability
• Long-term vision
• Competitive advantage
• Team strength

Stage 3: Interview

Shortlisted applicants undergo interviews before final selection (subject to due diligence).

Why Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for Nigerian founders who want to:

• Scale inclusive education solutions
• Strengthen product-market fit
• Access funding without giving up equity
• Build sustainable, impact-driven ventures
• Expand reach across underserved communities

With $100,000 in equity-free funding and 18 months of structured support, this is one of Nigeria’s most competitive EdTech acceleration programs.

Interested and eligible startups should apply before April 10, 2026, via the official programme portal.

Apply for the CcHub–Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Programme