Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Program Application 2025

Thank you for your interest in the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Program, delivered by Injini.

This program is uniquely designed for high-growth and high-impact companies addressing pressing challenges in education in South Africa through technology and innovation. Each selected EdTech business will be eligible for over R2.5 million in benefits, including direct, equity-free grant funding.

By completing this form, your EdTech company will be considered to enter the program beginning in March 2025. Please see a question guide HERE and FAQ's HERE. 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Please read the eligibility criteria HERE before starting the application process.

APPLICATION TIMELINE

Applications close: 8 December 2024*
Top 25 online interviews: 22 Jan - 13 Feb 2025
Top 18 pitch live in Cape Town: 19 - 20 Feb 2025
Official Program Kick-Off Event: 6 Mar 2025

Please remember to save as you work through the application.

*Applications are reviewed and the top 25 will be selected on a rolling basis,  therefore, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Injini reserves the right to change the application deadline.

The pitch deck must be formatted as a slide deck, have a maximum of 10 slides, be saved as a PDF and address the following points:

• The Problem: Describe the problem your solution is addressing concisely and simply.
• The Solution: How do you address the problem(s) you described? Make the connections very clear.
• The Product: Speak to the benefits of your product, rather than the features. Make sure to speak to your pedagogical approach and what makes your product innovative.
• Target Market: Speak to the market opportunity and the potential impact (both social and financial growth).
• Business Model: How are you making money? Who is paying and how can you tell if it is sustainable? TIP: if you intend to have a Business-to-Government business model, but have not yet sold to government, you should be able to speak to a backup plan.
• Traction: What major progress and milestones have you reached to date? Highlight user growth, fundraising, partnerships, and product.
• Competition: Who are your competitors and what’s your competitive advantage? TIP: we’ve never come across an EdTech solution without competition. If you think you could be the first, we’d encourage you to think harder!
• The Team: Show us why your team is ideal to execute and scale the solution. Try to keep it simple and focus on your core team’s expertise and professional experience.
• Strategic Goals: What are your goals for the next 6-12 months and how do you see participation in the EdTech Fellowship Program helping you to achieve these goals?

If you would like to stay in touch about further opportunities click the checkbox below.

Please remember to submit your application form!