The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026 is a premier entrepreneurship acceleration program implemented in Uganda by Hive Colab. This five-year initiative targets growth-stage, locally-led EdTech ventures that provide inclusive learning solutions for underserved communities. Selected fellows receive up to $70,000 in equity-free catalytic funding, alongside a comprehensive curriculum focused on learning science, business sustainability, and impact measurement. The program emphasizes responsible scaling and offers intensive one-on-one mentorship and market access support. For the 2026 cycle, early action applications close on January 22, with the final deadline on February 5, 2026.
Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Hive Colab (Partner: Mastercard Foundation) |
| Location | Uganda |
| Category | EdTech Venture Fellowship / Accelerator |
| Eligible Ventures | Locally founded & led EdTech startups in Uganda |
| Reward | Up to $70,000 USD Equity-Free Funding |
| Key Criteria | Growth stage traction & inclusive impact |
| Application Deadline | February 5, 2026 (Early Action: Jan 22, 2026) |
Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Details
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, in partnership with Hive Colab, is a strategic intervention designed to catalyze the educational technology landscape in Uganda. By focusing on ventures that are already in the growth stage, the program ensures that innovative solutions—ranging from digital literacy tools to remote learning platforms—can reach the most marginalized students across the country.
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Over the next five years, Hive Colab will utilize its expertise in the Ugandan innovation ecosystem to guide fellows through a rigorous process of scaling. This involves not just financial injection, but a deep dive into the “learning science” behind their products to ensure that increased access actually translates to improved learning outcomes.
Selection Criteria
Successful applicants must demonstrate a “working product” with clear market traction. The fellowship prioritizes ventures that are “locally founded and locally led,” ensuring that the solutions are culturally relevant and sustainable within the Ugandan context. Diversity is a core pillar; hence, women-led founding teams are highly encouraged to apply.
Benefits for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026
Tier 1: Catalytic Funding & Strategic Scaling (Up to $70,000)
- Equity-Free Grant: Direct financial support up to $70,000 USD designed to accelerate delivery readiness without diluting founder ownership.
- Investor Readiness: Strategic advisory to strengthen governance, financial metrics, and long-term capital pathways for future Series A or B rounds.
Tier 2: Specialized Mentorship & Curriculum
- Learning Science Support: Dedicated guidance from experts to strengthen the evidence of “what works” in education and measure learning outcomes.
- One-on-One Mentorship: Personalized sessions with industry veterans who have successfully scaled ventures in emerging markets.
Tier 3: Market Access & Ecosystem Integration
- Partnership Support: Facilitated connections to relevant government institutions, NGOs, and private sector actors in the education space.
- Storytelling & Governance: Training on effective communication of impact and building robust internal organizational structures.
Eligibility Requirements for Hive Colab EdTech Fellowship 2026
- Academic/Leadership: The venture must be locally founded and locally led, with decision-making power rooted in Uganda. Leadership must demonstrate a commitment to inclusive education.
- Study Status: The venture must be at a “Growth Stage,” meaning it has a working product, active users (traction), and a sustainable business model.
- Visa Status: N/A (Must be a registered legal entity in Uganda).
- Program Admission: Applicants must complete the comprehensive online form detailing their inclusion approach and pedagogical impact.
How to Apply for Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Complete the initial online application form via the Hive Colab portal, providing a detailed pitch deck and proof of venture registration.
- Automatic Evaluation: Applications are screened for “Growth Stage” criteria, including user metrics, revenue streams, and product-market fit.
- Eligibility Assessment: Shortlisted ventures undergo a deep-dive interview focusing on their “Learning Science” approach and ability to scale to underserved communities.
- Notification of Award: Finalists are notified of their selection and enter the onboarding phase of the structured fellowship curriculum.
Application Deadline: February 5, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does “equity-free” funding mean for my startup?
It means the $70,000 grant is a gift or catalytic investment that does not require you to give up any shares or ownership percentage of your company to the Foundation or Hive Colab.
2. Can early-stage startups with just an idea apply?
No. The fellowship is specifically for “Growth Stage” ventures that already have a working product and demonstrated traction in the market.
3. What is the benefit of applying by the Early Action deadline?
Applying by January 22, 2026, allows your venture to be reviewed earlier in the cycle, potentially providing a faster response and demonstrating high interest.
4. Is the fellowship open to EdTech companies outside of Uganda?
This specific implementation by Hive Colab is focused on ventures that are locally founded, led, and operating within Uganda.
5. What exactly is “Learning Science” support?
It is technical guidance provided by experts to help you understand how students learn best through your platform and how to prove that your technology improves grades or skills.
6. Are there specific subjects the EdTech solution must cover?
No, as long as the solution provides “quality learning” and focuses on reaching underserved or marginalized communities.
7. How long is the structured fellowship curriculum?
While the partnership spans five years, individual fellowship cohorts typically go through an intensive 4 to 8-month acceleration program.
8. Can non-profit organizations apply?
The program is primarily designed for “ventures,” which usually implies for-profit or social enterprise models with sustainable revenue streams.
9. Will Hive Colab help me find more investors after the grant?
Yes, “Investor Readiness” is a key component, helping you prepare your metrics and pitch to attract further long-term capital.
10. Do women-led teams get special consideration?
While all ventures must meet the quality criteria, the program explicitly encourages and prioritizes diverse founding teams and women-led ventures.
