Supporting Inclusive Education in South Africa
Ten promising startups have been selected for the fourth cohort of Injini’s Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, a program designed to scale innovative solutions for educational challenges across Sub-Saharan Africa.
About Injini and the Fellowship
Founded in 2017 as part of the UVU Africa Group, Injini is a non-profit accelerator focused solely on improving educational outcomes. The fellowship provides startups with:
- Direct grant funding
- Product quality evaluations
- Intensive skill development
- Coaching and mentorship
- Market research and access
The program’s curriculum emphasizes both technical scaling and pedagogical rigor, ensuring solutions are not only innovative but also educationally sound.
The Fourth Cohort
This year’s cohort includes a diverse range of startups addressing various educational needs:
- AdvantageLearn: Online learning platform
- Buddy Learning: WhatsApp-based AI tutoring service
- Dalza: E-learning and monitoring platform
- IncludEDU: Educational resources provider
- Inclusive Solutions: Literacy and numeracy software
- Khanyisa Developmental Centre: Video-based learning service
- Tangible: Game-based learning platform
- The Marking App: AI-powered assessment tool
- ThinkShift: Assessment platform
- Young Aspiring Thinkers (YAT): AI-powered career guidance
A Focus on Equity in Education
Krista Davidson, executive director at Injini, emphasized the program’s commitment to ensuring no learner is left behind. The cohort includes ventures specifically addressing accessibility for learners with disabilities and marginalized communities.
“By supporting entrepreneurs who are building inclusive platforms and assistive technologies, we’re working toward an education ecosystem that truly serves every child in South Africa and beyond,” Davidson stated.
The 2026 program will culminate in ZAR1 million (US$61,000) in funding for each startup, alongside ongoing mentorship and access to global quality assurance standards.