EdVentures and Mastercard Foundation Continue Advancing EdTech Innovation

In a move that reflects the growing role of innovation in the education technology sector, EdVentures, the investment arm of Nahdet Misr Group, in partnership with the Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning at the Mastercard Foundation, celebrated the graduation of the second cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship in Egypt.

The event highlighted the program’s growing impact in supporting African-led education technology startups that leverage digital solutions to expand access to quality education, promote inclusion across diverse communities, and deliver measurable outcomes at scale.

Acceleration Program Supporting Scalable Solutions

The graduation marked the culmination of eight months of intensive work through an equity-free acceleration program, which enabled 12 growth-stage startups to develop scalable education solutions addressing critical challenges across the education ecosystem, from foundational skills and workforce readiness to accessibility tools and holistic skills development.

Since the Fellowship’s launch in Egypt through EdVentures, the program has supported 23 startups across two cohorts. As of January 2026, their solutions have reached more than 410,000 learners, reflecting the partners’ shared belief that education technology is no longer just a digital tool, but a powerful pathway for expanding opportunity and advancing educational equity.

Driving Innovation in Education

Commenting on the Fellowship’s impact, Dalia Ibrahim, Founder and CEO of EdVentures, said: “At EdVentures, we believe innovation in education succeeds only when it is scalable, grounded in real needs, and capable of delivering long-term impact. Supporting EdTech entrepreneurs goes beyond funding, it means enabling them to transform innovation into real educational outcomes and workforce readiness.“

She added “Through this Fellowship, EdVentures is helping build a new generation of education companies capable of addressing critical learning gaps and contributing meaningfully to human capital development in Egypt and across Africa.”

Empowering Youth and Women Entrepreneurs

The program places a strong emphasis on empowering young entrepreneurs and women aged 18 to 35, ensuring that economic growth aligns with social and educational impact. Data from the first two cohorts reflects this commitment:

- 52% of startups are women-led

- 87% are led by young founders

- 34% originate from regions outside major urban centers

This underscores the Fellowship’s dedication to supporting diverse and inclusive leadership.

Expanding Access Through Inclusive EdTech

A representative from the Mastercard Foundation emphasized that education technology achieves its greatest impact when designed to be accessible and inclusive. The Fellowship, now implemented across 12 countries including Egypt, has reached more than 5 million learners across Africa through entrepreneur-driven solutions addressing real education challenges.

Measurable Educational and Social Impact

The program’s impact extends beyond scale to include meaningful inclusion outcomes:

- Youth represent 77% of total learners reached

- Young women account for 71% of beneficiaries

- 28,700 refugee learners supported

- 20,500 learners with disabilities reached

Participating startups are currently active in more than 20 governorates, complemented by outreach roadshows across 13 governorates to ensure broad geographic reach.

In addition to investment readiness support, the Fellowship provides founders with a comprehensive growth ecosystem, including more than 290 hours of mentorship, expert-led workshops, and specialized training in education, entrepreneurship, and company building.

Startups in the Second Cohort

The 12 startups graduating in the second cohort include:

- Mazraaty Academy – Agricultural and veterinary skills platform supporting rural communities

- Livit Education – STEM and robotics programs building future-ready student skills

- PikaDo – AI-powered peer-based language learning application

- ScribeMe – Assistive learning solutions for visually impaired learners

- Tick & Talk – Programs developing communication, presentation, and confidence skills

- Eagle Academy – Medical education and professional training platform for healthcare professionals

- CAMTECH – Engineering and technology education initiatives for Arabic-speaking youth

- Carerha – Platform connecting women with learning and economic empowerment opportunities

- Innova – Interactive financial literacy education platform

- Cognify Education – Specialized learning support programs for students with learning difficulties

- Growtwopro – Professional skills development center for healthcare sector workers

- MRCS IV – Digital academy supporting continuous education for African doctors

As the Fellowship advances beyond its second cohort, it remains grounded in a firm belief that empowering education entrepreneurs is one of the most effective ways to unlock opportunities for future generations, and to ensure that every learner, regardless of background or location, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.