Injini
To support EdTech innovations with high impact potential to ultimately move the needle on quality, access and relevance of education in Africa. We select cohorts of EdTech startup…
Injini at a glance
| Address | Cape Town, South Africa |
|---|---|
| Programmes | 1 standing programme |
| Official website | injini.co.za |
Programmes they run
Standing programmes at Injini, separate from the funding calls above.
A six-month, equity-free acceleration program for high-impact EdTech companies in South Africa, focusing on specific demographic groups, offering grant funding and specialized support.
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Program is a six-month, equity-free acceleration program for high-impact companies using technology and innovation to address challenges in South African education. For 2026, there is a strategic emphasis on reaching Young women, People with Disabilities (PWD), Refugees and Displaced Persons (RDP), and Rural Youth. The program offers direct grant funding, product quality evaluation, intensive skill development, coaching, mentorship, bespoke market research, market access, and specialized support from experts in education innovation, fundraising, impact M&E, commerce, linguistics, inclusive user design, assistive technology, gender & intersectional inclusion, and policy & refugee inclusion. It also includes pedagogical evaluation and certification by EdTech Impact and Education Alliance Finland, customized market research, 'Sponsored Skills' consultants, networking opportunities, and access to courses and office hours from Carnegie Mellon University’s Human-Computer Interaction Institute. Participating EdTech companies should be post-revenue, growth-stage startups with the potential to reach a minimum of 8,000 direct learners within one year. NPOs/NGOs can apply. The program follows a bespoke approach based on a Needs Assessment, focusing on Market Access and Product Optimisation; Financial Sustainability and Investment Readiness; and Social Impact Measurement and Management. It has a hybrid format with key activities in Cape Town, and Injini covers national travel costs for one team member for in-person events. Fellows receive ongoing monitoring and evaluation support and two additional grant funding disbursements post-acceleration.
Incubation tracks
The routes into Injini, and what each one includes.
| Track | Type | Space | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship ProgramA six-month, equity-free acceleration program for high-impact EdTech companies in South Africa, with a strategic emphasis on reaching Young women, People with Disabilities (PWD), Refugees and Displaced Persons (RDP), and Rural Youth. | Fellowship | — | direct grant funding, product quality evaluation, intensive skill development, coaching, mentorship, bespoke market research, market access, specialised support from specialists in education innovation, fundraising, impact M&E, commerce, Pedagogical evaluation and certification, Customised market research support, Sponsored Skills, Networking, knowledge-sharing, and learning opportunities, Access to a selection of courses and office hours from Carnegie Mellon University, Venture Funding |
Support services
Help offered alongside funding and space.
About Injini
Injini is an EdTech specialised accelerator and think tank, founded in 2017 in South Africa, with a mission to improve educational outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa through innovation, entrepreneurship, research, and collaboration. It supports the growth of impactful EdTech startups in Africa. The organization offers the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Program, a six-month, equity-free acceleration program for growth-stage EdTech companies in South Africa. This program provides specialized support in areas like education innovation, fundraising, impact M&E, and market access, alongside mentorship and skill development. Injini also conducts localized industry research and develops the EdTech ecosystem through various initiatives. It supports companies addressing challenges for marginalized learners, including young women, people with disabilities, refugees, and rural youth, aiming to bridge the digital divide.
Who they work with
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Frequently asked questions about Injini
What does Injini do?
Injini is an EdTech specialised accelerator and think tank, founded in 2017 in South Africa, with a mission to improve educational outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa through innovation, entrepreneurship, research, and collaboration. It supports the growth of impactful EdTech startups in Africa.
Where is Injini located?
Injini is located at Cape Town, South Africa.
What programs does Injini run?
Injini runs Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Program.
Recommended grants & schemes
Other open programmes matching Injini's focus areas.
