Deadline Date: February 18, 2026
The United Nations Development Programme is requesting applications to support African EdTech startups to strengthen their business models, enhance product development, and become investment‑ready with scalable solutions that transform education and reduce inequalities.
The focus of this programme includes strengthening business models, testing and improving products, developing traction, integrating learning sciences into solutions, and preparing startups to become fully investment‑ready within the Timbuktoo pipeline.
Get Ready 4 Timbuktoo EdTech is an intensive, fully online incubation initiative that will support 50 EdTech startups with a testable prototype over three months. Selected startups will receive structured support to refine their products, build stronger business models, develop traction, and integrate learning sciences into their solutions as part of becoming investment‑ready. The programme is implemented by Pitch Palabre in partnership with UNDP.
Participants benefit from a readiness diagnostic that provides a 360° analysis of product, market, traction, pedagogy, and impact to define a tailored support pathway. They also access expert learning modules on growth and acquisition, financing and fundraising, product development, learning sciences, and impact and data management. Weekly high‑level mentoring sessions are led by experienced EdTech entrepreneurs and specialists in areas such as AI, product design, user experience, pedagogy, and financing. Startups may also receive financial support through prototyping or user‑testing grants to further develop their solutions, and participation offers access to the Timbuktoo network with real‑time progress tracking and visibility among investors and pan‑African innovation networks.
To be eligible, startups must be based in Africa, have a testable prototype, address a clear educational challenge related to access, inclusion, quality, employability, or pedagogy, and commit to six to eight hours per week for the three‑month duration of the programme.
For more information, visit UNDP.
