Education publisher Pearson has launched its second Edupreneurs Programme in partnership with accelerator Village Capital to support African entrepreneurs in the education technology sector, Ventureburn reported on Tuesday.
The programme will select 15 African startups that work with some of the world’s poorest students. Two of the finalists will receive up to $75,000 in seed funding, while all 15 will receive business model and mentoring advice from entrepreneurs, investors and professionals.
Ember Melcher, program manager for edupreneurs at the Pearson Affordable Learning Fund, Said: “We will bring experience and mentorship from our existing seven portfolio companies to help young, innovative businesses from across the continent in tackling the affordable learning market segment.
“We hope to bring the best minds from leading entrepreneurial and education organizations, as well as Pearson internally, to work with our cohort. We’re excited to scout across southern Africa for this unique incubation model and to continue bolstering the global ecosystem supporting education entrepreneurs.”
The 2013 programme targeted 16 edupreneurs in India, offering the same $75,000 prize, which was won by interactive learning startup Experifun and social entrepreneurship Sudiksha Knowledge Solutions. Applications for the African programme will open at the end of next month.