South African investment platform Innovation Edge has announced that applications for its new grant funding programme tailored for early-stage edtech startups with solutions for early education are now open.
Interested applicants must provide an innovative edtech solution that addresses early learning for children under the age of six. Innovation Edge has created the grant funding opportunity as it aims to address the lack of early learning present in South African homes according to reports indicated by a study in 2020.
The investment platform recognises that there is a lack of quality learning materials for young learners.
Nicole Biondi, Head of Marketing and Communications, Innovation Edge explains that technology can offer a viable solution to this issue in South Africa.
“We may not have enough resources in our homes or in our early learning programmes; but what we do have in South Africa, is a high proliferation of mobile phones. Edtech solutions offer an unmissable opportunity to support parents and teachers in providing young children with critical early learning skills. The educational foundations built during the first 6 years of a child’s life determines the success of all future learning inputs. If we want children to thrive at school and beyond, we need to be doing our utmost to make sure their ability to learn is being built right from the start of life.”
The grant funding opportunity
The investment platforms aims to fund and support edtech innovation that will assist parents and teachers in providing children with an early learning foundation.
Applications for the grant funding opened on 1 October and will close on 31 October 2021.
According to reports, the selected applicants will be provided with valuable insight and the necessary tools to pitch their edtech concept to the Innovation Edge Investment Committee. The pitching session will determine the successful startups with each receiving up to R1.3-million in grant funding, strategic coaching, customised operational support and connections to social capital.
A virtual briefing session will be held on 14 October 2021 at 14.30 pm where further details will be provided.
Applications must be submitted online.
