UNDP timbuktoo EdTech Accelerator Program 2026 for African EdTech Startups

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Applications are open for UNDP timbuktoo EdTech Accelerator Program 2026. timbuktoo EdTech is a pan-African online incubation program designed to strengthen entrepreneurial maturity, growth, and access to financing for African EdTech companies. It is offered by the UNDP as part of the timbuktoo initiative and is implemented with Pitch Palabre.

This program will support 50 EdTech startups that have at least a working prototype. An intensive, 100% online program for investment-ready startups.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched the call for applications for the online incubation programme Get Ready 4 timbuktoo EdTech, designed to identify, support and prepare promising EdTech startups from across Africa.

Anchored within timbuktoo, UNDP’s pan-African platform supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, the programme supports technology-driven solutions with the potential to strengthen learning systems, address educational inequalities and enhance youth employability at scale.

About UNDP timbuktoo EdTech Accelerator Program

With more than 100 million young Africans in need of inclusive, quality and locally relevant education, technological innovation remains a critical lever for the future of education systems across the continent.
Get Ready 4 timbuktoo EdTech is an intensive, fully online incubation programme supporting 50 EdTech startups with a testable prototype.
Over a three-month period, selected startups will receive structured support to strengthen their business model, test and improve their product, develop market traction, integrate learning sciences into their solution, and become fully investment ready within the timbuktoo pipeline.
The programme is implemented by Pitch Palabre, in partnership with UNDP.
What selected startups will receive
The programme is built on five strategic pillars to provide comprehensive support across product development, business growth, learning sciences, mentorship and investment readiness.

UNDP timbuktoo EdTech Accelerator Benefits

This program will support 50 EdTech startups that have at least a working prototype. An intensive, 100% online program for investment-ready startups.:

Maturity assessment
- A comprehensive assessment (product, market, impact, traction) to tailor a personalized journey.
Expert educational content
- Modules dedicated to growth, financing, marketing, data, and learning sciences.
High-level mentoring
- Weekly sessions with experienced entrepreneurs and experts (AI, product, pedagogy, impact assessment).
Financial support
- Prototyping and user testing grants, subject to the validation of key deliverables.
Networking and data-driven management
- Real-time performance tracking and privileged access to Timbuktoo’s future hubs and investment opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible startups must be based in Africa, have a testable prototype, address a clearly defined education challenge related to access, inclusion, quality, employability or pedagogy, and commit 6 to 8 hours per week over a three-month period.
UNDP particularly encourages applications from startups that are led by women, based in rural areas, or integrating local languages or accessibility solutions.

Selection Criteria

Be based in Africa
Have a prototype or testable product available
Responding to a clear educational challenge (access, inclusion, quality, employability, teaching methods)
Commit to dedicating 6 to 8 hours per week for the duration of the program.