The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda is inviting applications for Innovation Grants under the Scholars Entrepreneurship Fund (SEF 2.0) – Phase Two (2025–2026).
SEF 2.0 is an initiative of the Mastercard Foundation implemented through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda, in partnership with BAG Technologies. The Fund is designed to nurture and scale innovative, entrepreneurial, and impactful student-led solutions that respond to pressing community and national development challenges.
Shortlisted teams will participate in the HATANA Innovation Bootcamp (23–28 March 2026 in Kigali), where they will receive intensive entrepreneurship training, mentorship, pitch development support, and compete for grant funding of up to USD 5,000 to support prototype development and venture implementation.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be undergraduate students at the University of Rwanda
- Apply as a team (individual applications are not accepted)
- Form teams of 3–5 members
- Include at least one Mastercard Foundation Scholar enrolled at the University of Rwanda
- Ensure at least 70% of team members are female
- Demonstrate inclusivity where possible (e.g., youth with disabilities, refugees, international students)
Teams may apply with or without a legally registered business idea.
Project Requirements
Proposed ventures must:
- Address at least one Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
- Demonstrate alignment with Rwanda’s NST2 and/or Vision 2050 priorities
- Show innovation, originality, and clear potential for scalability
- Demonstrate feasibility and prototype development potential
- Be prepared to fully participate in the HATANA Innovation Bootcamp
Grant Funding:
Winning teams may receive innovation grants of up to USD 5,000 to support prototype development, implementation, and scaling of their ventures.