Top 25 Grants for EdTech Startups in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
As the landscape of educational technology evolves, so do the opportunities for startups to secure funding. In 2025, a variety of grants are available specifically for EdTech ventures, focusing on innovation, improved learning outcomes, and sustainable business models. Here’s a detailed overview of the Top 25 grants and funding opportunities for EdTech startups in 2025, including eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and application details.
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1. Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship (Africa-focused)
Funding: $100,000 in equity-free funding
Support: Access to a network of multidisciplinary experts for design and tech optimization
Networking: Exposure to potential investors
Eligibility: Startups tackling educational challenges in Africa, incorporated in Nigeria
Benefits: Marketing strategy support and partner tool discounts
2. LearnLaunch Accelerator: Breakthrough to Scale Program
Funding: Initial investment of $50,000, plus potential $150,000 in additional funding
Focus: K-12, higher education, workforce development, and lifelong learning
Mentorship: Tailored guidance from industry experts
Eligibility: Startups with working products and revenue traction
Networking: Strong connections with industry investors
3. U.S. Department of Education SBIR Program
Funding: Up to $1.25 million in research and development grants
Eligibility: Companies with fewer than 500 employees
Focus: Development of innovative EdTech products for educators and students
Annual Funding: $10 million available annually
Aim: Supporting new technologies, especially those utilizing AI
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4. University of Michigan Education Innovation Grants
Funding: Up to $10,000 per project
Total Funding for 2025-2026: $50,000
Focus: Innovative technologies addressing student learning and educational equity
Collaboration: Encourages partnerships with key campus entities
Eligibility: Open to Michigan Engineering faculty and staff
5. Maryland Teaching Innovation Grants
Funding: Up to $10,000 per project
Focus: Projects integrating Universal Design for Learning principles
Eligibility: Instructional faculty at the University of Maryland
Total Projects Funded: At least 50 projects
Application Deadline: February 15, 2025
6. Injini Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship (South Africa)
Funding: Over R2.5 million in benefits
Support: Tailored market research and skills development
Focus: Impact-driven EdTech solutions for education enhancement
Eligibility: Growth-stage companies geared towards social impact
Duration: Six-month program
7. San Diego County Innovation in Education STEAM Grants
Funding: Total of $25,000 available
Focus: Innovative STEAM education programs in K-12 schools
Recognition: Honored at CFF Innovation in Education Awards
Eligibility: K-12 school districts and charter schools in San Diego County
Application Details: Check for a specific call for proposals
8. The Spencer Foundation Small Research Grants on Education
Funding: Up to $50,000 per project
Project Duration: One to five years
Eligibility: Principal Investigator must be affiliated with non-profits or public institutions
Focus: Field-initiated proposals across multiple education disciplines
Research Aim: To provide evidence-based improvements in education
9. University of Texas Teaching Innovation Grants
Funding: $3,000 per grantee
Focus: Innovations for course elements fostering student engagement
Eligibility: Full-time instructors at the University of Texas
Implementation Window: Must apply innovations in Fall 2025
Goal: To enhance inclusive and effective teaching practices
10. New York State Learning Technology Grant
Project Period: January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027
Focus: Collaboration among educational institutions to develop high-quality learning programs
Eligibility: Public school districts, BOCES, and religious/independent schools
Fund Objectives: Promote equitable access to education through technology
Source Details: Check with NYS Department of Education
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11. Erasmus+ Program for Education, Training, Youth and Sport
Funding: Varies significantly based on project scope
Focus: Educational exchanges and strategic partnerships across Europe
Eligibility: Open to all educational organizations targeting learning innovation
Additional Support: Access to networks and collaborative opportunities
Aim: Promote inter-European educational innovation
12. Techstars Education Accelerator
Funding: Up to $120,000 investment
Focus: Innovative EdTech startups aiming for scale
Duration: 13-week accelerator program
Eligibility: Open to teams worldwide
Goals: Scale impactful education innovations through mentorship
13. EdTech Innovation Fund
Funding: Up to $200,000 for selected projects
Focus: Innovative solutions addressing educational disparities
Eligibility: Startups in the early stages of development
Support Network: Access to a network of experts and investors
Aim: Enhance education quality through technological solutions
14. Google for Education Innovation Grants
Funding: Varies, generally $50,000 to $100,000
Focus: Projects leveraging Google tools to enhance learning
Eligibility: EdTech projects demonstrating potential impact
Support: Access to Google’s network and resources
Application Period: Typically annual calls for proposals
15. NIH Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
Funding: Up to $2 million for research and development for educational tools
Eligibility: Small businesses focused on health education
Research Focus: Projects targeting health literacy and education through innovative solutions
Duration: Awards typically last for 1-3 years
Application Mode: Open annually with preset deadlines
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16. The Gates Foundation Grants for Innovative Educators
Funding: Varies significantly by project
Focus: Innovative teaching strategies and technology integration
Eligibility: K-12 educators and proposed collaborative programs
Aim: Foster engagement and learning achievement through technology
Support Offered: Access to resources and potential future funding
17. National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation Ecosystem
Funding: Up to $1 million for qualifying projects
Focus: Enhancing STEM education through technology
Eligibility: Open to educational institutions, startups, and researchers
Support Offered: Development resources and networking opportunities
Aim: Transform education through innovative approaches in STEM
18. Social Innovation Fund - Education Focus
Funding: Usually $1 million or more for select grantees
Focus: Education projects that achieve measurable community impact
Eligibility: Non-profits as lead applicants
Collaboration: Partnerships with other organizations encouraged
Objective: Drive systemic change in education
19. Educational Development International Fund
Funding: Varies based on proposal
Focus: Projects improving educational access in developing countries
Eligibility: NGOs and educational organizations
Objectives: Improve learning environments and educational outcomes
Qualified Projects: Must engage local communities
20. Berkshire Innovation Center Grants
Funding: Up to $50,000 for project-based funding
Focus: Supporting innovative educational technology solutions
Eligibility: Startups and companies in Berkshire County
Collaboration: Emphasizes partnerships with local educational institutions
Date: Usually two funding cycles per year
21. SHEEO Fund Grants
Funding: Up to $25,000 for selected educational projects
Focus: Initiatives that promote higher education accessibility
Eligibility: Non-profits and educational organizations
Support Network: Access to mentorship and resources
Aims: Transform educational equity
22. Civic Tech Innovation Fund
Funding: Varies based on project scope
Focus: Projects enhancing civic engagement through education
Eligibility: Local governments and non-profits
Goals: Promote educational programs that encourage community participation
Application Period: Check for annual funding rounds
23. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
Funding: Varies significantly; generally from $50,000 to $500,000
Focus: Projects advancing educational technologies for underserved populations
Eligibility: Non-profits and educational organizations
Aims: Foster equitable, vibrant educational environments
Networking Opportunities: Access to a wealth of research and evaluation resources
24. SBA Microloan Program
Funding: Up to $50,000 in microloans
Focus: Small businesses, including EdTech startups
Eligibility: Must demonstrate business viability
Aim: Provide financial assistance to startups with limited resources
Support Offered: Business consulting through local partners
25. The Kauffman Foundation Education Grants
Funding: Varied funding opportunities aimed at developing educational innovations
Focus: Starting and running educational programs that deliver results
Eligibility: Non-profits, charter schools, and educational entrepreneurs
Aims: Encourage entrepreneurial education and sustainable practices
Networking Potential: Collaborations with experts and resources
These grants present a diverse spectrum of opportunities for EdTech startups in 2025, aimed at promoting educational innovation and addressing existing challenges in the education sector. Be sure to check specific eligibility requirements and application deadlines for each grant.
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FAQ
Q: What is the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship?
A: The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship supports Africa-focused startups addressing educational challenges with a $100,000 equity-free grant. Learn more about the program.
Q: How much funding does the LearnLaunch Accelerator provide?
A: The LearnLaunch Accelerator offers an initial investment of $50,000, with potential additional milestone-based funding of up to $150,000 for early-stage EdTech startups. Discover more about LearnLaunch.
Q: What is the maximum grant amount available through the U.S. Department of Education SBIR Program?
A: The SBIR Program provides up to $1.25 million in research and development grants for small businesses developing innovative EdTech products. Find out more about this funding opportunity.
Q: Who is eligible for University of Michigan Education Innovation Grants?
A: The grants are open to Michigan Engineering instructional faculty and staff looking to enhance learning through innovative teaching tools and methods, offering up to $10,000 per project. Learn more about these grants.
Q: What are the Maryland Teaching Innovation Grants for?
A: These grants provide up to $10,000 for course-based projects focusing on inclusive learning through Universal Design for Learning principles, specifically for instructional faculty at the University of Maryland. Read more about the program.
Q: What support does the Injini Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship provide?
A: This fellowship offers growth-stage EdTech companies in South Africa direct grant funding and various support services, including product evaluation and tailored market research. Explore the benefits of the fellowship.
Q: What is the focus of San Diego County Innovation in Education STEAM Grants?
A: These grants support innovative classroom programs specifically in STEAM education for K-12 schools within San Diego County, totaling $25,000 available for recipients. Find out more about these grants.
Q: How much can researchers receive from Spencer Foundation Small Research Grants?
A: The Spencer Foundation offers up to $50,000 for education research projects that aim to improve educational outcomes, with project durations ranging from one to five years. Learn more about this grant.
Q: What is the eligibility criteria for University of Texas Teaching Innovation Grants?
A: Full-time instructors at the University of Texas can apply for these grants, which offer $3,000 to develop new course innovations slated for implementation in the 2025-2026 academic year. Discover more about these grants.
Q: What is the purpose of the New York State Learning Technology Grant?
A: This grant promotes collaboration among educational institutions to develop programs that enhance equitable access to high-quality learning experiences through educational technology, focusing on culturally responsive learning environments. Read more about the program.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
