Eight Rwandan EdTech startups unveil tools to improve classroom learning

Eight Rwandan education technology companies have showcased innovations designed to improve classroom learning, reduce teachers' workloads and expand access to educational resources, as the country seeks to strengthen the practical use of technology in schools.

The companies presented their solutions during an education technology stakeholders' meeting held in Kigali on 2 October 2026, bringing together government education officials, district representatives, technology entrepreneurs and other partners.

The innovations include classroom robots, artificial intelligence-powered assessment systems, offline digital libraries and platforms that help schools monitor attendance and identify learners requiring additional support.

The eight companies are participating in the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, implemented in Rwanda by the Rwanda ICT Chamber in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

The programme aims to help participating businesses expand their operations and reach at least 40,000 learners, particularly those in underserved communities.

Robotics and AI introduce new ways of learning

Among the solutions demonstrated were educational robots developed by Zora Robotics and Nyereka Tech, designed to make lessons more interactive and help students apply classroom knowledge.

Students using the technologies learn how to assemble robotic components, write programming instructions and operate robots to complete practical activities.

According to AE News, Zora Robotics project manager Delice Umutesi explained that the approach allows learners to practise programming while using robots to reinforce classroom lessons.

Nyereka Tech, which also developed the Nedu App, combines robotics with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities.

Its founder, Shadrach Munyeshyaka, said some schools using the company's robots had recorded a substantial increase in hands-on activities, with learners completing as many as 100 practical exercises within three months, compared with three to five in an entire year previously.

These figures were reported by the company and were not presented as the findings of an independently evaluated study.

Other startups are focusing on how technology can help teachers assess learning.

Brain Ink has developed an AI-powered platform that marks examinations, identifies areas where students need additional support and recommends exercises to strengthen their understanding.

Company representative David Ntwari said information collected with participating schools suggested improvements in students' understanding of previously difficult concepts.

The findings are company-reported results, and the available reporting does not establish how representative they are of all learners using the platform.

Offline libraries and attendance systems address school challenges

Access to learning materials remains another focus of Rwanda's EdTech innovators.

Soma Foundation Rwanda has developed SOMABOX, an offline digital learning device that stores educational content and allows students to access materials without a continuous internet connection.

The technology is intended for schools and communities where limited connectivity and shortages of textbooks make access to educational resources difficult.

Berulo Foundation, meanwhile, is developing an attendance and performance-monitoring platform that helps schools identify absent students and learners who may be at risk of dropping out.

According to AE News, Jack Gashumba, Bugesera District's director of education, said such systems could make it easier for education officials to follow up on school attendance.

Other participating companies include Creativity Lab, which produces practical STEM learning materials; EdTech Solutions, which focuses on digital skills for technical and vocational education; and Competence by Jobra, which connects learning with workplace skills and employment opportunities.

Fellowship targets 40,000 learners

The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship provides business development support, technical assistance, mentorship and funding to help participating companies expand their educational technologies.

According to the fellowship's official website, each selected company can receive up to $50,000 in equity-free financial support, subject to programme milestones.

The initiative is designed to support eight companies, with each expected to reach at least 5,000 learners over 12 months.

Its broader objective is to make education technology more accessible to girls and young women, refugees, learners with disabilities and students in underserved communities.

However, expanding these technologies beyond their initial users presents challenges.

During the Kigali meeting, Rwanda ICT Chamber chief executive Alex Ntale emphasised the importance of ensuring that innovations respond to problems experienced by schools, teachers and learners.

The chamber also highlighted affordability, accessibility and the need for closer collaboration between technology developers and education institutions as important considerations.

Rwanda Basic Education Board official Diane Sengati said digital tools should help educators perform their responsibilities more effectively rather than simply add new technology to classrooms.

The emphasis, according to the Rwanda ICT Chamber, is increasingly on whether digital education tools can improve learning outcomes and equip students with skills relevant to employment.