Semlex For Education

What Semlex For Education does

Semlex For Education is a Belgian charitable foundation established in 2021 (firmographics list 2020; company history and founded_date cite 2021) and headquartered in Brussels, operating as the philanthropic arm of parent company Semlex, a Belgian biometric identification systems provider active in over 30 countries. The foundation's stated mission is to finance educational projects that reduce socio-economic inequalities, with a three-step operating model: (1) financing promising educational projects, (2) ensuring operational and logistical follow-up, and (3) creating synergies across its portfolio of supported projects. It targets educational NGOs and associations in Belgium and Sub-Saharan Africa, including vulnerable youth, formerly incarcerated individuals, people with disabilities, and underserved communities. Documented interventions span school infrastructure (libraries, IT labs, solar water stations), teacher training, vocational mentoring, and personal development programs.

The foundation's product surface is essentially a curated grant-making and project-monitoring service rather than a technology platform. It funds partners such as Teach for Belgium, Team4Job, Afrodidact, TADA, Maison des Enfants, Collectif Désistance, Abantu Zambia, SMPDD/MAED, Fondation Mbeka, HuNeeds, EnneaBoost, and Kokoon Getaway, alongside direct school and community projects in Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, DRC, Guinea-Bissau, Comoros, Zambia, and The Gambia. The foundation does not develop proprietary technology; its parent company Semlex builds biometric identification systems, and the foundation leverages Semlex's subsidiary networks and government relationships for project identification and on-the-ground implementation.

The foundation's revenue model is a hybrid: it is primarily funded by Semlex (which it explicitly identifies as its indispensable financial backer), with a secondary, variable income stream from wellness retreat partner Kokoon Getaway, which donates 50–100% of profits from selected events. The foundation has ~5 employees, no disclosed pricing or commercial offerings, and no third-party investor base. Distribution of funding is conducted via a website application form, direct outreach through Semlex's corporate network, and partnerships. Reported program outcomes include 75,000 students reached and 279 teachers trained through Teach for Belgium, ~900 mentor-mentee pairs created via Team4Job, 1,800+ youth supported by TADA, and 124,091 masks plus 15,259 liters of hydraulic gel delivered to Togolese schools through B2Help.

Name

Semlex For Education

Legal name

Semlex For Education

Website

https://semlexforeducation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Semlex For Education is a Brussels-based charitable foundation, funded by parent company Semlex, that finances and supports educational projects across Belgium and Sub-Saharan Africa to reduce socio-economic inequalities. It runs a curated grant-making model targeting educational NGOs, vulnerable youth, and underserved communities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Educational Philanthropy Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Support Services (6117), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Refugee, Crisis & Humanitarian Education Partnerships (EiE) (EDADALAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Emergency Education / Education in Emergencies (EiE) (BPADADAN), Specialized Student Support (Foster/Homeless/Migrant/McKinney-Vento) (EDAJAIAJ)

Keywords

• Educational project funding
• Charitable foundation services
• Education grant programs
• Vocational training support
• Inclusive education initiatives

Headquarters

HQ city

Brussels

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Parent Company Funding (Semlex): Semlex For Education is funded by its parent company Semlex, a Belgian company active in biometric identification systems in over 30 countries. The foundation states that without Semlex's generous financial support, it would not be able to accomplish its educational projects.
2. Partner Profit-Sharing (Kokoon Getaway): Kokoon Getaway, a wellness retreat organizer, donates between 50% and 100% of its profits (depending on the event) to Semlex For Education, providing a secondary ongoing revenue stream.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Semlex For Education is a Belgian charitable foundation that finances, supports, and monitors educational projects worldwide to reduce socio-economic inequalities. It funds educational NGOs and associations in Belgium and Africa through a structured three-step model (financing, operational follow-up, synergy creation) covering school infrastructure, libraries, IT equipment, teacher training, vocational training, and inclusive education for vulnerable populations.

Product overview

Semlex For Education is a charitable foundation operated by Semlex, a Belgian company specializing in biometric identification systems. The foundation operates as a single-purpose entity focused on funding educational initiatives rather than offering a technology product portfolio. It provides financial support, operational follow-up, and creates synergies between educational projects it funds across Africa and Europe, with activities including library construction, school equipment donations, teacher training programs, vocational education, and support for vulnerable populations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Semlex For Education Foundation A Belgian charitable foundation that provides funding, operational follow-up, and synergy creation for educational projects targeting socio-economic inequality. Activities include financing school infrastructure (libraries, IT labs), teacher training, vocational programs, water/sanitation projects, and inclusive education for vulnerable populations. Recipients are educational NGOs and associations in Belgium and multiple African countries.

Quantifiable outcome

• 750 million people worldwide cannot read or write properly (UNESCO), with two-thirds being women. Sub-Saharan Africa and South/West Asia are most affected.
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.

• Ashram in the CityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 July 2026Ashram in the City is a Brussels-based ASBL dedicated to well-being, holistic health, social connection, and personal growth. It operates mental health support programs for adolescents, holistic care for individuals with chronic illness, and a community garden. Semlex For Education supports its expansion including a daycare center, a school based on active learning, and end-of-life support programs.
• Abantu ZambiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 November 2025ABANTU Zambia is a community-based organization promoting education, women's empowerment, and environmental protection in Zambia. Semlex For Education supports the expansion of initiatives in education, climate action, and digital inclusion, with a focus on equipping women and youth with skills for a more equitable and sustainable future.
• Collectif DésistancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 February 2025Collectif Désistance is a Brussels-based non-profit facilitating social and professional reintegration of young prisoners and former inmates aged 18–30. Semlex For Education supports the launch of a reception center for continuous support from detention release through successful integration into training or employment.
• MAED (Maison d'Accueil des Enfants en Difficulté)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 October 2024MAED is a newly opened center in Lomé, Togo (an initiative of SMPDD) dedicated to the reintegration of children in difficulty, particularly those in conflict with the law. It provides accommodation, medical, psychological, and educational support before placement in foster families. Semlex For Education supports MAED through donations including a library and internship opportunities.
• SMPDD (Solidarité Mondiale pour les Personnes Démunies et les Détenus)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 October 2024SMPDD works toward better living conditions for disadvantaged individuals and detainees in Togo through assistance services and socio-economic reintegration initiatives. Semlex For Education partnered with SMPDD to support these efforts, including inaugurating a library serving 450 detainees at Kpalimé Civil Prison.
• Be educationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2024Be education is a network of associations in Belgium committed to improving the education system by uniting innovative initiatives, promoting collaboration between the non-profit sector and school stakeholders. Its goals include combating inequalities, reducing school dropout, strengthening STEM learning, combating bullying, and encouraging responsible citizenship.
• Maison des EnfantscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 February 2024Maison des Enfants (MdE), created in 2016 and located in Zagnanado, Zou Department, Benin, responds to the vulnerability of children with disabilities (ages 0–20). Semlex For Education partnered with MdE to support inclusive education through adapted school infrastructure, environmental accessibility improvements, and teacher training. A charity event was organized to support these goals.
• Kokoon GetawayminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2023A second partnership phase with Kokoon Getaway involved offering tailored Enneagram training to Semlex For Education partners, enhancing personal and professional development offerings. Kokoon Getaway provides flexible Enneagram training adaptable to schools, companies, associations, and other organizations.
• AfrodidactflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 March 2022Afrodidact is a Belgian non-profit founded in 2006 that provides quality education for all through an innovative pedagogical method. It operates The Swallow elementary school in The Gambia as a model center and shares its method with other schools. Semlex For Education partnered with Afrodidact to improve Gambian education and co-produced an inspiring documentary showcasing their impact.
• Fondation Saint-Jean (St Jean Foundation)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2022Founded in 1991 and based at Clinic Saint-Jean in Brussels, the foundation supports children in psychiatric care and provides medical assistance to underprivileged people. Semlex For Education supports the foundation's activities including therapeutic activities (horse riding, painting, music), outings, and annual concerts. The foundation serves approximately 30 people lacking basic medical care.
• EnneaBoostcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2021EnneaBoost helps young people aged 16–25 discover their motivations and make life decisions using the Enneagram personality model. Founded in October 2019, it is based on expertise from the Halin Prémont Enneagram Institute. Semlex For Education provided initial funding that enabled EnneaBoost to hire a part-time coordinator and develop its operations. The two organizations co-organized Enneagram & Yoga Weekend events.
• Team4JobflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2021Team4Job offers a 6-month mentoring program connecting job seekers with employed professionals. Since its 2016 pilot, it created nearly 900 pairs with a 65% positive exit rate (370 jobs landed, 80 training restarts, 30 business creations). Semlex For Education funded self-knowledge workshops integrated into Team4Job's support program to help mentees maintain confidence during job searches.
• Kokoon GetawayminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 April 2021Kokoon Getaway organizes wellness retreats (Enneagram training, team-building, yoga) in Belgium and France. The organization donates 50–100% of event profits to Semlex For Education. Semlex For Education also offers Enneagram training at advantageous rates for its partners through Kokoon Getaway.
• Teach for BelgiumflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 April 2021Teach for Belgium is a non-profit organization founded in 2013, part of the global Teach for All network active in 60 countries. Semlex For Education supports Teach for Belgium by funding the #Impactstories video series, which collects and shares student experiences to advocate for equal educational rights and inspire future teachers. Over 7 years, Teach for Belgium trained 279 teachers reaching 75,000 students across 100+ Belgian schools.
• Mbeka Foundation (Joseph Mbeka Mako Foundation)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 March 2021The Mbeka Foundation, created in 2015 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, trains young people in sustainable agriculture and beekeeping through alternating theoretical and practical education. Semlex For Education funded the expansion of the foundation's beekeeping project, helping grow from 4 hives toward 100 beehives to achieve financial self-sufficiency. The foundation also runs a CEFA (Centre d'Education et de Formation en Alternance).
• B2HelpcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 March 2021B2Help was founded by Belgian university students to provide personal protective equipment to schools in developing countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semlex and B2Help collaborated on educational projects in Togo, beginning with the donation of 124,091 masks and 15,259.2 liters of hydraulic gel purchased from Togolese companies to support school reopenings.
• HuNeedscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017HuNeeds addresses homelessness through coaching, personal development, and self-understanding tools based on the Enneagram model. Founded in late 2017, it helps homeless individuals break self-destructive cycles and find employment. Semlex For Education supports HuNeeds' mission to increase autonomy and confidence in vulnerable people, maximizing the impact of other support services.
• Estia SynergiecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 April 2014In collaboration with Estia Synergie and Sotrad Water, Semlex For Education financed 100% of the installation of a solar water pumping and treatment station in the Comoros (Mlabanda village, Moheli). Estia Synergie provides Pump & Drink water treatment plants that run on solar energy. Estia Synergie received the Solar Impulse Foundation Efficient Solution Label for this technology. Estia Synergie's water solutions directly address school absenteeism caused by water-related diseases and water collection duties.
• Sotrad WatercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 April 2014Sotrad Water provided the water treatment technology and technical support for the Comoros solar water pumping station project, which was fully financed by Semlex For Education. This partnership predates the formal creation of Semlex For Education, as Semlex worked with Sotrad Water since 2014 on social projects.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Open Society Foundations: Large international grant-maker supporting education equity, Roma inclusion, and marginalised populations across Europe and Africa — comparable in mission scope but orders of magnitude larger in budget and team.
• Teach for All: Global network of independent partner organisations (including Semlex For Education's partner Teach for Belgium) addressing educational inequity through teacher training and leadership programmes across 60+ countries.
• Vodafone Foundation: Corporate foundation of a global telecom funding education and digital-inclusion programmes in Africa and Europe; comparable as a corporate-parent-funded foundation targeting socio-economic inequality through education technology.
• UNESCO Education: UN agency setting global education standards and funding literacy/equity programmes in developing regions; provides the macro data (e.g., 750 million illiterate adults) that frames the foundation's mission.
• UNICEF Education: UN agency funding and delivering education programmes in emergencies and low-income countries — operates at vastly larger scale but shares the foundation's focus on literacy, school access, and equity in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Direct peers

• Fondation de France: France's largest grant-making foundation, supporting education and socio-economic inclusion programmes; comparable as a multi-partner philanthropy aggregator that funds and monitors educational and social-inclusion projects.
• Fondation Apprentis d'Auteuil: European foundation supporting vulnerable youth through education, vocational training, and family support — closely comparable in target population (disadvantaged youth, families in crisis) and programme mix (schooling + vocational reintegration).
• King Baudouin Foundation: Large Belgian philanthropic foundation funding education, social inclusion, and health projects across Belgium and internationally — operates the same non-profit, multi-cause grant-making model as Semlex For Education from the same Brussels base.

Emerging players

• Segal Family Foundation: Private foundation funding African-led education and youth-employment organisations across Sub-Saharan Africa — comparable grant-maker model targeting similar geographies and partner-NGO approach.

Regional players

• Fondation Hôpitaux Robert-Debré: European corporate-affiliated hospital foundation supporting child welfare and inclusion initiatives — comparable as a corporate-backed philanthropic vehicle, though focused on paediatric health rather than education.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Semlex4Education
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/semlex-for-education
• Instagraminstagram.com/Semlex4Education

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Semlex For Education