South Africa - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

YouMeta incentivizes youth to develop a planet-positive career identity, crucial for advancing the sustainability agenda. Aligning passion with opportunity, we guide the educational choices of youth toward impactful careers in evolving energy value chains

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

YouMeta is a social enterprise that incentivizes young people to develop planet-positive career identities. We address the critical gap in awareness among young people regarding career opportunities in the evolving energy sector. YouMeta aligns students' passions with current and emerging opportunities, thereby guiding their educational decisions. Our platform features AI-driven personalized learning pathways, functioning as a "career GPS" for users. By using latest academic marks and skill levels, we're building a green directory to match youth with targeted external upskilling opportunities that align with their career goals. We also integrate blockchain technology to create a transparent incentive model, redirecting a portion of educational Corporate Social Investment funds to ensure resources flow directly to beneficiaries and are tied to individual educational outcomes. By rewarding progression along personalized learning paths, we help build a skilled energy workforce.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The African continent is on the verge of a unique energy opportunity. With a wealth of natural resources, Africa is undoubtedly a key player in clean energy transitions. However, a critical link is often missing in the 'JUST' energy transition: the awareness of the opportunities and skills requirements among young people. Young people simply lack awareness of the vast opportunities and skills requirements needed in the evolving energy sector. This hinders their ability to make informed educational decisions aligned with industry demands. Typically, private businesses and governments focus on older youth who are closer to entering the labour market, neglecting teenagers in basic education. As a result, these younger individuals remain uninformed about the career pathways offered by emerging energy value chains. This further leads to missed job opportunities and displaced aspirations, posing a real threat to long-term industry progress and regional competitiveness.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

1. Personalized Benchmarking: YouMeta offers personalized learning pathways that act as a "career GPS" for users. This system benchmarks students' current academic marks and skills against their desired career requirements, enhancing static school report cards that only compare marks to peers with different aspirations. 2. Career Identity and Transcendence: YouMeta motivates youth to develop a planet-positive career identity. We believe identity informs decision-making, shaping behaviour and agency over time. A strong career identity empowers them to make informed educational decisions and cultivate behaviours that align with long-term aspirations, giving them purpose in a field dedicated to doing good. 3. CSI Linked to Academic Performance: Our platform uses blockchain technology to link Corporate Social Investment funds to educational outcomes. This model rewards improvement and engagement, helping overcome barriers like funds for tutors, stationery, or food.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

YouMeta serves confused and misinformed young people, primarily high school students (grades 9-12) and early university entrants. These students are often required to make educational choices at very ages, that can have life-altering consequences. Our targeted beneficiaries are youth who lack awareness of career possibilities in the evolving labour market, particularly within the energy sector. We focus on students from marginalized communities who face barriers to accessing quality education and career guidance. Additionally, we engage teachers and institutions seeking innovative tech tools to guide students toward sustainable careers, while keeping them accountable in a motivating way. More importantly, we target youth not in education, employment or training (NEET). South Africa's NEET rate has been stagnant for over a decade, YouMeta aims to redirect youth in NEET back into green upskilling programmes that are increasingly offered at large by both private and public institutions.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-11-22

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

YouMeta has primarily been grant funded, allowing me, the founder, to own 88%, with one male co-founder owning 12%. Moro Mbadi, the Finance & Operations Executive at YouMeta EdTech, majored in Economics and Political Science in his undergrad and recently completed his Honours in Economics from the University of Witwatersrand. He has a keen interest in Developmental Economics and a passion for influencing change and making an impact. He oversees cash flow and financial planning, prepares budgets, and manages records and receipts. Additionally, we have been working with Teboho Mosia, a psychology student who has volunteered his time and is a creative in many areas. Teboho has experience as a creative director and is passionate about social justice, systems improvement, and technology. He is solution-driven and plays a vital role in our team. Currently, Teboho does not own shares in the company.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://www.instagram.com/youmeta.edtech/, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cfpnLAyVc7M9sl_rtdvjfbX8ogxFKI0A/, www.youmeta.app, learning path draft: https://nthabimsingatha.wixsite.com/website-2, 2nd iteration MVP: https://you-meta-m-v-p.flutterflow.app/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

YouMeta helps alleviate poverty by empowering young people with the access to knowledge to secure meaningful employment and contribute to economic growth. Our platform integrates blockchain technology to link educational Corporate Social Investment (CSI) funds directly to academic performance, ensuring that resources are directed to the rightful beneficiaries and help mitigate educational barriers. These incentives also have the potential to boost township economies, increase social mobility, and motivate youth toward “educational independence”. This ultimately contributes to broader economic development and poverty reduction efforts in Africa.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

2

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

By aligning students' passions with current and emerging opportunities in the energy sector, YouMeta promotes lifelong learning opportunities and helps bridge the access to opportunities. In the energy sector, there is a surge in organizations, NPOs, and different entities developing upskilling programs for youth - we keep track of these and alert qualifying youth in a timely manner. Our learning paths are also developed in collaboration with the private sector, who greatly inform demand, as well as tertiary learning institutions. This ensures that they are relevant and in line with industry needs, thereby enhancing the quality and relevance of education. Furthermore, our incentives extend to aiding in tutoring or providing stationery—anything and everything to mitigate barriers to education.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Our commitment includes empowering women and girls by showcasing careers traditionally perceived as male-dominated. In fact, for our minimum viable product, I have intentionally designed it to feature mostly African women in fields previously dominated by men. This cause is close to my heart, and I use personal experiences and empathy to ensure it is a consideration in the product design phase prior to development. There are no limitations to the careers that can be explored on our digital app. Through our learning paths, we strive to demonstrate to everyone, regardless of gender or socio-economic background, that their aspirations are achievable, because with targeted guidance and the 'right' resources, they truly are.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Our platform encourages meaningful and productive employment by guiding users toward career paths that align with their skills, passions, and aspirations. We also collaborate with the private sector, which has shown great interest in influencing educational decisions from high school to higher standards and outcomes. By aligning the educational choices of unexposed youth with industry needs, YouMeta contributes to the promotion of decent work for all.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

3

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

We believe that climate adaptation cannot take place without adequate human capital development. We involve youth now to start building long-term resilience. Given the scale of energy projects, the need to invest in a skilled pipeline is critical. We are investing in tomorrow’s workforce, today. Through personalized learning pathways and career guidance, we prepare youth to contribute meaningfully to the green economy and promote an identity that is rooted in sustainability.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

N/A

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

N/A

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

5

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

3

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

4

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

We're not trying to reinvent the wheel; traditional career services have been around for a long time. However, our approach involves integrating various technologies to enhance accessibility and impact. Our user numbers fluctuate depending on speaking engagements or physical interactions, highlighting the need to establish a strong retention loop and transition from being a product used in emergencies ('life jacket') to one used regularly ('toothbrush'). Ultimately, our unique value proposition is what sets us apart and entices parents and the private sector.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

In comparison to competitors like Khethu, YES! Beyond Privilege, Zlto, Terra.do, University Qualifications, the National Pathway Management Network (NPMN), Black Ubuntu Technologies and Yenza, YouMeta stands out by offering personalized career pathways tailored to the energy sector. While Khethu has a broad focus, YouMeta provides targeted guidance. YES! Beyond Privilege & Terra.do targets graduates and young professionals, but YouMeta guides youth from high school onwards. Zlto uses blockchain for incentives, but YouMeta links academic progress to CSI funds. University Qualifications is broader in focus, and NPMN focuses on opportunities, while YouMeta's focus is on personalized guidance. Yenza uses psychometrics but lacks incentives and a sustainability focus, which are key aspects of YouMeta's approach. Finally, Black Ubuntu Tech also lacks incentives & does not focus on planet-positivity.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, I serve as the vice president on a newly formed youth council called the African Energy and Economic youth council. This line of work directly exposes me advocating for gender mainstreaming in energy, as well entrepreneurship. I also volunteer time to exhibiting/ talking at high schools across different provinces, speaking at times specifically to young ladies.