South Africa - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

We are building an EdTech startup to help students all over the world during their academic life. We are leverage the advent of AI to combat mental health issues. Moreover, we are connecting students all over the world on one platform to help one another

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Umoja EdTech is more than just a platform; it’s a movement to transform education and empower students worldwide. By supporting our vision, you are investing in the future of education, mental wellness, and social inclusion. Together, we can create a brighter, more connected world for students everywhere.

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

High dropout rates and poor academic performance are exacerbated by limited access to mentorship and mental health resources, and social isolation impacting overall student development.

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

Umoja EdTech offers a holistic, AI-powered platform that integrates peer-to-peer tutoring, institution-based mentorship, mental wellness support, and social inclusion to empower students globally, fostering academic success and personal growth.

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

We are targeting students world wide. Think Facebook or Stackovrflow but for student supports. We also leverage the power of AI for mental wellness

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-01-01

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?

1

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

She holds a bachelor degree in Commerce with a majot in Economics. She has over 5 years experience in the financial services industry, 3 of which have been in the advisory space. She is passionate about wealth creation and preservation through financial literacy. Sibabalwe's dream is to assist Africans leave a financial legacy.

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

http://umoja-env.eba-zzc5392t.us-east-1.elasticbeanstalk.com/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Education Technology

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

3

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

Mental wellness is at the top of our services

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

It's an edtech geared toward helping students succeed in their academic journey

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

We don't discriminate. As long as you are a student you qualify to use our services.

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

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

4

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

We are creating jobs

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Connecting the world and leveraging the power of AI to better lives

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

3

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

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

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

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

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

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Supporting academic institutions to better cater for their students

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

We are partnering with people and institutions globally

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

4

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

4

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Umoja EdTech uniquely combines peer-to-peer tutoring, institution-based mentorship, AI-powered voice interaction for mental wellness, and social inclusion features into one integrated platform. Unlike competitors, we offer a holistic approach that addresses not just academic support but also mental health and social engagement. Our AI psychologist provides immediate, empathetic mental health support, bridging the gap while waiting for human counselors. Additionally, our platform fosters a global student community, promoting cross-cultural learning and collaboration. This comprehensive, inclusive model positions Umoja EdTech as a unique and essential tool for student success.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Umoja EdTech uniquely combines peer-to-peer tutoring, institution-based mentorship, AI-powered voice interaction for mental wellness, and social inclusion features into one integrated platform. Unlike competitors, we offer a holistic approach that addresses not just academic support but also mental health and social engagement. Our AI psychologist provides immediate, empathetic mental health support, bridging the gap while waiting for human counselors. Additionally, our platform fosters a global student community, promoting cross-cultural learning and collaboration. This comprehensive, inclusive model positions Umoja EdTech as a unique and essential tool for student success. Main Potential Competitors: Coursera: Focuses on online courses and certifications. Khan Academy: Provides free educational resources and tutorials. Chegg: Offers study resources, textbook rentals, and homework help. 7Cups: Provides chat-based mental health support. What Makes Umoja EdTech Stand Out: Umoja EdTe

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

Yes, I do. I run an investment readiness accelerator program called MC Tech4Good. We like to encourage female entrepreneurs to participate.