Ghana - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

thepathapp is a non-profit organization that offers free academic and career advise to students by connecting them with advisors to help and prepare them for the right educational and career path.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

thepathapp is a non-profit dedicated to bridging the mentorship gap for African students by offering free academic and career advice. Many lack the guidance needed to make informed decisions, leading to choices that negatively impact their futures. Our solution is a free web and mobile app connecting students with professors, industry experts, and volunteer advisors. This platform provides personalized guidance to help students identify the right educational and career paths. thepathapp also fosters peer connections, allowing students to learn from others with similar interests. With curated content, automated guidance, and real-world advice, students can explore academic programs and colleges to make well-informed decisions. Many are undecided about their college choices, majors, and careers. thepathapp is the essential starting point to explore interests, discover options, and make the best choices for their educational and career journeys.

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

Many students in Africa lack the necessary guidance and mentorship to make informed academic and career choices. This absence of support leads to poor decisions that negatively impact their educational and professional futures. Most are uncertain about which colleges to attend, courses to enroll in, or career paths to pursue. Students struggle with decision-making due to no access to academic counseling and advice. There is no framework for professional development and networking, and career guidance is often inadequate. Graduates often find themselves stranded after national service, with no clear pathway to job opportunities. There are few educational fairs to enlighten students on postgraduate studies and scholarship opportunities abroad. Additionally, the lack of organized internship programs leaves students unprepared for the job market.

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

1. The primary advantage of our platform is empowering students to make informed academic and career decisions that positively impact their lives. By connecting them with real advisors who have navigated similar crossroads, we ensure they receive personalized guidance tailored to their unique needs and aspirations. 2. Our platform creates a supportive community, fostering educational and professional growth. Students connect with peers, engage in educational fairs, and build networks, enhancing learning and career prospects. Additionally, it offers comprehensive support with curated content, resources, and internships, preparing students for academic and career success. 3. Additionally, the affordability of our platform is a major advantage. By offering our services completely free of charge, we eliminate financial barriers and ensure that all students, regardless of their economic background, can access valuable academic and career guidance without any cost.

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

Our startup's service is tailored for students from Junior High through University. We connect them with advisors who guide them through their academic journey. Whether it's choosing courses, planning for college, or navigating career options, our advisors offer personalized support. From Junior High's first steps to University's big decisions, we're here to ensure students make informed choices for their future success.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-06-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

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.)

Samuel Junior Berkoh is a seasoned Software Engineer adept at backend and frontend development, product management, and team leadership. With notable roles at ADPList, Headspace, and EPOBS Solutions, he's driven projects from inception to success, integrating payment systems, building scheduling platforms, and leading multi-team migrations. Skilled in Python, JavaScript, Django, React.js, and more, Samuel's expertise and collaborative nature make him a valuable asset to any team.

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

https://thepathapp.org/ - https://apps.apple.com/gh/app/thepathapp/id6446223737 - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.okwan.app&pli=1

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

thepathapp plays a pivotal role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education. By providing students with access to experienced advisors who offer personalized guidance, thepathapp ensures that learners receive the support they need to make well-informed decisions about their academic and career paths. This fosters an environment of inclusive and equitable education, where all students, regardless of background or circumstances, have the opportunity to succeed. Moreover, by offering free access to resources and networking opportunities, thepathapp democratizes access to quality education, empowering individuals to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society. Through these efforts, thepathapp not only enhances the learning experience for students but also contributes to the broader global agenda of promoting lifelong learning and building a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

thepathapp promotes gender equality by providing equal access to education and empowering students of all genders. Through personalized guidance and support, it ensures that everyone has the resources to succeed. By addressing gender disparities in certain fields, it fosters inclusivity and challenges stereotypes, contributing to a more equitable society.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

thepathapp indirectly contributes to Industry Innovation and Infrastructure by leveraging technology to enhance education access and support skill development. While not directly involved in infrastructure development, its online platform overcomes barriers to education access. By facilitating skill-building opportunities and fostering innovation in education technology, thepathapp lays the groundwork for future industry innovation and infrastructure development.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

By offering free access to resources and guidance, thepathapp helps reduce inequalities in education. It ensures that all students, regardless of background, have access to the support they need to succeed academically and pursue their career goals. Additionally, by addressing disparities within certain fields, thepathapp promotes more equitable opportunities for all.

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

5

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

thepathapp indirectly promotes Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by empowering individuals with education and guidance, fostering informed decision-making, and contributing to a more equitable society. By providing equal access to educational opportunities and challenging disparities, it cultivates a sense of justice and inclusivity. Moreover, by supporting individuals in making well-informed choices, thepathapp helps build stronger, more resilient communities, ultimately contributing to peace and stability. Through its commitment to education and empowerment, thepathapp plays a role in nurturing the foundations of peace, justice, and strong institutions.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

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

3

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

2

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

2

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

6

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

2

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our product represents a groundbreaking new technology that fills a unique niche in the market. Unlike any other existing product or service, thepathapp is specifically dedicated to providing academic guidance and support to students by connecting them with real life advisors. Students on our platform have access to a personalized experience where you can work closely with academic advisors to select courses tailored to your educational and career path and to make the right decisions along the way. Our innovative approach empowers students to make informed decisions critical to their academic and professional success, setting us apart as pioneers in this space.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our competitive analysis reveals that thepathapp occupies a unique position in the market, with virtually no direct competitors offering similar services. Extensive research indicates that there are currently no existing products or services dedicated solely to providing academic guidance and support to students in the same comprehensive and personalized manner as Thepathapp. This lack of competition highlights our innovative approach and underscores the distinctiveness of our offering. As a result, we are well-positioned to capture a significant share of the market and establish ourselves as leaders in the field of academic advising technology.

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