Cameroon - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

e-Mentor is aimed at enabling access to affordable quality education for internally displaced students in conflict-affected areas, through stand-alone solar-powered, SIM-operated headsets, by leveraging Virtual and Augmented reality technologies.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

I founded e-Mentor to address the educational needs of internally displaced students in conflict-affected regions, starting with Cameroon. By leveraging innovative VR/AR headsets equipped with solar units, we deliver immersive and autonomous learning experiences that operate without the need for traditional electricity or Wi-Fi. This makes education accessible even in remote and underserved areas. Our project has enabled over 600 students to regain access to education and has trained more than 150 teachers in the effective use of the platform. Supported by partners like Open Dreams and recently awarded finalists at the Global StartUp Awards Central Africa, e-Mentor aims to expand its reach across West and Central Africa. Recognized for our impact and innovation, we received the Commonwealth Innovation Award in 2023, presented to me by the President of Kenya and the Commonwealth Secretary General, highlighting our contribution to Sustainable Development and educational inclusion.

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

At the onset of the armed Anglophone conflict in Cameroon, my school was attacked, forcing me to pause my education for a year. Motivated by this experience, I founded e-Mentor to empower access to educationn e-Mentor addresses the critical issue of education access for internally displaced students amidst conflict zones. In Cameroon, the Anglophone crisis has severely disrupted schooling, leaving thousands unable to continue their studies. In Cameroon alone, more than 855,000 children have been displaced, with widespread school closures due to safety concerns and infrastructure destruction. ACESWorld's 2022 report highlights that nearly 4,000 schools have been burnt during these conflicts, severely limiting access to education for a significant portion of school-aged children. This disruption in education contributes to social issues, including increased vulnerability to violent extremism and crime among marginalized youth. e-Mentor aims to mitigate these issues.

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

1. Accessibility: e-Mentor headsets operate autonomously, independent of electricity and Wi-Fi, ensuring continuous educational opportunities in remote and underserved areas. 2. Improved Learning Outcomes: The immersive VR/AR technology significantly enhances student engagement and retention, leading to a notable improvement in academic performance, as evidenced by a 34% increase in students' performance within just four months of use. 3. Sustainability and Employment: By utilizing solar power and integrating a buy-build model with Ludenso, e-Mentor promotes environmental sustainability and provides employment opportunities for young graduates from local schools, thereby contributing to economic development and community empowerment.

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

e-Mentor targets internally displaced secondary-level students in conflict-affected regions, starting with Cameroon and expanding to other countries in West and Central Africa, such as the Central African Republic (CAR). These students, who are often unable to attend traditional schools due to safety concerns and infrastructure damage, are the primary beneficiaries. Additionally, e-Mentor supports secondary school teachers by providing training on the platform's use, enhancing their ability to support students' learning effectively, as well as creating curriculum-centered courses for the platform. Our long-term goal is to empower 1 million learners by 2030, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to quality education and reduced inequalities.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-04-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

2

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

- Moumie Mohamed: A young Cameroonian sophomore at Harvard University with a strong background in computer science and project management. As a Computer Science student, Mohamed brings expertise in cutting-edge tech strategies and a stellar network at Harvard - Angela Lum Neh: A Machine Learning Engineer specializing in developing AI-driven educational tools and systems. Angela's skills in machine learning and artificial intelligence, as well as tech-driven entrepreneurship, enhance the technological capabilities of e-Mentor. - Titus Abongdoh Maluyane: As the founder of e-Mentor, I am driven by my personal experience of displacement due to conflict. My commitment to improving educational access for displaced students in Cameroon and the Central African Republic is rooted in this journey. As a member of the Commonwealth Queens Trust for Young Leaders, a One Young World Ambassador, and recently selected to attend the Moonshot Young Leaders Conference in Czech, I bring a wealth of leader

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

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Education

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

e-Mentor contributes to reducing poverty by providing education to displaced students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for future employment and economic stability. By enabling access to quality education, e-Mentor helps break the cycle of poverty and empowers marginalized communities to improve their socio-economic conditions. Education is a key factor in lifting individuals out of poverty, and by ensuring that displaced students receive a quality education, e-Mentor is creating opportunities for better livelihoods and reducing the long-term impact of displacement and conflict on poverty.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

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

e-Mentor directly addresses the Quality Education goal by providing an innovative and accessible educational solution for internally displaced students. The use of VR/AR technology enhances learning experiences and outcomes, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education despite their challenging circumstances. By focusing on inclusivity and accessibility, e-Mentor bridges the educational gap for marginalized communities, contributing to equitable quality education for all.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

e-Mentor promotes Gender Equality by ensuring that both boys and girls in conflict-affected regions have equal access to education. In many conflict areas, girls are particularly vulnerable to being denied education. e-Mentor's inclusive approach ensures that girls can continue their education safely from home, empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary for their future. Education is a key driver of gender equality, and by providing equal opportunities, e-Mentor helps to reduce gender disparities in education.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

3

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

e-Mentor is a prime example of Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by leveraging cutting-edge VR/AR technology to deliver education. The innovative use of solar power and integrated SIM cards in the headsets ensures that the educational infrastructure can operate independently of traditional power and internet sources, making it a sustainable and scalable solution. By addressing the infrastructural challenges in conflict-affected regions, e-Mentor promotes innovation and technological advancement in education, setting a precedent for future projects.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

e-Mentor directly addresses Reduced Inequalities by providing education to marginalized and internally displaced students who are often excluded from traditional educational systems. By ensuring that all students, regardless of their circumstances, have access to quality education, e-Mentor helps to level the playing field and reduce educational disparities. This commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity is central to reducing social and economic inequalities and promoting social justice.

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

2

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

2

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

e-Mentor exemplifies Partnerships for the Goals by collaborating with various organizations, including Ludenso, Open Dreams, and the Commonwealth Secretariat. These partnerships enhance the project's capacity to deliver quality education and expand its reach. By working with local and international partners, e-Mentor leverages collective expertise and resources to address educational challenges in conflict-affected regions. This collaborative approach is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring long-term impact.

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

6

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.

6

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.

6

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

6

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our startup, e-Mentor, is highly innovative for several reasons: New Type of Service: Our VR/AR technology with solar-powered, SIM-enabled headsets offers an entirely new learning experience, especially for displaced students in conflict areas. New Technology: Combining VR/AR with solar power and offline capabilities addresses the lack of stable electricity and internet in remote areas, making our solution highly innovative. Improvement on Existing Solutions: Unlike platforms like Khan Academy and Coursera, our product works autonomously without needing internet access or electricity. Extension of Existing Services: e-Mentor builds on remote education but enhances it with advanced technology, ensuring accessibility and engagement even in challenging environments. Meeting Unmet Needs: Our solution addresses the significant demand for accessible education in conflict zones, which current products do not meet. These aspects make e-Mentor a unique and innovative solution.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Potential competitors include platforms like Khan Academy, which offers online education but lacks the immersive, offline capabilities of e-Mentor. Additionally, Skollar, a mobile app built in Cameroon that runs on smartphones, provides similar educational content but is limited by its dependence on conventional electricity and internet access, hindering its reach in remote and underserved areas. These solutions are lagging due to their dependence on these technologies, whereas e-Mentor stands out with its use of VR/AR technology for enhanced engagement, solar-powered headsets for autonomous operation, and a dedicated focus on displaced students in conflict regions. This unique combination ensures accessibility and sustainability, addressing critical gaps in education access. Moreover, e-Mentor’s ability to operate independently of traditional infrastructure makes it particularly suited for environments lacking reliable electricity and internet connectivity, making it more inclusive.

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