Tanzania - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The first Tanzania’s Inclusive, Smart and interactive portable audio learning system that empowers children aged 3-14 with offline, engaging, cultural relevant, age appropriate and personalized content and activities in Numeracy, Literacy and STEM.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

ChemCheemi is an EdTech company dedicated to addressing the learning challenges faced by children in Tanzania and beyond. By leveraging IoT and Machine learning technologies, with a gamification and teaching at the right level approaches, Chemcheemi offers engaging and interactive offline and audio-based learning experience through the ChemCheemi audio system device to empower kids aged 3-14 with foundational literacy, numeracy, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and social skills. Through immersive content such as stories, nursery rhymes, audiobooks, interactive games, quizzes, and STEM activities, ChemCheemi aims to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity, ultimately laying the foundation for healthy lifelong learning and success.

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

Research shows that by the age of 10, a child in school should be able to read and do basic Mathematics, the foundational skills necessary for further learning and the development of advanced skills. This is different in Sub Saharan Africa where only 2 kids out of 10 can achieve that. This is Learning poverty. In Tanzania, the problem is manifested in different forms from kids at early learning stages to secondary schools. From 2015 - 2023, out of ten form four students who sat for Maths national Exam only 3 or less pass the exam. Also from time to time, reports show children in some regions in Tanzania experience learning poverty, by reaching even standard four without even being able to read a syllable. This is just the branch of the problem tree, the challenges originate from having not enough competent Literacy and numeracy skills from the childhood learning level.

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

1. Chemcheemi empowers learners to continue their education outside of traditional classroom settings, leading to improved learning outcomes and increased academic engagement. 2. Provide tailored content and learning pathways that meet the unique learning styles, preferences, and abilities of every learner. This personalized approach not only enhances comprehension and retention but also fosters a sense of empowerment and autonomy in students, driving motivation and self-directed learning. 3. prioritize inclusivity by designing products that cater to diverse learning styles, languages, and special needs, including braille Cards for visually impaired children, and audio-based content for children with learning disabilities.

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

ChemCheemi is currently targeting children aged 3 - 14, students from pre and primary schools. There are more than 13,000,000 of them in Tanzania alone, and our plan is to primarily sell the product to middle and high class economy parents in Tanzania with kids aged 3 - 14 who are seeking screen free and offline learning experiences for their kids. The secondary customer base includes daycares, Pre-primary schools, and organizations that support Tanzania’s government in the education sector to distribute the products to kids in public schools and especially in underserved areas.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-04-08

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?

0

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

Michael Kimollo, A Software Engineer who has over 5 years of experience in building tech-based products for his previous startup and for other organizations. He is a YALI Mandela Washington Fellow and well skilled in business development, strategic planning, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Previously he worked at Hype interactive as a co-founder and Operations Lead. Robert Chacha, previously a founder and CEO of Lane, a startup focused on developing and distributing IoT powered electric submitters. He is a passionate hardware programmer and product developer, electronics designer, IoT Engineer and he has 4 years experience in developing products for different startups from Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO) in Mwanza Tanzania.

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

Website: https://chemcheemi.co.tz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chemcheemi/ Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/chemcheemi/ Ln: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chemcheemi-africa?originalSubdomain=tz

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

4

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

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

5

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

ChemCheemi, through its innovative educational tools and content, significantly contributes to the Good Health and Well-Being goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by; 1. Giving children a screen free learning experience to reduce screen time addiction together with its effects on children's mental and physical health. This ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for kids and their parents. 2. Content on Mental Health: ChemCheemi develops and disseminates audio content focusing on mental health awareness. This includes stories, scenarios, and role-playing games like "Save Nyanzara," which address issues such as gender-based violence (GBV) and provide guidance on coping mechanisms and seeking help. 3. Educational Content on Health Topics: ChemCheemi produces educational materials that cover a range of health topics, including hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention. This empowers users with knowledge that can improve their personal and family health practices.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Enhancing Learning Outcomes: We aim to improve learning outcomes for children by creating engaging, interactive, and curriculum-aligned educational content. Empowering Educators and Parents: We recognize the critical role of educators and parents in supporting children's learning and development. Our objective is to empower educators with the tools, resources, and training they need to effectively integrate technology into their teaching practices and facilitate personalized learning experiences. We also aim to engage parents as active partners in their children's education, providing them with insights, guidance, and support through our innovation. Driving Systemic Change in Education: Beyond individual impact, we aspire to drive systemic change in the education sector by advocating for innovative policies, practices, and investments that prioritize quality education for all children.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

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

4

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Promoting Inclusivity and Accessibility: We are committed to ensuring that our educational solutions are accessible to all children, regardless of their socio-economic background, geographic location, or ability. We prioritize inclusivity by designing products that cater to diverse learning styles, languages, and special needs, including brailed ChemCards for visually impaired children, and audio-based content for children with learning disabilities.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

By utilizing Sustainable Technologies: 1. Energy-Efficient Operations: ChemCheemi prioritizes the use of energy-efficient technologies and practices in its operations. This includes leveraging cloud-based solutions to reduce physical resource use and minimize its overall carbon footprint. 2. Sustainable Product Design: ChemCheemi is committed to designing and developing its educational products with sustainability in mind. This includes using recyclable materials like rechargeable battery powering the audio playing system and reducing waste in the manufacturing process. The next version of chemcheemi audio system is going to be solar powered, this is to show our commitment to making chemcheemi a tool that is environmental friendly but also allowing children in remote areas to be able able to own chemcheemi.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

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.

4

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

4

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

The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service: Chemcheemi is an improvement on existing product from China, Europe and America. We have contextualized it to fit the African audience.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Ubongo kids (locally direct competitor) and storypod (internationally direct competitor). 1. ChemCheemi sets itself apart by having a high level of physical interactivity by even allowing other physical modules to be connected to it via USB and control them with a card. 2. Also chemcheemi is an innovative educational solution catering to teachers, parents, and children with its unique approach to STEM development. The ChemCheemi audio device facilitates seamless integration of STEM modules via USB plug-and-play functionality, enabling kids to control STEM toys like robots and other mini projects using tangible flashcards, this allows expansion of topic exploration for kids and reduces costs for parents as they buy one platform that fits for all. This feature also empowers teachers, including those with limited technical knowledge, to incorporate STEM across different subjects without fear of electronics or programming complexities.

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

Yes, I have worked with Technovation Global as a Tanzania chapter Ambassador to introduce girls from underserved areas in STEM and Entrepreneurship, through mobilizing resources for conducting codding programs and competition. I have mentored and worked with other mentors to impact more than 800 girls with problem solving skills, pitching skills and business planning skills.