Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Know the Blocks Maven (KBM) is an EdTech hub operating online and onsite platforms with a profound commitment to upskilling young adults, in emerging technologies.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

KBM is an EdTech organisation focused on upskilling young adults in emerging technologies such as web3, fintech, blockchain, and AI. We provide a 21st-century standard tech skill curriculum to traditional learning institutions, bridging the gap and creating a platform to upskill young adults focusing on underserved communities. Our vision is to ensure that youths graduate with essential technological skills, making them employable and not obsolete. KBM equips young people from underserved communities with tech leadership and problem-solving skills through blended learning platforms, fostering a digitally literate population capable of creating solutions to African problems and building wealth while collaborating on live projects.

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

In Nigeria and other sub-Saharan countries, unemployment, poverty, and a rapidly growing youth population present significant challenges. At Know the Blocks Maven (KBM), we see technology as the key to addressing these issues. Nigeria has been known for importing tech and catching up with global trends. But KBM is changing the narrative by empowering young people, especially those aged 15 to 35 in underserved communities, with essential tech and leadership skills. We have a clear vision of creating a digitally literate population to innovate solutions that resonates with African challenges and leverage tech to build wealth. Prosperity is the solution to poverty, not aid, and equipping our youth with the skills to leverage technology is our path to that prosperity.

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

Skill Development in Emerging Technologies: KBM provides comprehensive training in cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain, AI, fintech, and virtual reality. This equips students with in-demand skills that are crucial for the modern job market, significantly enhancing their employability and career prospects in the tech industry. Access to Mentorship and Career Guidance: Our programs offer robust mentorship from industry experts and professionals. Students receive personalized career insights and guidance, helping them navigate their career paths effectively. This support is invaluable for young individuals transitioning into the tech sector and seeking practical advice on career development. Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environment: KBM is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment. We provide mental health support and counselling to ensure students can learn without mental stress.

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

Know the Blocks Maven (KBM) primarily serves young individuals aged 14 to 35 from underserved communities in Nigeria. Our target beneficiaries include senior secondary school students, university undergraduates, and professionals seeking to transition into the tech industry. We focus on those who lack access to quality education and technological training due to economic constraints. By collaborating with traditional educational institutions, we integrate modern tech curricula into the students’ regular learning, ensuring they acquire relevant and practical tech skills. This demographic is pivotal for Nigeria’s digital future, as equipping them with emerging technology skills can drive substantial economic and social change.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-07-22

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.)

Ayomide Arowolo is a Blockchain Educator, Aragon ambassador, content writer for blockchain educational articles, blockchain developer, and co-founder of AloT Metaversity. AloT is an educational centre where you acquire real-life mastery of Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, Web 3.0 development, and metaverse technologies (such as AR, VR, XR, and MR), including game development. She researches, analyzes, develops, and tests blockchain technologies with a major interest in blockchain education, NFTs, gaming, and the metaverse world. This includes the documentation and maintenance of solutions, as well as their architectural integration with business logic. Her passion and quest to become better and also impact this knowledge to young adults grow as the blockchain ecosystem expands. She is a Kernel fellow KB4, a ConsenSys Academy graduate and a SURGE team member. Her team won the ETHGlobal 2021 Hackathon for the best use of Web3 storage from IPFS and Filecoin.

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

https://bit.ly/KBM_LinkedInProfile

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: EdTech

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

KBM's initiatives are designed to empower young people in underserved communities by providing them with relevant tech skills, thus increasing their employability and potential for economic improvement. The programs aim to reduce poverty and unemployment by creating a digitally literate population capable of contributing to a robust digital economy, which aligns strongly with the goal of reducing poverty.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

While the primary focus of KBM is on education and tech skill development, these initiatives indirectly contribute to the Zero Hunger goal by improving economic opportunities and employability for young people, which can lead to better financial stability and access to food resources. However, the connection to the Zero Hunger goal is less direct compared to the impact on the No Poverty goal.

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

KBM contributes to this goal by providing comprehensive support to its students, including access to mental health experts and counseling services. Recognizing the importance of mental well-being in the learning process, KBM ensures that students have the necessary support to manage stress and maintain a healthy mind. This focus on mental health and well-being enables students to engage fully in their education and future careers, promoting overall health and well-being.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

KBM's initiatives are directly aimed at providing inclusive and equitable quality education. By integrating a 21st-century tech curriculum into traditional educational institutions, offering mentorship programs, and creating tech clubs, KBM ensures that students from underserved communities have access to relevant and high-quality education. The focus on emerging technologies prepares students for future careers, and the provision of mental health support further enhances their ability to learn effectively.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

KBM's programs aim to empower all young people in underserved communities, including girls and young women, by providing them with essential tech skills. Given that the female-to-male ratio in secondary schools is slightly tilted in favour of girls, our initiatives are inclusive. In 2022, we partnered with the Techy Train Incubator to offer free basic blockchain classes to 50 women, demonstrating our commitment to promoting gender equality in the tech industry.

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

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Know the Blocks Maven (KBM), strongly aligns with the goal of promoting decent work and economic growth. We focus on reducing poverty and unemployment in Nigeria through comprehensive technology education. By providing young people in underserved communities with skills in emerging technologies like blockchain, AI, and web development, we prepare them for future careers in the growing tech sector. Our programs offer mentorship, career guidance, and mental health support to ensure students are well-equipped to enter the workforce. Since 2021, we've impacted over 3000 students, forming strategic partnerships with educational institutions and tech companies to expand our reach.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Know the Blocks Maven (KBM), significantly contributes to industry innovation and infrastructure. We provide training in cutting-edge technologies like blockchain, AI, and virtual reality, which fosters a skilled and innovative workforce. The establishment of tech hubs and the KBM Station e-learning platform enhances digital education infrastructure, ensuring accessibility and high-quality learning experiences. Our strategic partnerships with educational institutions and tech companies further bolster the tech education ecosystem, promoting the development of innovative solutions. Through these efforts, KBM plays a crucial role in advancing industry innovation and infrastructure in Nigeria.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Know the Blocks Maven (KBM) makes substantial contributions to reducing inequalities. We prioritize providing quality tech education to young people in underserved communities, addressing significant educational disparities and ensuring that these individuals have the same opportunities as their peers in more privileged areas. By offering comprehensive training in emerging technologies, we empower these students with the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market, thereby enhancing their socioeconomic mobility. Furthermore, KBM is deeply committed to gender inclusivity. We work closely with school counsellors to ensure that both boys and girls have equal access to our programs, actively bridging the gender gap in tech education. Our supportive learning environment, which includes mental health support and career guidance, is designed to help all students, regardless of their background, succeed. This holistic approach ensures that every participant

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

3

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

3

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

3

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

2

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

2

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.

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.

5

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

5

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.

5

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

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

While similar organizations offer courses on tech skills, KBM stands out because we focus on empowering individuals from underserved communities who cannot afford high course fees. As a social impact-driven organization, we prioritize spreading our impact to these communities and reducing inequalities by granting young people opportunities to upskill and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's economy. We have already impacted over 8,000 young people between the ages of 14 to 35 through our workshops, conferences, cohort programs, and tech clubs. Additionally, we are developing our innovative e-learning platform, the KBM Station, to provide young people with access to in-demand tech skills. Our dedication to underserved communities and our comprehensive approach to education and empowerment make KBM a unique and impactful organization.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

KBM competes with EdTech platforms like WootLab, Web3Bridge, GomyCode, Coursera, and Udemy. While these organizations offer tech courses, KBM stands out by focusing on underserved communities who can't afford high course fees. We prioritize spreading our impact to these communities, reducing inequalities, and enabling young people to contribute to Nigeria's economy. We collaborate with government agencies to integrate a 21st-century tech curriculum in secondary schools. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Secondary Education Board has granted us access to all public senior secondary schools in the capital. We have impacted over 8,000 young people (ages 14-35) through workshops, conferences, cohort programs, and tech clubs. Our innovative e-learning platform, KBM Station, further provides access to in-demand tech skills. KBM's commitment to underserved communities and our holistic educational approach makes us a unique and impactful organization.

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

KBM is deeply committed to promoting the role of female entrepreneurs in our community. One of our primary goals is to empower young people, especially those in universities and senior secondary schools, to leverage technology for problem-solving, wealth creation, and income generation. Given that women and young females comprise a significant portion of this demographic, we prioritize initiatives that support and encourage female entrepreneurship. For example, in early 2022, we partnered with Techy Train Incubator to conduct a specialized training program focused on blockchain technology. This program was specifically designed to equip 50 young women with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in blockchain-related careers. The training covered fundamental concepts of blockchain, its practical applications, and guidance on how these women could kickstart their careers in this rapidly growing industry.