Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

In a digital age where proficiency digital skills is becoming increasingly crucial, Kedrus Academy, a leading Edtech startup sets to address Nigeria’s digital skills gap by training 20,000 professionals and young adults in data & Ai skills by 2030.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Kedrus Academy is an edtech startup dedicated to bridging the digital skills gap in Africa by providing accessible, high-quality training in data science, data analytics, machine learning, and AI. Our core offerings include: Instructor-led Live Virtual Bootcamps with structured curriculums, hands-on projects, and expert mentorship. Self-paced On-Demand Online Courses via our learning management system. Free Data/AI Literacy Programs to promote awareness and basic skills. Our unique strengths include our founders' proven expertise in data/tech education, a focus on project-based applied learning, robust mentorship programs, and a supportive alumni community for long-term career development. Through partnerships with organizations like the Tony Elumelu Foundation and accreditations from bodies like Skills Development Council Canada, we maintain high educational standards while making quality training accessible and affordable, especially in Africa.

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

The main problem Kedrus Academy is trying to solve is the severe digital skills gap, particularly in data and AI competencies, that exists in Africa and Nigeria specifically: - Over 100 million Nigerians lack basic digital literacy skills, according to the World Bank. This digital divide prevents individuals from unlocking economic opportunities in today's technology-driven world. - 85% of Nigerian graduates are reported to lack job-ready digital skills that employers demand. This skills mismatch contributes to high unemployment rates. - Projections indicate that by 2030, around 45% of jobs in Nigeria will require digital proficiency, including expertise in data analytics, AI, machine learning, and related fields. - Traditional educational models and online courses often lack structured curriculums, hands-on training, mentorship, and fail to impart practical, job-ready skills required by industry.

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

Here are the three major benefits of learning with Kedrus Academy 1. Structured Curriculum and Job-Readiness: Our programs follow carefully designed curriculums that cover the most in-demand data/AI skills required by employers. Through a project-based learning approach, hands-on training, and guidance from industry experts, learners gain practical, job-ready skills that directly translate to the workplace. 2. Affordability and Accessibility: Our innovative pricing models, partnerships with organizations like the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and online delivery make quality data/AI education accessible and affordable, especially for African learners. This addresses the cost barriers often associated with acquiring technical skills. 3. Comprehensive Support System: Unlike most online courses, Kedrus Academy provides a holistic support system that includes dedicated mentors, a vibrant learning community or collaboration, and long-term career guidance through our alumni network.

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

Kedrus Academy's data/AI training programs are aimed at serving the following targeted beneficiaries: Recent Graduates: University graduates, including those serving in Nigeria's NYSC program, with limited practical experience can enhance their employability by gaining in-demand data/AI skills through our bootcamps. Upskilling Professionals: Mid-career professionals across various industries looking to upskill and remain relevant in today's data-driven landscape can access our training to advance their careers. African Immigrants: Africans who have immigrated to Europe, America or other regions can leverage our online programs to gain valuable data/AI competencies and increase their job prospects in their new locations. Businesses/Organizations: Educational Institutions: Universities and colleges can partner with us to integrate our data/AI curricula, enhancing their offerings and ensuring graduates are equipped with market-aligned skills.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-11-23

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

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.)

Justin Tochukwu is a seasoned Brand, Business, and Product Manager with over a decade of experience in Branding, Strategy, and Digital Transformation. He is a member of the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC), and a Certified Management Consultant (CMC). Justin was instrumental in the rebranding of NairaBet, Nigeria’s first sports betting company with over 40 million users. He spearheaded the digital transformation of Scripture Union's daily devotionals into mobile apps, reaching over 6 million members. He also strategically positioned FRIMA, a Malaysian conglomerate, for the African market. A Computer Science graduate and Cisco Certified Network Associate, he earned his first cloud computing certification in 2012. He has completed programs in Digital Transformation from Darden Business School, Brand Management from London Business School, and is pursuing an MBA from Regenesys Business School.

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

https://kedrusacademy.com/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Educational technology

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Kedrus Academy contributes to poverty reduction by equipping individuals, particularly those from potentially under-resourced backgrounds, with in-demand data and AI skills. This translates into: Increased Employability: Graduates of Kedrus Academy programs gain valuable skills highly sought after in today's job market, especially in tech-driven fields. This can lead to better employment opportunities and higher incomes, lifting individuals and families out of poverty. Entrepreneurial Potential: Data and AI skills empower individuals to launch data-driven ventures, creating jobs for themselves and potentially others. This fosters economic independence and contributes to local development.

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

2

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

Kedrus Academy directly addresses Quality Education by: Providing High-Demand Skills Training: We offer comprehensive programs in data analytics, data science, data engineering, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI), highly sought-after skills in today's job market. Focus on Accessibility: Free introductory courses and zero-interest financing options through FinQuest Finance make our programs more accessible to a wider audience. Catering to Diverse Learners: Our programs cater to individuals of all backgrounds and experience levels, promoting inclusivity in education. Innovative Learning Methods: We offer a blend of online and live bootcamps, catering to different learning styles and preferences. Overall, Kedrus Academy directly equips learners with valuable skills, removes barriers to education, and uses innovative methods, making them a strong contributor to Quality Education.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Kedrus Academy offers tech education opportunities that empower women to enter the field and potentially close the gender gap. since inception kedrus academy has trained over 1000 indiviuals and 40% of those are women.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Kedrus Academy directly addresses Decent Work and Economic Growth by: Equipping graduates with high-demand data and AI skills. This translates into better job prospects, increased earning potential, and a more competitive workforce. Encouraging entrepreneurship. The skills and knowledge gained can empower individuals to create their own data-driven businesses, fostering job creation and economic dynamism. Promoting financial inclusion. Through zero-interest financing options, Kedrus Academy makes their programs more accessible, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate in the digital economy, which is crucial for overall economic growth. Overall, Kedrus Academy plays a significant role in equipping individuals with in-demand skills, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting financial inclusion, all of which contribute significantly to Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8).

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

While Kedrus Academy doesn't directly build infrastructure, it contributes to Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) by equipping graduates with the skills necessary to develop and manage the infrastructure of tomorrow. Here's how: Focus on In-Demand Skills: Kedrus Academy's curriculum in data science, data engineering, and artificial intelligence (AI) equips graduates with the technical expertise needed to design, analyze, and optimize future infrastructure projects. This includes: Data-driven decision making: Graduates can analyze vast amounts of data to inform infrastructure planning, resource allocation, and maintenance strategies. AI-powered solutions: Skills in AI can be applied to optimize traffic flow in smart cities, predict and prevent infrastructure failures, and develop intelligent transportation systems.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Kedrus Academy contributes to Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) through by equipping graduates with skills that can indirectly address social and economic disparities. Here's how: Digital Divide Reduction: Graduates with data and AI expertise could play a role in projects that bridge the digital divide. Their skills could be applied to: Developing affordable and accessible technology solutions for underserved communities. Designing data-driven initiatives to improve internet infrastructure and access in marginalised areas. Empowering Social Enterprises: The knowledge and skills gained at Kedrus Academy can empower graduates to contribute to social enterprises. These skills can be valuable for: Creating data-driven solutions for social good (e.g., improving access to education or healthcare in disadvantaged communities). Utilizing AI for social impact initiatives like promoting financial inclusion or environmental sustainability. Kedrus equips grads to bridge divides and empower change.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

2

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

2

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

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.

4

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

2

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.

5

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.

2

06.08 Justification for my startup

We're passionate about making data science and AI education accessible and engaging for everyone. While the core concepts we teach might be established, we strive to be innovative in how we deliver them. Social Media Live Classes: We leverage the power of social media by offering free live classes on data and AI. This innovative approach allows us to reach a wider audience and create an interactive learning experience that's more engaging than traditional lectures. Imagine being able to ask questions in real-time to our instructors directly through social media! Focus on Accessibility: We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to learn these in-demand skills. That's why we offer free data and AI literacy courses. These courses bridge the digital divide and spark interest in data science and AI, potentially inspiring future generations to pursue careers in these fields. Flexible Learning Options (Potential): Our on demand LMS makes it easy to learn anywhere, anytime

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Udemy, Pluracode academy, Quatum analytics, Kedrus Academy stands out due to its personalized learning paths, live boot camps, expert instruction, and zero-interest financing model. Unlike generic platforms, Kedrus Academy guides learners from fundamentals to mastery in data-related fields, ensuring relevant skill development. The commitment to accessibility and affordability, along with accreditation and funding support, makes Kedrus Academy a standout choice for aspiring data and AI professionals.

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