Ethiopia - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Curious Cube revolutionizes learning! Our handheld cube transforms into a comprehensive library of interactive 3D models through AR. It eliminates the need for schools and parents to purchase expensive resources, making learning engaging and effective!

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Driven by the belief that education is key to a nation's success, Curious Cube empowers educators with an AR-powered handheld cube. This innovative tool transforms into a comprehensive library of 3D models, replacing expensive labs and fostering engaging learning for middle and high schoolers. As a visual learner who faced limited resources in school, I realized this challenge is widespread. Curious Cube offers a cost-effective solution, making engaging 3D learning accessible to all.

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

The main problem Curious Cube is trying to solve is the lack of access to well-equipped science labs in middle and high schools, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia. This limited access hinders students' ability to fully grasp scientific concepts through hands-on learning and experimentation.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Cost-Effective Alternative to Labs: Curious Cube eliminates the need for expensive physical lab equipment, making it a budget-friendly solution for schools with limited resources. Engaging and Interactive Learning: The 3D models come alive through AR technology, fostering deeper engagement and a more interactive learning experience compared to traditional textbooks and static models. Comprehensive Learning Library: A single cube provides access to a vast library of 3D models across various subjects, offering a wider range of learning experiences than traditional, limited lab setups. Accessibility and Equity: Curious Cube overcomes geographical limitations and resource disparities. It allows all schools, regardless of location or budget, to provide students with the opportunity for engaging and effective science exploration.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Curious Cube empowers two key groups: Middle and High School Students: This age group is at a crucial stage for scientific understanding. Curious Cube's interactive 3D models and vast subject library help them visualize complex concepts and engage in a wider range of learning experiences that traditional labs might not offer. Educators: Curious Cube provides teachers and schools with a cost-effective alternative to expensive labs, allowing them to facilitate engaging science exploration even with limited resources. The versatile and portable nature of the cube makes it adaptable to different learning styles, while the comprehensive content can serve as valuable curriculum support across various science subjects.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-01-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Leul Teklu

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

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

4

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Our project Curious Cube contributes to SDG 4 in several ways: Enhanced Engagement and Learning Outcomes: Our product can bring complex subjects to life through interactive 3D models, fostering deeper understanding and knowledge retention compared to traditional 2D textbooks. This aligns with Target 4.1 of SDG 4, which aims to ensure all students acquire relevant and effective learning outcomes. Improved Access to Quality Education: Our product is reusable and a cost-effective solution for schools compared to purchasing multiple physical models or subscribing to various educational apps. This can address disparities in access to quality educational resources, supporting Target 4.a of SDG 4 Eliminate Disparity: overcomes resource limitations in rural schools or catering to a growing need for STEM education, it contributes even more to achieving equitable and inclusive quality education for all (Target 4.5 of SDG 4)

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

4

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

I agree because our product is significantly cheaper than traditional educational resources, it can help bridge the gap between schools with limited resources and those with more funding. This promotes more equitable access to quality education. Schools in rich countries maybe able to afford state-of-the are laboratory equipments, assisting their students in better engagement and comprehension with the lessons given. Since the same purchasing power doesn't exist in poorer countries, innovative products like our can provide an alternative solution.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

N/A

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

We plan to create a global community of educators and content creators. This will allow anyone from anywhere in the world to develop and contribute 3D learning models that can be displayed on our AR cube.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

5

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

2

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

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

First mover advantage, Future-Proof, Affordability, Novelty and Scalability are what I think the big justifications for our products innovativeness. As per our research, such kind of product with subject-specific transformable learning models is the first of its kind in Ethiopia and potentially across Africa. I believe that positions us as a true innovator in educational technology within the region. Our product is also future-proof. The fact that it is extremely affordable as compared to the next alternative also makes as innovative. Compared to purchasing multiple physical models or subscribing to various educational apps, the reusable nature of the cube offers a cost-effective solution for schools. The other reason we believe our product is innovative is the novelty learning experience we create. AR technology offers a unique way to learn. 3D models can bring complex subjects to life in a way that static textbooks cannot, fostering deeper engagement and understanding.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Our biggest selling point is the unparalleled interactivity and engagement it offers. Unlike traditional methods (physical learning models) or existing educational apps, the AR cube transforms into subject-specific 3D models, bringing learning to life. This fosters deeper understanding and a love of learning, making it a truly innovative tool for education. We do all of this in a fraction of the cost.

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

Absolutely, yes! I'm passionate about empowering women to become entrepreneurs. I've had the privilege of mentoring four amazing women: Blen, Selam, Neima, and Ayu. Blen and Selam, two friend, wanted to start a photography business. I helped them brainstorm ideas, conduct a feasibility study, and tailor those ideas to their risk tolerance. Blen is now freelancing and working on a special project with potential to be a full-fledged business! Selam is thriving in wedding photography. Neima's story is particularly close to my heart. We met while I was a freshman student at Wolkite University, and her dedication and ambition truly inspire me. She comes from a culture where men are traditionally the only breadwinners, Neima faced additional challenges. Without male siblings and a distant father figure, she took charge to support herself, her mother, and siblings. I helped her establish her own fast food kiosk, which she now runs with the help of one of her sisters.