Cameroun - Startup de moins de 3 ans

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

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 Décrivez votre startup en détail

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 Quel est le problème principal que vous essayez de résoudre ?

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 Dites-nous quels sont les principaux avantages et/ou bénéfices de l'utilisation du produit/service fourni par votre startup (au moins 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 Veuillez décrire précisément à qui s'adresse le produit/service de votre startup. Quels sont les bénéficiaires visés ?

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 Quand votre entreprise a-t-elle été créée ?

01/04/2022

01.06 Vendez-vous déjà votre produit/service ?

Oui

01.07 Combien y a-t-il de propriétaires de votre entreprise en plus de vous ?

2

01.08 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

2

01.09 Veuillez décrire le profil des autres propriétaires de votre startup (compétences, expérience, 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 Si vous avez un site web, une page sur les médias sociaux (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin...) ou une application, veuillez fournir le(s) lien(s) ici :

01.11 Quel est le secteur d'activité qui décrit le mieux votre entreprise ?

Autre : Education

02.01.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Pas de pauvreté'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Faim Zéro'

4

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.03.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Bonne Santé et Bien Être'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.04.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Éducation de Qualité'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Égalité entre les Sexes'

6

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Eau Propre et Assainissement'

2

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.07.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Énergie Propre et Abordable'

4

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.08.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Travail Décent et Croissance Économique'

3

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.09.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Industrie, Innovation et Infrastructure'

6

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Réduction des Inégalités'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Villes et Communautés Durables'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.12.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Consommation et Production Responsables'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.13.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Lutte contre les Changements Climatiques'

2

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.14.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Sous-Marine'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.15.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Terrestre'

1 -pas du tout d'accord

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.16.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Paix, Justice et Institutions Efficaces'

2

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.17.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Parteneriats pour la Réalisation des Objectifs'

4

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Un grand nombre de clients utilisent déjà un produit/service très similaire au nôtre.

6

06.02 Notre produit/service représente un type de produit/service entièrement nouveau

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.03 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une nouvelle technologie

6

06.04 Notre produit/service est une amélioration d'un produit ou d'un service existant

6

06.05 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une extension d'une gamme de produits ou de services

6

06.06 Notre produit/service répond à une demande ou à un besoin qui n'a pas été satisfait par d'autres produits/services.

6

06.07 Notre produit/service est une nouvelle version d'un ancien produit/service

6

06.08 Justification

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 Analyse compétitive

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 Menez-vous des actions au sein de votre communauté pour promouvoir le rôle des femmes entrepreneurs ?