Mykolaiv student creates app against social media addiction

A 17-year-old schoolboy from Mykolaiv has created the OffGrid mobile app to help teenagers fight social media addiction. The project combines learning with the opportunity to receive rewards for completed tasks.

This was reported by Ukrayinska Pravda.

Danylo Kovalev, a member of the GoGlobal community "Generation of Victory," moved from Mykolaiv to Semenivka because of the war and, together with a team of like-minded people, is developing the OffGrid mobile application. Its goal is to help young people fight the problem of overdependence on fast dopamine, which has become especially acute during the war.

As noted in the publication, Danylo's path to IT began with free online marathons and a passion for programming, particularly game development. Later, he joined a tech camp where he had the opportunity to learn about Ukrainian IT companies, startups, and innovative technologies. It was there that he presented the first ideas of his own project, an application to combat social media.

Together with co-founders from different regions of Ukraine and Denmark, Danylo is working on an app that allows users to choose courses in various subjects, take tests and assignments, and receive points that can then be exchanged for promotional codes, coupons, or goods from partners.

The app's concept includes three types of tasks: short exercises, long tasks, and weekly marathons that motivate users to study regularly. Currently, the app is at the stage of a minimally functional product.

The full development of the app with support for two years will cost about $280,000, but the team plans to start with minimal investment, look for the first audience, and apply for grants.

Danylo has already entered the Technical University in Kosice, Slovakia, and dreams of creating his own game in the future. According to Danylo, working on the app is not only a technical challenge, but also a personal development.

Introducing innovations into the Ukrainian economy requires significant investments. Intent talked to Jan Shapiro, founder and CEO of U-Nation Startup Accelerator, a project that helps promote startups in the South of Ukraine. Its main idea is to create innovative entrepreneurial solutions that can take their place in the country's recovery process.

Анна Бальчінос