16 August 2025

Mykolaiv student creates app against social media addiction

(Danylo Kovalev, developer. PHOTO: GoGlobal)

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

You may also like:

May 30, 2026

Car seized from head of Koblivka village council in case of budget fraud

Wife in the Armed Forces, husband in jail: Russian agent convicted in Mykolaiv

May 29, 2026

"It's money-making and bacchanalia": a conflict over hunting grounds erupts in Mykolaiv regional council

Controversy erupts in Mykolaiv over the future of the maternity hospital

May 28, 2026

Mykolaivvodokanal explains staff reductions

Mykolaiv region: Military to be tried for passing coordinates to AFU

New bans for drivers will be introduced in the center of Mykolaiv

May 27, 2026

Over 130 trees to be planted in Mykolaiv

Mykolaiv Executive Committee approves mass dismantling of kiosks

Cash, real estate and wife's business: what rectors of Kherson and Mykolaiv declare

In Mykolaiv region, ex-director of a utility company did not file declarations for years

The Ministry of Economy explains why the sale of Mykolaiv Alumina Plant is delayed

Mykolaiv to consider support for the military, dismantling of kiosks and new rules for electric transport

May 26, 2026

In Mykolaiv and Kherson, builders and dentists are paid the most

Mykolaiv plans to reallocate UNDP aid by 11 million