Engineering graduate studies duo named a finalist at the international Draper Data Science Business Plan Competition.
You’ve just landed in a new country to live and study – now what? Where do you find housing? How do you access the transit system? Despite proactive research and networking, for many immigrants and international students, it’s difficult to find answers.
During their first semester in the Electrical and Computer Engineering master’s program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), Kelechi Chimezie Umeaka and Everline Mugenya bonded over their shared international experience. Umeaka and Mugenya, who came to TMU from Nigeria and Kenya, respectively, found that information for newcomers is often widespread and quickly dated. Together, they conceptualized AdaptEase, a data-driven solution that could benefit newcomers around the world.
“I did my undergrad in China and now my master’s in Canada. Figuring out small things like how to use the subway, how to get a transit card, took weeks to figure out. If there were a one-stop place where I could access all the information, I would’ve saved so much time.”
AdaptEase could pull real-time data from public sector sources and serve up relevant, consolidated information to newcomers across web, mobile, and print. The team also plans on integrating machine learning models to deliver personalized alerts to users. For example, an international student would be alerted to on-campus job and housing opportunities. It’s this ingenuity that led the AdaptEase team to be one of eight finalists from across Canada, Mexico, and the United States at this year’s Draper Data Science Business Plan Competition.
Championed by their graduate studies supervisor and professor, Naimul Khan, Umeaka and Mugenya headed to the competition held by the University of Texas at San Antonio’s School of Data Science. While at the competition, the team gained industry contacts and invaluable feedback on their technical and go-to-market strategy for AdaptEase. Inspired by the experience, they’ve now set their sights on developing a Minimal Viable Product to take AdaptEase to the next level.
“Our goal is to help educate immigrants right from the airport about the basics so they know what to do and avoid making the wrong choices. We think of it as a movement.”
- Kelechi Umeaka
Whether you’re a student navigating a new country or a new graduate program, Umeaka and Mugenya share, don’t be afraid to ask questions – you never know where friendly advice and mentorship will take you next.
