Campus Revolution: How a Student-Led App is Transforming Education in Russia
November 9, 2024, 5:29 pm
In the heart of Russia, a digital revolution is brewing. It’s not in the boardrooms of tech giants but in the hands of students. Meet "Kampus," a mobile application designed by students for students. This app is reshaping the educational landscape, providing essential tools and resources to navigate university life.
The journey began with a simple problem: higher mathematics. For many students, this subject is a daunting mountain. Julia Egorova and her co-founder, Kirill Laskin, faced this challenge head-on. They gathered their peers, inviting a senior student to simplify complex concepts. This grassroots effort turned into a mini-course, leading to stellar exam results. The spark was lit.
Recognizing a gap in the market, they envisioned a platform to help students prepare for exams. Unlike the abundant resources for standardized tests, there was little support for university-level subjects. They launched their first course at the National University of Science and Technology (MISiS), leveraging a network of knowledgeable peers.
Initially, they operated online, offering their services almost for free. A group of 30 students formed, and word spread like wildfire after a free offline session attracted 160 attendees. The power of word-of-mouth proved invaluable. They began to monetize their efforts through donations, gradually building a reputation.
As their initiative gained traction, they set their sights on expansion. The next logical step was to create video courses that could reach students across various universities. With the help of their initial instructor, they recorded high-quality content. However, profits were slim. Every ruble earned was reinvested into the project, and external funding was non-existent.
In late 2022, fortune smiled upon them. They participated in the UMNIK program's "Student Startup" competition and won a grant of 1 million rubles. This funding was a game-changer. It allowed them to ramp up marketing efforts and attract new users. They showcased impressive growth in revenue and clientele, which caught the attention of potential investors.
Fast forward to October 2023. The duo secured their first round of investment, raising 10 million rubles. This capital was used to acquire a mobile application, transforming "Kampus" into a comprehensive educational ecosystem. They launched a minimum viable product (MVP) and expanded their course offerings. By March 2024, they had secured additional funding, propelling their growth further.
The results speak volumes. The app now features class schedules and professor reviews, attracting a significant user base. "Kampus" serves students from over 100 universities and colleges, doubling its reach in just a year. Daily active users surged by 60%, with 200,000 active users each month. The class schedule feature acts as a gateway, drawing traffic that can be monetized through premium offerings.
The educational content has also expanded. They now offer 16 courses, covering subjects like probability theory, organic chemistry, macroeconomics, and Python programming. Enrollment has skyrocketed, with students from 102 universities participating. This growth is more than sixfold compared to the previous year.
But "Kampus" is not just about academics. They launched "Kampus Vacancies," a feature connecting students with job opportunities. In a challenging job market, this tool simplifies the search for internships and employment. During the slow season, they received over 400 applications for 50 partner vacancies in just two weeks.
Their partnerships are impressive, collaborating with organizations like MarksMan, Skypro, and the T-Bank University. They’ve tested over 40 marketing and sales funnels, refining their approach to reach more students effectively. A subscription model was introduced, granting users access to exclusive content, discounts, and an ad-free experience.
Behind this success is a dedicated team of 11, including educators and outsourced technical and legal support. The community is vibrant, with a strong presence on social media platforms. They engage with users, sharing updates and educational content.
The story of "Kampus" is a testament to the power of student initiative. It’s a reminder that innovation often springs from the most unexpected places. As they continue to grow, the app stands as a beacon for students navigating the complexities of higher education.
In a world where education is constantly evolving, "Kampus" is leading the charge. It’s more than just an app; it’s a lifeline for students. As they download the app from Google Play or the Apple Store, they’re not just accessing resources—they’re joining a movement. A movement that empowers students to take control of their education and future.
The future looks bright for "Kampus." With ambitious plans and a clear vision, they are set to redefine the student experience in Russia and beyond. The journey is just beginning, and the possibilities are endless.
The journey began with a simple problem: higher mathematics. For many students, this subject is a daunting mountain. Julia Egorova and her co-founder, Kirill Laskin, faced this challenge head-on. They gathered their peers, inviting a senior student to simplify complex concepts. This grassroots effort turned into a mini-course, leading to stellar exam results. The spark was lit.
Recognizing a gap in the market, they envisioned a platform to help students prepare for exams. Unlike the abundant resources for standardized tests, there was little support for university-level subjects. They launched their first course at the National University of Science and Technology (MISiS), leveraging a network of knowledgeable peers.
Initially, they operated online, offering their services almost for free. A group of 30 students formed, and word spread like wildfire after a free offline session attracted 160 attendees. The power of word-of-mouth proved invaluable. They began to monetize their efforts through donations, gradually building a reputation.
As their initiative gained traction, they set their sights on expansion. The next logical step was to create video courses that could reach students across various universities. With the help of their initial instructor, they recorded high-quality content. However, profits were slim. Every ruble earned was reinvested into the project, and external funding was non-existent.
In late 2022, fortune smiled upon them. They participated in the UMNIK program's "Student Startup" competition and won a grant of 1 million rubles. This funding was a game-changer. It allowed them to ramp up marketing efforts and attract new users. They showcased impressive growth in revenue and clientele, which caught the attention of potential investors.
Fast forward to October 2023. The duo secured their first round of investment, raising 10 million rubles. This capital was used to acquire a mobile application, transforming "Kampus" into a comprehensive educational ecosystem. They launched a minimum viable product (MVP) and expanded their course offerings. By March 2024, they had secured additional funding, propelling their growth further.
The results speak volumes. The app now features class schedules and professor reviews, attracting a significant user base. "Kampus" serves students from over 100 universities and colleges, doubling its reach in just a year. Daily active users surged by 60%, with 200,000 active users each month. The class schedule feature acts as a gateway, drawing traffic that can be monetized through premium offerings.
The educational content has also expanded. They now offer 16 courses, covering subjects like probability theory, organic chemistry, macroeconomics, and Python programming. Enrollment has skyrocketed, with students from 102 universities participating. This growth is more than sixfold compared to the previous year.
But "Kampus" is not just about academics. They launched "Kampus Vacancies," a feature connecting students with job opportunities. In a challenging job market, this tool simplifies the search for internships and employment. During the slow season, they received over 400 applications for 50 partner vacancies in just two weeks.
Their partnerships are impressive, collaborating with organizations like MarksMan, Skypro, and the T-Bank University. They’ve tested over 40 marketing and sales funnels, refining their approach to reach more students effectively. A subscription model was introduced, granting users access to exclusive content, discounts, and an ad-free experience.
Behind this success is a dedicated team of 11, including educators and outsourced technical and legal support. The community is vibrant, with a strong presence on social media platforms. They engage with users, sharing updates and educational content.
The story of "Kampus" is a testament to the power of student initiative. It’s a reminder that innovation often springs from the most unexpected places. As they continue to grow, the app stands as a beacon for students navigating the complexities of higher education.
In a world where education is constantly evolving, "Kampus" is leading the charge. It’s more than just an app; it’s a lifeline for students. As they download the app from Google Play or the Apple Store, they’re not just accessing resources—they’re joining a movement. A movement that empowers students to take control of their education and future.
The future looks bright for "Kampus." With ambitious plans and a clear vision, they are set to redefine the student experience in Russia and beyond. The journey is just beginning, and the possibilities are endless.