Gradesmatch, an educational technology social enterprise, started by a team of UCT alumni, has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2018 Google Impact Challenge.

Information Systems Honours graduates Rudzani Mulaudzi, Unathi September and Mechanical Engineering graduate Lebo Diale, created Gradesmatch, a comprehensive career guidance technology that assists learners in Africa with career planning to unlock their potential. The technology is designed to map career data to learners, teachers and mentors, helping in making well-informed good career decisions to improve long-term education and career outcomes.

 Diale said, “We used some lessons from our degrees to solve some challenges faced by Quintile 1 - 3 schools using technology.”

Google supports social enterprises with game-changing ideas to create economic opportunity in their communities through the #GICAfrica.  “Out of 1000+ companies and five months of due diligence, we made it in South Africa's Top 12 shortlist, raising R1.75M in the process,” said Diale.

He added that in addition to the top 12 shortlist and a chance to pitch for the top three spots in the competition; they are also listed in the "Public Vote" category. This category is open to the public for voting. "This is where you can contribute to making our dream come true."

The primary goal of pursuing this specific category is to:
•    increase their reach to 100 000 learners by January 2019;
•    improve their technology for optimised data-driven decision making, and
•    to build a virtual reality-based career guidance tool with realistic workplace simulations & expanded virtual internships in future.  

“Ultimately, our goal is to be the primary source of career guidance and financial aid to 125 million learners from 25 African countries by 2023. You can help us to achieve this by clicking here and voting. Deadline is 25 November 2018,” said Diale.