This Zimbabwean Startup is Using AR to Enhance Science Learning

It initially rolled out a product named FundoVR, which helped students experience science experiments and field trips through virtual reality, but pivoted to a new approach in late 2019 after the start-up became the first Zimbabwean company to take part in the Google Launchpad Africa Accelerator.

The new solution is Science Learning, an app that provides students with a pocket virtual reality laboratory where, at a fraction of the cost of imported ones, they can experience science models. The startup deals directly with both schools and students in rolling out the app.

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“The pivot was because FundoVR was not easily scalable as it required thousands of VR headsets. We then made the shift to augmented reality as it was easier to scale,” Masuku told Disrupt Africa.

Masuku explains that when it comes to studying science, students need to learn in a more realistic and applied way.

“The Sciency app provides students with AR experiences so that they can interact and experience science at an in-depth and macromolecular level. We are therefore an applied learning startup building a unique learning experience. There are few of such startups as most focus on e-learning,” he said.

In July of last year, the app was launched and currently has over 2,000 users with strong monthly growth. After signing a collaboration with MEL Science through the Melanin Tuungane programme, which aims to help African startups connect with European companies, Masuku expects even faster growth. Over the course of this year, the collaboration is intended to help the Science app scale across Southern Africa.

“We are still at an early stage and have generated revenue which has validated our business model. We make money through subscriptions on the app. However because we recently launched the application, we have been working more towards tailoring the experience towards our users so as to provide a truly portable lab – thus our recent signing with MEL Science, making us the first African startup to sign such a big collaboration deal with them,” said Masuku.