Student takes part in USG Startup Studio

University of North Georgia (UNG) graduate student Aliou Aboubakar Mouhamed took part in the inaugural University System of Georgia (USG) Startup Studio this summer.

A Flowery Branch, Georgia, resident pursuing a Master of Science in computer science, Aboubakar Mouhamed said the one-day virtual program helped him realize the importance of understanding customer's needs when starting a business.

"You can build something great that nobody wants to use," he said.

According to the USG website, USG Startup Studio "is a high-impact, virtual-format program for all students across Georgia's public universities who are curious about startups and commercialization. It’s a fast-track experience in evidence-based entrepreneurship, focused on real-world customer discovery, hypothesis testing and value creation, based on the award-winning Georgia Tech CREATE-X."

Aboubakar Mouhamed's innovation is Zapp, an app that uses artificial intelligence to tailor resumes and cover letters to job postings and allows users to apply for jobs in seconds rather than 20 minutes or more.

"I'm excited that Ali was able to take advantage of this resource that is available to students in the University System of Georgia. UNG's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation emphasizes that entrepreneurial success hinges on a robust ecosystem to support the many stages of commercialization," said Dr. Rachel Clapp-Smith, Mike Cottrell College of Business dean. "We are fortunate that Georgia has a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, and we are dedicated to connecting UNG students to these resources. We have seen the possibilities of Ali’s business through his successful pitch competitions, and it will be fun to watch his business as it goes to market."

Students were required to apply and be accepted into either Startup Studio Peach on June 8 or Startup Studio Gold on June 29. Aboubakar Mouhamed took part on the second date. His session included 20 students, and two presenters from Georgia Tech led the event.

"Ali's continued pursuit of entrepreneurial learning opportunities reflects the curiosity, initiative and resilience we hope to foster in our students. Programs like the USG Startup Studio give students the opportunity to test ideas, learn from experienced entrepreneurs and strengthen the skills needed to create meaningful solutions," said Dr. Denise McWilliams, assistant professor of information systems. "We are proud to see him representing UNG and continuing to build on his entrepreneurial journey."

Aboubakar Mouhamed enjoyed the dynamic of USG Startup Studio, which was a different setup than his second-place finish in the innovateUNG Pitch Challenge and the USG Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competition that had him presenting on stage.

"It allows you to sit back and listen. It's a blessing to be coached," Aboubakar Mouhamed said. "When you're listening, you're able to get different perspectives on what you're going through."

He encourages other students to tap into what's available to them as part of UNG and the USG.

"It's amazing to have direct access to those resources," Aboubakar Mouhamed said. "It's an environment where they want to help you find the success you're looking for."