UniWay

The challenge

UniWay addresses the challenges university students face in keeping up with coursework due to outdated teaching methods and a lack of engaging, structured study materials. Traditional education has remained largely unchanged despite technological advancements, leading to poor concentration, inefficient study habits, and burnout (Schaufeli et al., 2002; Maslach, 2007). Many students struggle to retain information from dense textbooks and lengthy lectures, resulting in last-minute cramming, stress, and, in severe cases, dropouts. Additionally, students with ADHD and dyslexia face further obstacles, as traditional study materials do not accommodate their learning needs. While some educational platforms exist, they either focus on general online courses (e.g., Khan Academy, Udacity) or school-level education (e.g., UCHA.SE), leaving a gap in university-specific learning support.

The solution

UniWay’s peer-to-peer (P2P) model creates a student-driven marketplace where university students can upload, share, and sell educational materials such as summaries, lecture notes, videos, and practice exams. This model leverages user-generated content (UGC) to foster a collaborative learning ecosystem while providing a flexible and scalable study resource. Instead of relying solely on pre-designed materials, students become both content creators and consumers, allowing for a dynamic exchange of knowledge. The platform operates using a virtual currency system, which students can use to purchase content instead of making direct payments. This reduces the psychological barrier to spending while ensuring continuous transactions. To encourage participation, early contributors receive an initial amount of virtual currency for their first few uploads, promoting engagement and content growth. To maintain quality, uploaded materials are rated and reviewed by other users, ensuring that only valuable resources gain traction. This model not only democratizes education by making high-quality study materials widely accessible but also incentivizes students to take an active role in the learning process. By allowing them to monetize their work, the platform turns studying into an opportunity rather than just an obligation. Additionally, the P2P approach enhances scalability, as the platform’s value increases with more student participation, leading to a richer, more diverse collection of learning resources. Through this system, UniWay creates a self-sustaining educational network that empowers students to support each other’s academic success.