How Yomken.com is using its capacities to implement unique solutions for a unique crisis
“Of course in the beginning it was a shock for us, but then we tried to adapt and figure out how, instead of being part of a problem, we can think of solutions.” – Tamer Taha, Founding Chairman of Yomken.com
Yomken’s Approach
Pre COVID-19
Yomken.com was founded in 2012 by Tamer Taha to crowdsource solutions and research and development (R&D) solutions for the factories, NGOs, and governmental entities that do not have their own R&D teams in order to make the process accessible and affordable for all. Yomken.com seeks to leverage research and innovation as tools for long-term development to reach sustainable income generation for the most underprivileged. As an open-innovation platform, Yomken.com is a bridge between micro and small businesses and potential problem solvers. Challenges are submitted by factories, businesses, and NGOs or brainstormed through Yomken.com sponsored workshops with their partners. They are then published online with an attached reward (financial or non-financial) from a sponsor or organization for people to submit their unique solutions. Solutions are evaluated by partners and academic efforts before winners are chosen and the implementation phase begins. The platform has an 82% success rate for challenges successfully solved, with some solutions transformed into viable businesses and startups.
COVID-19 Response
When COVID-19 hit Egypt, Yomken.com and its partners decided to utilize their existing model to crowdsource solutions so problem solvers could shift their focus from fear of the virus to innovative and achievable solutions.
Corona Hackathon: Yomken.com partnered with StartEgypt, an organization that supports startups in Egypt’s rural and suburban areas, to change what started as an online hackathon into a crowd-solving campaign that received more than 240 solutions. Problem solvers were invited to positively impact their communities by participating in three challenges to fight negative effects of the virus:
- Safe Public Transport Challenge – How to minimize contamination on public transportation and keep routes active.
- Myth-Busting for Day Labourer Challenge – How to empower and increase awareness for day labourers who are more at risk and vulnerable to the virus because of their work.
- Safe Banknote Challenge – How to minimize contamination through exchange of money in a cash-heavy society.
The best solutions for each challenge were selected and winners attended a virtual pitch event with partner Egyptian Red Crescent, panelists, and experts from health and business sectors.
Discounted Services: In light of financial problems that may arise for factories due to the pandemic, Yomken.com is offering their services with discounted fees. The team evaluates each challenge’s rewards and takes a percentage of the value as commission in return for their services. Now, solution seekers can defer the first half of their payment until they are more financially stable.
Looking Ahead
Taha envisions the team moving forward with the positive aspects of Yomken.com’s virus response such as faster digitalization, more efficient operations, and dependence on digital tools for meetings and follow-ups.
“This digital transformation is becoming a reality. COVID-19 has accelerated a lot of things in the integration of the digital and manufacturing worlds. I believe that this might open up a new opportunity for Yomken.com to play a role in easing the process of R&D for the companies and NGOs who need it most.”
Lessons for Others
The pandemic is testing Yomken.com’s resilience and agility, but the organization is taking this time to test new ideas and collaborate.
“Crises are a great time for innovation. We are focusing on how to get the best possible outcomes even in the heart of the crisis. It’s also a great time for collaboration and partnerships. We’re sharing resources, capacities, and every possible way. I believe that a lot of nonprofits and other social enterprises will learn other lessons and get stronger than ever from this crisis.”
Tamer Taha is the Founding Chairman of Yomken.com.
