The Journey of MindSee – A kood/Jõhvi Students’ Startup

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, mental health problems have become a global concern. The rapid advancements in technology and the increasing demands of modern life have contributed to a significant rise in stress, anxiety, and other mental health disorders worldwide. According to recent studies by World Health Organisation, the commonness of these conditions has reached alarming levels, affecting individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background. In the face of this growing crisis, innovative solutions are needed.

Our own kood/Jõhvi students saw a challenge. And after a bit of brainstorming they figured out something that could tackle the problem. They created a startup called MindSee and it’s been doing great so far!

The starting point of MindSee

In a short span of time, MindSee has accomplished a remarkable milestone by being selected as one of the TOP20 teams in the prestigious Ajujaht business idea competition. Their journey has taken them far, and their progress is nothing short of impressive. However, amidst their rapid growth and recent accomplishments, it’s interesting to trace back to where it all began. 

Remarkably, the inception of the whole idea took place within the walls of kood/Jõhvi, as Alex-Andre Viik and Hanna Kass, both students from the 1st batch, set the foundation for MindSee. It was within this vibrant environment that Alex, facing personal challenges during a gloomy winter in early 2023, discovered that ChatGPT could be used as a mental health support tool. Inspired by this revelation, he shared his vision with Hanna, a friend whom he met at the Selection Sprint, and together, they joined forces to bring Mindsee to life.

The first prototype of the platform was posted on Reddit and quickly gained feedback. One of the comments under the post even said: “I’ve been in therapy for a year now and with MindSee I finally felt heard for the first time!”. This heartfelt response served as a testament to the impact MindSee could have, and it further motivated Alex and Hanna to push themselves harder. So later on, they made a decision to add professional expertise to their team and invited a psychology degree graduate Victoria Mägi to join their team. This added more value to the whole project and strengthened their ability to provide the best support to the platform users. 

Months of work

After months of the trio’s dedicated efforts and perseverance, they realised it was time to introduce MindSee to a bigger public. Alex recalls his emotions back then: “We were eager to take MindSee further and showcase our platform to the world, but we were unsure of the best approach.”

“And then, kood/Jõhvi once again came into play. It was during an Ajujaht meetup organized at our school when it finally clicked – this is the project we need to apply to and showcase what MindSee can do,” says Alex Viik, CEO of MindSee. The teams decision to join Ajujaht served as a push towards growth and opportunities, it opened doors to valuable networking connections and mentorship. Great journey behind so far, huh? 

MindSee – the chatbot revolutionizing emotional well-being

Imagine having a supportive chatbot that genuinely listens to peoples’ problems and encourages them to speak openly and reflect on their deepest feelings. Now, add the convenience of 24/7 availability, a non-judgemental environment, complete confidentiality, and voilà, you’ve just discovered the formula of MindSee. 

MindSee doesn’t aim to replace professional help nor to provide straightforward solutions. It is more like a friendly ear that has a comforting presence. Hanna, one of the co-founders, confidently expressed: “We believe in a world where no one has to suffer in silence and it is precisely this vision that drives our team to make a profound difference!” She also mentions that with MindSee’s platform people have the freedom to share worries and dilemmas, creating a natural connection, which is crucial nowadays.

Future of mental health support

Currently, the entire MindSee team is fully immersed in their pursuit of securing a spot among the TOP9 teams in the Ajujaht competition. As part of the project, they benefit from regular mentorship sessions with Ott Jalakas, the co-founder of Lingvist, and actively engage in a variety of workshops focused on startup development. September will bring the long-awaited outcome of their hard work, determining the next chapter for MindSee.

Looking ahead, Hanna envisions a future where MindSee becomes more human-like. She shares: “Our goal is to make MindSee as relatable and natural as possible, exploring alternative forms of interaction beyond just text.” From Alex’s perspective, the journey ahead is an exhilarating one. He remarks: “We have numerous ideas and an immense workload ahead of us. Right now life feels like a marathon where we must run and solve a Rubik’s cube at the same time. But we’re fueled by our passion and determination to make our ideas a reality.”

Supporting MindSee

kood/Jõhvi is committed to nurturing and supporting our students in their entrepreneurial endeavors. MindSee’s journey is a testament to the potential within our community, and we eagerly look forward to continuing our support for all our students as they strive to make a positive impact on the world. Together, we can foster a brighter future for all!

And of course, if you haven’t already, take a look at MindSee more closely. More from their homepage.