Maria Kushch Business Technology Visionary
Creating digital solutions that transform business challenges into opportunities through innovative technology and strategic thinking
Work Experience
KiBuddy Financial Literacy App
PWA StartupProgressive web application designed to improve financial literacy among teenagers through gamified learning experiences.
Role & Responsibilities
- Team Leader (Technovation Girls 2025)
- Conceptualized the original product idea based on market gap analysis
- Designed complete UI/UX flow and developed both front-end and back-end
Key Achievements
- Developed comprehensive business plan with monetization strategy
- Created all pitch materials including demo videos and investor decks
- Implemented React, HTML/CSS, and Js for technical solution
LaunchX Innovation Program
EntrepreneurshipSelected participant in competitive entrepreneurship summer program focused on product development and go-to-market strategies; received a $4,495 scholarship.
Program Focus
- Real-world problem solving for partner companies
- Comprehensive market research and competitive analysis
- Development of viable business strategies
Key Learnings
- Customer discovery and validation techniques
- Financial modeling for startups
- Investor pitch development and delivery
SheLeads Program
LeadershipSelected for 8-week entrepreneurship program for young women in STEM, combining mentorship with hands-on project development.
Program Highlights
- Entrepreneurship and leadership training for women
- Branding, marketing, and financial planning workshops
- One-on-one mentorship from industry professionals
Outcomes
- Developed and refined personal business concept
- Received expert feedback throughout development
- Presented final pitch at in-person event in Kyiv
Business & Innovation Competitions
Case Competitions HackathonsParticipated in various national and international competitions, showcasing business strategy, teamwork, and pitch skills.
Key Competitions
- UBiz Case Competition – Led team in national business case challenge
- DK Business Hackathon – Co-developed prototype and business model
- Business Idea Competition – Finalist with full pitch deck
- Harvard Crimson Global Case Competition – Led international team
Skills Demonstrated
- Pitching to judges and investors
- Developing scalable business ideas
- International collaboration
Courses & Training
Online Learning Skill DevelopmentCompleted multiple business and communication courses from leading universities and academies, enhancing strategic, analytical, and leadership skills.
Key Programs
- UF Startup School – Pitched business idea to investors
- English for Business & Entrepreneurship – UPenn
- Introduction to Marketing – UPenn
Supplementary Training
- Pitch & Presentation – Nobel
- Leadership – Nobel
- Critical Thinking – Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (МАН)
Projects
KiBuddy Financial Literacy Platform
Gamified financial education app for teenagers with interactive learning modules.
Achievements
Economics Olympiad
3rd Place Regional
School OlympiadEconomics Olympiad
14/117th Place Regional
Bendukidze CenterUBiz Case Competition
Top 10 Solutions Nationwide
UBizGlobal Technovation Challenge
Semifinalist (Final results-9th July)
Technovation GirlsBusiness Idea Competition (Nationwide)
Finalist
Foundation KredoCore Competencies
Business & Strategy
- Business Model Development
- Market Research & Analysis
- Financial Modeling
- Strategic Planning
Technology & Design
- UI/UX Design Principles
- Product Development
- Prototyping (Figma)
- Technical Communication
Leadership
- Team Management
- Public Speaking
- Investor Pitching
- Cross-functional Collaboration