We Do Cool Stuff x Othniel Tiendrebeogo

We Do Cool Stuff has made it possible for us to celebrate the innovators and trailblazers who are making our campus a centre of creativity, collaboration and entrepreneurship. This month, we celebrate the passion, creativity and entrepreneurial achievements of Black students and alumni.

Othniel Tiendrebeogo is a proud alumnus of the University of Ottawa, with a degree in computer science. He currently works as a web designer right on campus. Driven by his dedication to improve educational resources, Othniel founded Uoswap, makers of a mobile application designed to facilitate the seamless, cost-effective purchase and sale of textbooks by fellow students.

As we all know, the cost of education is a significant concern for students worldwide. Furthermore, access to educational resources has increasingly become a privilege. Among those educational resources, textbooks can be a substantial financial burden. Uoswap was created to address this issue. We wanted to create a platform that simplifies the process of buying and selling textbooks, making it more affordable and accessible for every student investing in their future. Since its official launch almost two years ago, Uoswap has been downloaded more than a thousand times and has facilitated the circulation of thousands of books among our users. Uoswap is always working to improve the students’ experience by taking their feedback into consideration.

The Uoswap team’s diverse skills and backgrounds play a crucial role in our entrepreneurial journey. Our team consists of students and alumni from different study areas at the University of Ottawa, bringing together a rich blend of knowledge and talents. This diversity has been instrumental in deeply understanding the challenges students face, particularly in accessing textbooks. Our team’s extensive collaboration allows a smooth exchange of ideas, driving innovation at every turn. What truly sets us apart, however, is how we harnessed the power of feedback even before launching the app. By actively engaging with our users and incorporating their insights, we’ve been able to refine and evolve Uoswap. This dynamic with our users, combined with our team’s collaborative spirit, has been the key in developing Uoswap, allowing us to continuously adapt and improve, directly addressing the evolving needs of our student community.

Uoswap is more than just a place to swap books — it’s a lifeline for students facing the heavy cost of their study materials. In a world where textbooks can be really expensive, Uoswap steps in like a helpful friend, making it easier for students to get the books they need without spending too much. This isn’t just about saving money — it’s about easing the stress and worry that comes with high costs. But Uoswap’s magic doesn’t stop there. It’s also about looking after our planet. By encouraging students to reuse and pass on their books, it helps cut down on waste, teaching us all to be more mindful of our environment. And there’s a wonderful sense of community that grows from this. Uoswap brings students together, making a space where they can help each other. It’s a place where kindness and sharing are everyday things, helping everyone not just to do well in their studies but also to feel part of something bigger.  

Uoswap is more than just a place to swap books — it’s a lifeline for students facing the heavy cost of their study materials. In a world where textbooks can be really expensive, Uoswap steps in like a helpful friend, making it easier for students to get the books they need without spending too much. This isn’t just about saving money — it’s about easing the stress and worry that comes with high costs. But Uoswap’s magic doesn’t stop there. It’s also about looking after our planet. By encouraging students to reuse and pass on their books, it helps cut down on waste, teaching us all to be more mindful of our environment. And there’s a wonderful sense of community that grows from this. Uoswap brings students together, making a space where they can help each other. It’s a place where kindness and sharing are everyday things, helping everyone not just to do well in their studies but also to feel part of something bigger.  

The We Do Cool Stuff series is all about showcasing the inspiring work, projects, and innovations that students, researchers, alumni, faculty and staff are passionately pursuing. We want to share their stories, their journeys, and their visions with our University community and the world. Do you know someone who fits the bill? Send your nomination to: [email protected]