For the episode Founding CEOI spoke with Michal Borkowski, the visionary behind it With minda global education technology platform revolutionizing the way students learn and collaborate.

Growing up in Poland after the fall of the Soviet Union, Michal witnessed a nation in transition. This era of change was reflected in his high school, where students worked together in an extraordinary way to meet challenges. Michal's class embodied a spirit of cooperation—students with strengths in physics helped others, while those skilled in biology returned the favor before exams. This collaborative environment planted the seed for Brainly: What if this mutual support could transcend the classroom and exist online?

Michal recalls: “No one knew everything, but everyone knew something.” This simple but powerful idea later became the foundation of his business.

Building the brain: An idea turned into reality

Brainly began as an experiment, built in just one month with a vision to replicate the collaborative, peer-to-peer learning that Michal experienced in high school. Launched in 2009, it quickly attracted students searching and sharing answers to homework questions. On the first day, Michal and his team saw organic engagement—students asking questions and others stepping up to help. It was a revelation.

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The platform initially served Poland, but quickly expanded, gaining traction in Russia, the US and beyond. Today, Brainly is a global phenomenon with over 10 million daily active users. Its success lies in its ability to adapt to different educational systems while addressing a universal challenge: making learning less intimidating and more accessible.

As Michal says, “We don't start with the education system – we start with the students.” By empowering individuals, Brainly is shaping a future where learning is not just accessible, but truly impactful.

The Unique Edge: Brainly's Secret Sauce

At its core, Brainly fosters a sense of community, with cutting-edge AI. Students can ask questions anonymously, removing the stigma of admitting confusion. Teachers and experts contribute by refining AI-generated content, ensuring students receive accurate and high-quality help.

Michal explains, “AI is like the perfect teacher – he understands each student's strengths and weaknesses, matches their curriculum and adapts lessons to their needs.” This blend of AI and community engagement ensures that Brainly remains technologically advanced and deeply human.

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Looking Ahead: Revolutionizing Education

Michal's vision for Brainly goes beyond helping students pass tests. He envisions a world where personalized AI tutors give every child access to a transformative education, regardless of location or socioeconomic status. “With AI, we can move the whole bell curve up,” he says, highlighting the potential to close learning gaps and empower students to explore their passions.

In the long term, Michal envisions having systemic impacts on global education. By reducing the mental burden of homework and test preparation, the platform can free up students' time to pursue the arts, sports, and other interests that shape well-defined individuals.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Michal's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to perseverance and purpose. He admits to dealing with impostor syndrome, a common feeling among founders. “You never feel good enough for the challenge,” he says, reflecting on the constant pressure to improve both the business and himself. However, this mindset drives his desire to innovate.

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For young entrepreneurs, Michal advises starting early and embracing failure as a learning opportunity. “There is no downside,” he insists, stressing that the lessons learned far outweigh the risks.