Media Contact:
NewsTeam@DallasCollege.edu
For immediate release — May 18, 2023
(DALLAS) — Dallas College computer science student Prabin Dhakal has been named one of 12 finalists who will make a “Shark Tank”-style business pitch to 500 potential investors at the
GSV Mission Summit at Southern Methodist University on May 24.
Dhakal was selected to present his MindCraft Academy app, which aims to help students improve their psychological outlook and combat mental health-related issues. Dhakal pitched his app to Dallas College judges as part of the Texas Cup Pitch Competition in late March and has now advanced to the finals.
“It’s an honor being in the finals,” said Dhakal, who was born in Nepal and raised in Japan before coming to the United States for college. “I’ll be telling people about this app and how it’s going to change their life, their journey. I truly think this app is going to change the future of education.”
As a college student, Dhakal wondered why some students succeeded in pursuing their degrees while others struggled despite taking the same classes taught by the same teachers. He concluded that focus, concentration and support are what made the crucial difference.
The MindCraft Academy app creates a Facebook-like community where students can share experiences and provide feedback to each other. The app also offers mental health-related courses and games that spur concentration, as well as the ability to connect students with mental health professionals.
Dhakal started his entrepreneurial journey in 2016 by building his own websites. However, it wasn’t until this spring when everything fell into place with his idea for MindCraft Academy and subsequent success in the Texas Cup Pitch Competition.
“Advancing to the finals of this pitch competition has been no small feat,” said Justin Cunningham, associate vice chancellor of Innovation and Business Strategy, Workforce and Advancement. “Prabin has shown resilience, creativity and unwavering belief in his product and captivated the judges and hopefully inspires aspiring Dallas College entrepreneurs,” Cunningham said.
Visit the
SMU+GSV Mission Summit website for more information.
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