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Mar 28, 2024

Ideate & Explore Grant Recipients – Wyatt Tune and Youssif Mostafa for their venture Mawjam Energy Analytics

Two men in suits with collar shirts and ties.

Charting New Paths in Renewable Energy: Wyatt Tune and Youssif Mostafa’s Venture with Mawjam Energy Solutions

Embarking on an innovative journey within the realm of renewable energy, Wyatt Tune and Youssif Mostafa are spearheading Mawjam Energy Solutions, an impressive initiative aimed at revolutionizing the energy landscape. Through their collaborative efforts, Wyatt and Youssif seek to bridge the gap between renewable energy consultants and homeowners, paving the way for enhanced sustainability practices across Maine and beyond.

The idea for Mawjam stems from Wyatt’s initial spark of inspiration nearly a year ago, fueled by his passion for energy research and data science. Joined by Youssif at the onset of the year, the duo embarked on a collaborative journey to expand the scope of Mawjam, leveraging their diverse skill sets and shared entrepreneurial spirit to drive progress. Having been friends before this endeavor, the pair knew that they would be on the same page about an initiative for a good cause. 

Hailing from diverse academic backgrounds, Wyatt and Youssif bring a variety of skills to their entrepreneurial pursuits. Youssif, a sophomore majoring in Economics and CS, harbors a lifelong passion for leveraging technology for social good: “Ever since I was young, I always wanted to be part of building some app or some platform that had a good cause.” Similarly, Wyatt, a data science major, embodies a spirit of innovation and exploration, driven by a desire to translate ideas into tangible solutions.

At the heart of Mawjam lies a dual commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment. Central to Mawjam’s mission is the recognition of unmet needs within the renewable energy market, particularly concerning information accessibility and awareness. Wyatt explains, “There’s a huge lack of knowledge both within everyday people and even among people who are in the industry itself about the many benefits of investment in renewable energy” Youssif explains, by consolidating resources and streamlining information access, Mawjam aims to empower homeowners to make informed decisions regarding renewable energy investments.

In navigating the complexities of their entrepreneurial journey, Wyatt and Youssif have encountered both triumphs and challenges. However, the road to success has not been without its obstacles, as they grapple with the intricacies of algorithmic design and program implementation. “So far, everything has been about idea formulation but now we’re getting into the nitty gritty of how we’re gonna do this,” Wyatt admits, underscoring the technical challenges inherent in their project’s development.

Amidst the ebbs and flows of their entrepreneurial journey, Wyatt and Youssif credit the Halloran Lab with providing invaluable support and guidance. From mentorship opportunities to financial assistance, the Halloran Lab has served as a catalyst for Mawjam’s growth and development. “Without Jeremy and the guidance from the lab, we would be nowhere near as far developed as we are,” Wyatt acknowledges, expressing gratitude for the resources and mentorship provided by the lab. In their entrepreneurial journey, Wyatt and Youssif have developed tremendously. They emphasize the importance of meticulous attention to detail and the willingness to seek guidance and feedback. Their advice to fellow student entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: share your ideas, embrace feedback, and never underestimate the potential for collaboration.

Looking ahead, Wyatt and Youssif remain optimistic about Mawjam’s future prospects, envisioning a trajectory of expansion and impact beyond their time at Colby. “Long term, we want to expand this across the US, and even to my home country Egypt,” Youssif hopes, highlighting their aspirations for long-term scalability. With unwavering determination and a shared commitment to excellence, Wyatt and Youssif are poised to drive meaningful change within the renewable energy landscape, one innovation at a time.

Interview by Nida Fatima ’24

 

Updates on Wyatt and Youssif since they received the Ideate & Explore Grant:

They also received the Compagna-Sennett Iterate & Expand Grant qualifying their venture to competed in the Halloran Lab 40K Venture Showcase Pitch Competition. Mawjam Energy Analytics won the 1st place grant of $25K!