Master of Digital Media (MDM) alumnus launches Neesh, an app aimed at creating a secure and affirming digital space for LGBTQ2S+ individuals in Canada.
Neesh is a platform designed to empower the LGBTQ2S+ community by creating a secure and affirming digital space—with the goal of alleviating anxieties about acceptance and fostering a sense of belonging through peer support and shared real-life experiences.
Recognizing an opportunity to use digital tools to empower this community, MDM alumnus Ying Lai, along with fellow MDM alumni Jisoo Shin and Bin Tong, and visiting Simon Fraser University student Melvin (Melanie) Rizky Budisuslo, developed the Neesh app during their venture project term in the MDM.
The rate of suicide and anxiety among Canadian LGBTQ2S+ teenagers are still rising, while 62% of LGBTQ2S+ students feel unsafe in schools partly due to the lack of inclusive programs. The negative effect of the stigma and the trauma can last well into adulthood if they aren’t given adequate support.
Neesh’s mission is to build a more queer-affirming digital space that fosters a strengthened sense of self-esteem for queer students during their formative years.
“By using this app and becoming part of this community, we hope users will increase their confidence in their identities though the strong sense of community, support from peers who understand their unique challenges, and gain valuable insights from others’ lived experiences,” says Ying.
“As someone who has navigated the challenges of being queer, I felt empowered to support others on similar journeys. Along with Jisoo and Bin, we conducted extensive UX research, including user interviews and usability testing. We used our industry experience and skills honed during our time in the MDM to develop the first design prototype. CDM's supportive and innovative environment played a significant role in refining and realizing the idea for Neesh.”
By developing Neesh during MDM’s optional Venture track, the team was given access to SFU’s VentureLabs, a technology accelerator, and successfully applied for the MITACS Accelerate Entrepreneur grant with the help of Dave Fracchia, CDM faculty. The team also participated in UBC’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Capstone project, which connected UBC developers with the Neesh team to collaborate on the launch of their minimum viable product, leading to Neesh winning the Faculty Award for Capstone. Neesh was also part of the BCIT Industry Sponsored Project, where BCIT developers worked on the app. Additionally, Neesh was provided with a dedicated office space at CDM to develop their app.
“CDM’s faculty and staff, especially our mentor and CDM faculty Dave Fracchia, provided invaluable guidance on user experience design, research methodologies, and agile development processes,” says Ying. “The collaborative community at CDM fostered networking opportunities and creative problem-solving, which were crucial in developing Neesh. Their support helped us navigate the complexities of user-centered design”.
Neesh is now available on the app store.
Follow Neesh:
- Instagram: @neesh_space
- Facebook: Neesh App
- Discord: Join our community
- Neesh Trailer: Watch here
- LinkedIn: Neesh on LinkedIn
Meet the MDM Alumni:
Ying Lai
Jisoo Shih
Bin Tong
Meet SFU Alumnus
Melvin (Melanie) Rizky Budisuslo
MDM Venture Track
Students who successfully pitch their venture to an industry panel and are selected to work on their startup do so in a supportive environment, with access to funding, grants, and technology accelerators. In fact, 18% of MDM students launch their own startups upon graduation.