Investor Serhii Tokarev spoke about the launch of the free BigMat platform for school pupils, which explains complex mathematical topics in simple terms
The 2025 National Multi-Subject Test (NMT) revealed that 12% of school graduates failed to meet the threshold in the mathematics section: they were unable to solve problems at the 5–6th grade level. Having analysed the main reasons for this outcome, online education studio EdEra, together with Tokarev Foundation, developed BigMat, a free platform offering accessible math education for schoolchildren, which is launching in pilot mode. This was announced by investor and IT entrepreneur Serhii Tokarev.
From research into learning losses to a digital product
Research by EdEra and Tokarev Foundation revealed that one in eight students is unable to meet the threshold in the mathematics section for several reasons: learning losses and the phenomenon of math anxiety. In the first case, this refers to structural gaps in knowledge, which mainly form not in the later stages of education but specifically in secondary school. In the second, it refers to a state in which fear of math begins to hinder learning itself.
“The combination of structural gaps and psychological barriers formed the basis for BigMat. This free digital product explains complex mathematical topics in simple language, using real-life examples. What’s more, it is aimed not only at pupils but also at teachers and parents,” says Serhii Tokarev, founder of Tokarev Foundation.
Why BigMat is about more than just education
The shortage of mathematical skills in Ukraine will affect not only academic performance but also the prospects of an entire generation of professionals. The investor emphasises that mathematical literacy today is a fundamental prerequisite for the tech economy, providing access to AI, engineering and product development. If this gap is ignored and no systemic solutions are sought, the state will lose not only the academic success of individual students but also the competitiveness of the next generation of specialists.
How the platform works
This digital product explains abstract concepts through real-life situations and everyday scenarios — from day-to-day decisions to calculating expenses. BigMat’s main aim is to bridge the gap between students who find math easy and those for whom the subject presents a challenge.
The platform combines three components:
- the first is an app with interactive levels that encourage independent study;
- the second is guidance for parents so they can help their children at home without a tutor;
- the third is ready-made lesson plans and presentations for teachers to help reduce lesson preparation time.
The team has currently developed materials for eight topics, prepared eight lessons and created eight interactive levels. Sixty teachers took part in testing the platform alongside their classes.
The next stage of the pilot is scheduled for fall. EdEra plans to add new topics then and incorporate feedback from the first stage. Guidance for parents will also be prepared separately.
