Let me share a story that inspired the founding of Pinecone Academy and underscores the challenges many young talents face when participating in international Olympiads.

In 2006, I was honored to be selected to represent my country at an international Olympiad in Mexico. However, without an embassy in my home nation, securing a visa became a formidable challenge. We had to navigate the process through a different country’s embassy, leading to long delays. At one point, it seemed unlikely that I would be able to participate due to approval issues.

Thankfully, through a connection at another embassy, we finally obtained the necessary visa.

Yet, participating in such prestigious events comes with significant financial requirements. Despite efforts to secure funding from relevant government bodies, administrative delays held up approval, leaving my family and teachers to bear the financial burden. To ensure my participation, some educators even had to mortgage their homes to obtain a loan.

This experience profoundly highlighted the disparities faced by talented youth around the world in accessing global opportunities, especially in fields like technology. It became clear that equal access to resources and support is essential for every child to pursue their dreams without financial hardship.

Motivated by my personal experiences and the challenges faced by many, I founded Pinecone Academy.

Our mission is to empower youth globally by providing essential resources, mentorship, and financial support needed to excel in international competitions and Olympiads. We believe that every talented young person deserves the chance to shine, regardless of their background or circumstances.