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From a spark of inspiration to a spinning wheel of connections, UNB third-year computer science student Owen Yesuf's app Buddy Sync is helping students find study partners faster and easier than ever.

Owen Yesuf has always wanted to make an impact.

Earlier this year, the University of New Brunswick computer science student attended an entrepreneurship conference that spun out a big idea. Less than a year later, that idea is now a study app quickly growing in popularity.

With over 10,000 active users from around the world, Buddy Sync connects subscribers with a study partner with similar goals.

The app, which Yesuf co-founded with computer programmer, Chibuzor Ezeji, is designed to connect students who want to learn together.

Like many great ideas, Yesuf’s was born from his own desire for human connection.

Buddy Sync users are connected through the app’s spinning wheel, a feature Yesuf is particularly proud of. “It’s what sets the app apart,” he said.

Users create a profile where they input their location, area of study and study preference. After spinning the “study buddy wheel,” users are matched with subscribers in similar programs with similar study preferences.

Ultimately, Buddy Sync is designed to bring people together and foster human connection.

"I just want to make technology reconnect and not disconnect us," Yesuf said. His partnership with Ezeji, who is based in Nigeria, is a perfect example of the power of connection, despite distance.

“If one of us is feeling down, the other person brings you back up. We’re both striving for the same mission,” said Yesuf of his partnership with Ezeji. “Having a shared vision makes it easier to overcome challenges. ”From idea to execution and launch, Buddy Sync took seven months of hard work and determination. The idea was born in February 2025 and the app hit the market in August 2025.

Despite challenges during the development process, Yesuf stayed motivated.

"I was hungry for success. I was passionate about the project, I had a vision, and I knew it was a good idea, so I had to bring it to completion,” he said.

In the first month, Buddy Sync gained over 7,500 active users. Less than two months later, that number is up, with over 10,000 subscribers.

With Buddy Sync’s early success, Yesuf and Ezeji remain focused on the app’s continued development.

“We have some new updates coming out soon, which I am very excited about,” Yesuf said.

With a fearless approach to innovation, he encourages other young entrepreneurs to hit the ground running.

“Once you start something you are already 50 per cent ahead of the average person. A great idea with no execution is worth nothing, but an okay idea greatly executed is worth everything.

“If you have an idea, don't be afraid—just start and keep on pushing. Consistency and dedication are some of the biggest keys to success. With them, you can accomplish so much more than you might believe.”