From research to product: Sergey Tokarev speaks about the launch of the BigMat platform for accessible mathematics
Ukrainian online education studio EdEra, with the support of Tokarev Foundation’s technology philanthropy initiative, has launched a pilot version of the free educational platform BigMat. On the platform, pupils will be able to find simple explanations of various mathematical topics. The digital product will use interactive tasks, practice exercises and real-life examples to help schoolchildren fill gaps in their learning independently. In addition, the platform will be useful for teachers and parents, for whom EdEra will prepare teaching materials and tips. This was announced by Sergey Tokarev, founder of Tokarev Foundation.
The emergence of BigMat: causes and consequences
The free platform was developed based on research into learning losses in Ukraine. According to the results of the 2025 National Multi-Subject Test (NMT), 12% of school graduates were unable to complete math tasks at the level of Grade 5–6. In other words, one in eight pupils failed to meet the threshold in the mathematics section. The causes were identified by EdEra in collaboration with Tokarev Foundation. They conducted a comprehensive study that revealed gaps in knowledge as early as secondary school.
Separately, the online education studio identified the phenomenon of math anxiety — a condition in which the learning process is blocked by a fear of the subject. It is precisely these structural gaps and psychological barriers that form the basis of the platform.
According to Sergey Tokarev, the lack of mathematical skills is affecting academic performance today and could impact an entire generation of Ukrainian professionals tomorrow. As mathematics is the foundation for access to the tech economy, the state may lose its competitive edge in the future in areas such as AI development and engineering.
What the platform is
BigMat explains abstract mathematical concepts using everyday examples. The platform’s aim is not only to strengthen pupils’ foundational knowledge but also to deepen their understanding of mathematics.
The platform combines three components:
- an app with interactive levels for pupils;
- presentations and lesson plans for teachers;
- guidance for parents on supporting their children at home.
“Together with Tokarev Foundation, we have researched learning losses and created a practical solution to help bridge gaps in knowledge, exacerbated first by the pandemic and then by the war. The BigMat platform for children, educators and parents will help them master complex topics by connecting them to real life. This will make the whole process simple and understandable,” explains Ilia Filipov, CEO of EdEra.
What has been achieved so far and what to expect next
The product is currently at the MVP stage. The online education studio team has created materials for eight topics on fractions and prepared eight interactive levels and eight school lessons. More than 500 teachers have applied to take part. Currently, the pilot is being tested in schools by 60 teachers together with their classes.
“In the second phase, scheduled for autumn, feedback from the first phase will be taken into account and new topics will be added. A separate initiative is planned to develop guidance for parents, which will help improve results without the need for private tutors,” says Sergey Tokarev.
