The Jali UniMats

Jali UniMats is a South African startup that creates innovative mouse pads embedded with study notes, formulas, and productivity tips, making learning practical, accessible, and effortless. The company aims to become a leading provider of functional study tools across South Africa and Africa by offering affordable, high-quality, and customizable educational products.

UniMats solves the problem of bulky and costly study resources by integrating essential academic content into everyday stationery. Its product range includes general study-tip mouse pads, subject-specific designs (e.g., Mathematics, Accounting, Science), and customised orders for institutions. The primary market includes over one million university and college students, with secondary markets in high schools, training centres, and professionals.

The business model features multiple revenue streams: direct sales, institutional bulk orders, retail partnerships, and future international e-commerce expansion. UniMats plans to introduce subscription models and integrate digital features such as QR codes and augmented reality.

As a first mover in this niche, UniMats offers affordable, practical, and scalable products with strong growth potential. The company is seeking R150,000 in funding—allocated to production, marketing, digital development, and operations—to expand its market presence and pursue international growth.

Supporting UniMats contributes to affordable education, job creation, and sustainability. The company aims to create long-term value by combining functionality, accessibility, and innovation in the educational support industry.