IT entrepreneur Serhiy Tokarev talks about BigMat, a free maths platform that explains complex topics in simple terms

The 2025 National Multi-Subject Test (NMT) confirmed that 12% of school leavers failed the mathematics component, meaning they could not solve problems at the level of a 5–6 grade student. After examining the main reasons behind this outcome, online education studio EdEra, in partnership with Tokarev Foundation, developed BigMat, a free digital resource to facilitate maths learning. The platform is launching in pilot mode and is designed for pupils, teachers and parents. This was announced by Serhiy Tokarev — an IT entrepreneur, investor and founder of Tokarev Foundation.

BigMat: why the platform is about more than just education

A lack of mathematical skills will affect not only pupils’ academic performance but also the prospects of the next generation of Ukrainian professionals.

The IT entrepreneur emphasises that mathematical literacy is now the foundation for access to the tech economy — product development, engineering and AI. Unless systemic solutions are sought, Ukraine will lose the competitiveness of the next generation of professionals.

From research into learning losses to a digital product

EdEra and Tokarev Foundation analysed the test results and found that one in eight pupils failed to meet the minimum threshold in the mathematics section. The main reasons are educational gaps, with pupils formed not primarily in the upper years but specifically in secondary school, and the phenomenon of maths anxiety — a state in which fear of maths begins to hinder learning itself.

“The psychological barriers and structural gaps formed the basis of BigMat. The product can explain hard concepts of mathematics using day-to-day life examples.  The audience of the project consists not only of pupils but also of teachers and parents,” says Serhiy Tokarev.

What the platform is all about

BigMat explains abstract concepts using real-life scenarios — from calculating expenses to everyday decision-making. This digital product will help bridge the gap between pupils who find maths easy and those for whom it presents a challenge.

The platform consists of three components:

• an app with interactive levels for self-study;
• guidance for parents so they can help their children at home;
• ready-made presentations and lesson plans for teachers.

To date, EdEra has developed materials on eight topics, created eight interactive levels and prepared eight lessons. Sixty teachers took part in testing the platform.

In the next phase, scheduled for autumn, new topics will be added. The team will also take into account feedback from teachers and pupils following the first phase and prepare guidance for parents.