Oluwatumininu "Tumi" Adeeko, a second-year PhD student at ǿմý studying materials science, is not your average academic. Specializing in additively manufactured metals, Tumi recently entered the entrepreneurial world by founding MAWE Technologies, a startup committed to making African culture accessible through technology. Launched earlier this year, MAWE Technologies' first product is the Electric Unbraider, a revolutionary tool designed to take down braids in less than an hour, a game-changer for individuals managing the time-intensive process of undoing hairstyles. With a patent pending, Tumi and her team are working diligently to develop a prototype and bring the product to market.
Balancing her rigorous academic commitments with running a startup is no small feat for Tumi. “It’s not very easy,” she admits. Currently juggling teaching assistant duties alongside her PhD coursework, she still manages to carve out time for her business. “I dedicate at least two hours each week to team meetings and try to fit in tasks like calls and emails throughout the day,” she explains. Her strategic approach to scaling MAWE Technologies reflects this focus and determination. Tumi envisions launching a new product annually, hiring employees, and establishing a physical location in the next five years. But her mission is more profound than just growth. As an international student from Nigeria, Tumi has firsthand experience with African immigrants' challenges in accessing cultural staples like traditional food and hair care. “Braiding hair is so expensive here,” she notes. “Back home, it might cost $10, but it’s easily $200 here.” By leveraging technology, Tumi aims to make African culture more accessible for immigrants and anyone who might benefit from MAWE Technologies’ products.
Tumi credits much of her early success to the guidance she has received from LaunchNet, a campus initiative supporting student entrepreneurs. After learning about the program during her first year, Tumi sought their mentorship once she started MAWE Technologies. “Mentorship is my biggest need,” she says. “This is my first-ever startup, and I’m new to the process. LaunchNet has connected me to resources, from accountants and lawyers to opportunities for attending conferences like the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) conference and the Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit.” These opportunities have helped Tumi expand her network and build a solid foundation for her business, proving that entrepreneurship is not just about financial backing but also access to resources and support systems.
Tumi’s ultimate goal is to use technology to ensure that people, particularly African immigrants, don’t lose touch with their cultural identity. She hopes MAWE Technologies will inspire and empower others, fostering innovation while preserving traditions. “Whether it’s making hair care more affordable or creating products that bridge cultural gaps, I want to positively impact people’s lives daily,” Tumi shares.
Tumi expresses gratitude for those who have supported her journey, from her dedicated team members to her advisor, professors, and the LaunchNet and Veale Entrepreneurship team, including Stacey, Mindy, Brittain, Will, and Bob. Tumi emphasizes the importance of collaboration. “They’ve all played a role in helping me balance my studies and entrepreneurship,” she says. As MAWE Technologies grows, Tumi’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and a vision for change. For updates on MAWE Technologies and its products, visit their or follow them on social media. Tumi Adeeko is not just building a business; she’s creating a bridge between cultures, proving that technology and tradition can thrive together.