Prague Students’ Safety App, SOLACE, Wins National Competition and Heads to European Finals

A mobile application developed by students at the Anglo-American University (AAU) in Prague, designed to enhance safety for women and LGBTQ+ individuals in the city, has received national recognition and is poised for expansion. The app, named SOLACE, recently secured top honors at the Junior Achievement (JA) Czech Start-Up competition and will now represent the Czech Republic at the JA European finals in Riga, Latvia, this July.

Addressing Safety Concerns in Prague

SOLACE functions as a community-driven platform, enabling users to share real-time information about safety conditions in Prague. Users can flag potentially risky locations, suggest well-lit or populated routes, and share personal experiences to create a dynamic safety map. The app was created by students Shania, Neha, Liza, and Abigail, who aimed to address the specific safety anxieties faced by vulnerable groups in urban environments.

According to a 2024 survey by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, 63% of LGBTQ+ respondents in Czechia reported experiencing harassment in the previous year, exceeding the EU average of 54%. Local transport data from ROPID indicates that one-third of women in the country have experienced sexual harassment on public transit. Despite these figures, Prague Pride reports that 90% of prejudice-based attacks head unreported to police, often due to a lack of trust in official systems.

SOLACE’s Success at JA Czech Competition

The SOLACE project achieved significant success at the JA Czech Start-Up competition, winning first place in both the “Top Project” and “Top Brand” categories. A panel of marketing experts and investment specialists evaluated the entries based on business planning and graphic design. Team FARM FORGED, also from AAU, secured third place in the Top Project category. This marks the fourth consecutive year that AAU students have won the national competition.

“Creating an app which crowdsources the LGBTQ community… To provide safe guidance when moving through unknown neighborhoods is a simple idea with huge value,” said AAU Business Lecturer Jeff Medeiros.

European Expansion and Future Goals

Team member Liza Potts expressed pride in representing the Czech Republic at the JA European finals, emphasizing the project’s focus on “responsible action” in addressing social challenges. The developers hope SOLACE will become a widely used tool for both locals and international visitors, contributing to a more inclusive and secure environment throughout Prague.

About Anglo-American University

The Anglo-American University (AAU) in Prague is a non-profit university offering dual-accredited bachelor and master level programs in English. Programs span fields including Business, International Relations, Humanities, and Law. AAU hosts over 100 events annually and boasts a student body representing over 80 nationalities. Learn more about AAU here.