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This is the admin side of the platform, synced with real data
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Once 10 meetups at a coffee shop happen, the user is rewarded with a QR code for a free coffee.
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Once the user has finished the ice breaker, they can wave the easily identifiable pattern in the air to meet up with the rest of the squad.
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This is a live map of coffee shops in the area
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This is the definition of Agora
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This is the cafe side of the platform, synced with real data
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Initial chat room powered by redis db
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Signup Page
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Choosing One's Profile Picture
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Waiting room for more people to join coffee run
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Profile Page
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Login Page
Inspiration
We are facing a systemic loneliness epidemic, but the core issue isn't a lack of desire to connect—it’s a lack of logistical scaffolding. People want to meet their neighbors and utilize "third places," but they are paralyzed by the fear of being trapped in an awkward, open-ended conversation with a stranger. We realized that socialization is not just an emotional problem; it is a user experience (UX) problem. We built Agora to provide the socially acceptable excuse to interact with humanity, backed by the ultimate safety net: a strict 10-minute timer.
What it does
Agora is a real-world connection engine that turns your city's cafes and bars into interactive "Anchor Hubs." It eliminates the friction of meeting new people through a sleek, five-step loop:
The Vibe Radar: Users open the map to see real-time heatmaps of active hubs and forming groups.
Tapping In: To guarantee venues get paid, users buy a drink at the register and tap their phone to the Agora NFC tile. This instantly launches an App Clip (no download required).
The Proximity Pulse: Because indoor GPS is unreliable, the user's screen goes dark and pulses "Agora Gold" based on Bluetooth proximity, guiding them to exactly 2 to 3 other active users in the room.
The 10-Minute Round: The assembled "Crew" of exactly 3-4 people receives a 60-second icebreaker prompt. A quiet 10-minute countdown begins.
The Safety Net: At 9 minutes, users are secretly prompted to "Extend." If anyone hits no, a polite chime signals the end of the Round at 10 minutes, allowing a guilt-free exit. If everyone hits yes, Endless Mode unlocks.
How we built it
Agora was designed as a "Premium Utility," prioritizing speed and minimal friction.
Frictionless Onboarding: We utilized iOS App Clips and Android Instant Apps triggered by NFC tags. This allows users to experience the core value of the app without the massive drop-off rate of an App Store download.
Indoor Assembly: We leveraged Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal strength to create the "Proximity Pulse," bypassing the limitations of indoor GPS to help users find each other in crowded venues.
UI/UX: We designed the interface using a deep AMOLED black background with clean, modern sans-serifs to make it feel closer to Uber or OpenTable than a hardcore video game or dating app.
Challenges we ran into
The Venue Real Estate Problem: Initially, we wanted venues to reserve physical tables for Agora users. We quickly realized operators on razor-thin margins hate empty tables. We pivoted to the "Proximity Pulse," making the users themselves the physical anchor, removing the need for reserved real estate.
The Freeloader Dilemma: We had to ensure our app didn't just fill cafes with people who didn't buy anything. We solved this by physically placing the NFC activation tag next to the Point of Sale (POS) register. Users must interact with the barista and purchase an item to join a Round.
The Discount Trap: We originally tried to offer small 15% discounts to incentivize users. We realized 90 cents off a coffee isn't enough to overcome social anxiety.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Nailing the Psychology of the 10-Minute Timer: We successfully engineered a system that mathematically diffuses the pressure of a 1-on-1 blind date (by requiring 3-4 people) and provides a guaranteed, socially acceptable exit strategy.
Multiplayer Loyalty: We created a gamified B2B solution that venues love. Instead of standard punch cards, Agora pools the purchases of the newly formed Crew. By meeting up, a user gets four punches toward a free coffee instantly, aligning the venue's desire for volume with the user's desire for connection.
Zero Barista Training: We managed to build a system that drives guaranteed, paying foot traffic without requiring a single POS software integration or staff training session.
What we learned
We learned that social apps die when they try to force users to stay inside
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