MapleKinnet

Inspiration

We were inspired by the frustration of attending events where networking felt shallow and transactional. Too often, meaningful encounters faded into forgotten business cards and LinkedIn requests. We wanted to create a tool that would help people form genuine, lasting relationships, rooted in real-life experiences and Canadian values of warmth and inclusivity.

What We Learned

Building MapleKinnect taught us the importance of intentional design for human connection. We explored how AI can enhance, not replace, authentic interactions and learned how to balance privacy with helpful features. Our research into event networking revealed that people crave deeper, more memorable connections, not just more contacts.

How We Built It

We developed MapleKinnect as an AI-powered app that only lets users connect after meeting in person. The platform uses:

AI-powered Matching to surface compatible connections based on shared interests and values.
Memory-First Profiles to help users remember who they met, where, and what they have in common, making follow-up natural and authentic.
Privacy-Respecting Connections to ensure every relationship starts face-to-face, not online.

We leveraged modern frameworks and integrated tools like Tavily, OpenAI, and Cursor AI to provide real-time insights and personalized recommendations (events).

Challenges We Faced

Our biggest challenge was designing a system that encourages in-person interaction while respecting user privacy. We worked hard to ensure connections could only be made after a real-world meeting, which required creative problem-solving around device-to-device authentication. Integrating multiple AI tools and creating a seamless, intuitive user experience also pushed us to refine our technical and design skills.

Ultimately, MapleKinnect empowers event-goers to build genuine, lasting relationships, deepening every connection with the power of AI and thoughtful design.