Student-first matchmaking platform connecting university students in real life — built on trust, transparency, and real-world interactions.
Brndr is a non-profit, open-minded matchmaking progressive web app (PWA) designed specifically for university students. Unlike commercial dating platforms optimized for user retention and monetization through exploitative algorithms, Brndr focuses on genuine real-life connections, campus community building, and user privacy.
We replace hidden popularity ratings (Elo scores) and artificial swipe limits with transparent interest-based matchmaking, verified student identity, and secure end-to-end encrypted messaging.
- 🎓 Verified University Community: Access is strictly limited to verified university e-mail addresses (
@vutbr.cz/ university domain) with optional ISIC photo verification to eliminate bots and fake profiles. - ⚖️ Fair & Transparent Matchmaking: Search profiles via flexible filters or swipe through interest-matched profiles enhanced with controlled randomness. Zero hidden popularity scoring or artificial throttling.
- 🔐 End-to-End Encrypted Chat (E2EE): Complete messaging privacy using symmetric session keys wrapped with recipients' public keys. Server-side zero-knowledge architecture.
- 📲 Cross-Platform PWA: Built with React & Tailwind CSS for a seamless, native-like experience on any desktop or mobile screen without store barriers.
- ☕ Online to Offline Focus: Designed to facilitate real-world meetups at verified local spots, campus events, speed-dating sessions, and academic project team formation.
| Layer | Technologies & Tools |
|---|---|
| Frontend | React, PWA (Progressive Web App), Tailwind CSS, Swiper.js, TypeScript |
| Backend & API | Go (Golang), Protobuf, gRPC / REST API |
| Security & Privacy | End-to-End Encryption (E2EE), Key Derivation & Exchange, School E-mail Validation |
| UI/UX Design | Penpot (Open-source Flex Layout design system) |
- 🥇 IdeaChallenge@FIT 2026: Initial project validation, concept design & awarded top idea.
- 🔬 Excel@FIT 2026: Architecture proposal presentation (PWA, E2EE chat protocol, Protobuf schema).
- 🚀 BoosterChallenge VUT 2026: Summer MVP development sprint & pilot launch at FIT VUT campus.
Developed by students from the Faculty of Information Technology, Brno University of Technology (FIT VUT) and active members of Studentská unie FIT (SU FIT):
- Petr Obšel (
xobselp00@vutbr.cz) — Team Lead & Software Engineer - Daniel Pelánek (
xpeland00@vutbr.cz) — Co-Founder & Software Engineer
Brndr is engineered with strict ethical principles:
- No Algorithmic Exploitation: No artificial retention tricks or hidden rating tiers.
- Privacy First: Messages are unreadable on the server; user data is handled strictly for community verification.
- Open Community: Built to support student life, campus networking, and meaningful relationships.
