In our latest #WeArePlay stories, we meet the people who turned personal challenges into successful apps and games on Google Play – from a new puppy inspiring a digital pet care assistant, to losing contact with family during an earthquake leading to an app that delivers real-time disaster alerts to millions.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Daiki’s app, NERV Disaster Prevention, delivers real-time, location-based disaster warnings.

A self-taught programmer from a young age, Daiki Ishimori was inspired by his popular social media posts sharing earthquake alerts to create the NERV Disaster Prevention app. Now a trusted daily safety tool, the app provides real-time, location-based warnings and recently launched a Crisis Mapping tool for multilingual, crowd-sourced relief information. Daiki is now gearing up to roll out new community features to keep people connected and protected during emergencies.

Jaimes, Rafael, and Rodrigo’s AI-powered app, Budz, helps dog and cat owners with training, health, and nutrition.

Inspired by a co-founder’s new puppy, Jaimes, Rafael, and Rodrigo created Budz to support fellow animal lovers. The app assists with pet training, health, and nutrition through features like vaccine reminders, 24/7 teleconsultations, and an AI tutor that answers real-time questions. By helping people in Brazil better care for their pets, Budz aims to reduce pet abandonment and is now preparing to expand across Latin America.

Khaldon, Perrine and Victor’s app, Ochy, analyzes running form to prevent injuries.

After injuries sidelined his sprinting career, Khaldon Evans was inspired by his own recovery to make lab-grade movement analysis accessible. He teamed up with biomechanics expert Perrine Chapot and developer Victor Dequid to create Ochy. Using just a smartphone camera, the app analyzes a user’s running form to help runners, coaches, and doctors prevent injuries, and recently added a new back-view analysis feature. Next, the team plans to introduce personalized shoe recommendations and expand into new sports.

Discover other inspiring app and game founders featured in #WeArePlay.