by Charis Marshal, Student Public Relations Writer
As online dating continues to shape modern relationships, two Cedarville University students are challenging the swipe-based model with a new, AI-powered platform designed to foster deeper, more intentional connections.
Andrew Bruckart, a freshman electrical engineering student from Xenia, Ohio, and Jonathan Ellington, a freshman finance major from Chesterfield, Missouri, have developed GoFish, a swipe-free dating app that emphasizes compatibility, relationship-building and user authenticity over appearance-driven decisions.
Unlike traditional apps that rely on rapid swiping and visual-first impressions, GoFish uses a structured matching algorithm and user-supplied data to create intentional matches. After users verify their identity with a university email and complete a 13-question compatibility profile, they receive one match via email every Friday at 9 p.m.
“Our app provides an opportunity to meet people,” said Bruckart. “AI is not matching you with your soulmate or future spouse, but it's matching you with someone you could be compatible with. And the next step is to go out, meet that person, and get to know them.”
The app launched in a limited three-week pilot at Cedarville University, where more than 200 students signed up. Early results suggest strong engagement, as seven couples went on second dates, and one couple entered an official relationship.
“We gained roughly 20% of the single market at Cedarville on the platform, which was a huge win for us,” said Ellington. “We also got tens of thousands of views on our Instagram.”
A different approach to digital dating
GoFish enters a competitive digital dating market increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, data-driven matchmaking and user experience design. However, the founders say their focus remains on reducing decision fatigue, encouraging meaningful interaction and addressing concerns about superficiality in modern dating culture.
By limiting matches to one per week, GoFish aims to shift user behavior away from endless scrolling and toward thoughtful engagement.
As the developers explore expansion beyond Cedarville, they hope the app’s model can resonate with college students and young adults seeking more authentic connections in an increasingly digital world.
The name GoFish reflects the app’s structured matching system. Because matches depend on balanced male-female participation, not every user receives a pairing each week.
“When you play the card game Go Fish, you ask the person for a card in their hand, and if they don’t have it, they tell you, ‘Go fish,’” said Bruckart. “And that is literally what shows up on your dashboard when you don’t get matched.”
Bruckart and Ellington want to offer students an alternative to dating apps built around appearance and constant engagement. Their model is designed to slow the process down and encourage people to move beyond the screen into real conversations.
Building a campus startup
While balancing full academic schedules, Bruckart and Ellington launched the app in less than three weeks. They dedicated over 150 hours to developing and branding the program, generating over 50,000 lines of code, gathering user feedback and heavily marketing the app to Cedarville students.
The founders leaned into their strengths. Bruckart led software engineering and AI development, while Ellington focused on branding, outreach and marketing.
“We probably packed four years of business classes into just six weeks,” said Bruckart.
The experience taught the pair about forming an LLC, networking and conducting market research as they built and promoted the app.
Faith shaped the app’s design
Bruckart and Ellington said their Christian faith informed key decisions when designing and marketing the app, including its intended audience and relationship goals.
“As Christians, we believe that God’s intent for marriage is between a man and a woman,” said Bruckart. “We designed the app with this in mind, and we are also not trying to promote hookup culture. There are a lot of students who tend to sit in their rooms, and we wanted to give those students the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and to meet people.”
Although GoFish is currently offline for the summer, Bruckart and Ellington plan to relaunch the platform in fall 2026 with expanded opportunities for feedback and continued development. Their long-term vision includes scaling the app beyond Cedarville’s campus to help students build relationships and meaningful connections.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
