Echo's

‎♡₊˚ I'm pretty useful when it comes to useless things・₊✧

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Final Pitch Approaches: Reflecting on Our Technopreneurship Journey

Blog 6 - Finals

This week marks the start of Week 6, indicating that our Technopreneurship course is nearing its conclusion. As we prepare for our final pitch, I reflect on the numerous challenges we've faced throughout this journey. Each obstacle, from product redesigns to customer engagement difficulties, has been a crucial part of our learning process. The anticipation of presenting our final pitch brings a mix of excitement and nostalgia, highlighting how far we've come since the course began.

One of the most significant challenges we encountered was the frequent need to change our product. We revised our product concept three times, each iteration bringing new insights and improvements. These changes were not just about adjusting our ideas but also about learning to adapt to feedback and market demands. This iterative process taught us the importance of flexibility and resilience in the face of uncertainty, essential traits for any aspiring engineer or technopreneur.

Reflecting on the customer engagement process, market planning, and financial cost assessments, it's clear that every hurdle was a learning opportunity. Initially, we struggled to understand our target audience and plan our market strategy, but these challenges forced us to think critically and innovate. Financial planning, in particular, was a significant learning curve, pushing us to become more precise and thorough. Overall, these experiences have not only prepared us for our final pitch but also equipped us with valuable skills and insights that will be indispensable in our future endeavors.

Jerico Luiz E. Tan - BSME 3A

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Mastering Financial Planning: Insights from Milestone 3 of Our Start-Up Journey

Blog 4 - Finals

This week, we completed Milestone 3, which focused primarily on start-up plan costs. This milestone required detailed financial planning, a crucial component for any business venture. Understanding initial expenses and projecting future financial needs involved an in-depth analysis of various cost elements, including equipment, marketing, staffing, and other operational expenses. This level of detail made it one of the more challenging aspects of our project for me.

Reflecting on the process, I realized the importance of meticulous financial planning in ensuring the sustainability of a start-up. This exercise underscored how fundamental financial health is to a business's success, influencing decisions and strategies from the very beginning. Through this activity, I also learned to appreciate the complexity of budgeting and financial forecasting, recognizing that even minor miscalculations can have significant negative effects.

In terms of personal growth, I identified areas where I need to improve my financial literacy and gained practical skills that will be invaluable in my future career. The activity emphasized the importance of resilience and adaptability when faced with challenging tasks. Overall, this milestone was a significant learning opportunity that provided deeper insights into the financial aspects of starting and running a business.

Jerico Luiz E. Tan - ME 3A

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Achieving Milestones: Developing a Cutting-Edge Flood Warning System

blog 3 finals

This week, our team in the flood warning system project reached a significant milestone with the presentation of our second milestone. The presentation covered several crucial aspects, including a comprehensive competition analysis, the lean canvas model, our plans for the minimum viable product (MVP), and methods for MVP validation. Each section was meticulously crafted to demonstrate our market understanding, the capabilities of our product, and our strategy for developing an effective flood warning system. The competition analysis provided valuable insights into existing solutions, helping us identify our product's unique selling propositions. The lean canvas model guided our development approach, serving as a strategic plan outlining our core assumptions.

Reflecting on feedback from Engr. Jael, we recognize that while our foundation is strong, there are areas that need further work to ensure the system's reliability. We were also advised to benchmark and identify areas needing innovation. Enhancing the accuracy of our flood prediction algorithms was highlighted as crucial for gaining user trust and ensuring their safety. Additionally, this feedback will help us better tailor our solution to user needs, increasing its adoption and impact.

Our immediate focus will be on refining our algorithms and improving the user interface, drawing from existing flood warning systems in Cagayan De Oro. We plan to conduct further user research to gain more insights and validate our progress. This iterative process will enable us to develop a robust MVP that meets technical requirements and resonates with our target audience. By remaining open to feedback and continuously refining our design, we are confident that we can create a flood warning system that stands out in the market and provides genuine value to communities at risk of flooding.

Jerico Luiz E. Tan- ME 3A

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Reflection on Milestone 3

In week 5, our team had the chance of presenting the progress done on the third Milestone. This presentation has been a week’s effort and careful preparation for our financial plan and we were looking forward to showing our progress. All the members played a role to make sure that the presentation I was to give would be all inclusive and organized.

However, during the presentation, our instructor give advices, especially, he said that we should calculate the related costs again. This was constructive criticism, and even though we did not expect it, it was useful for the completion of our project. It showed blind spots that we would not have considered before, forcing us to delve deeper into our computations and hypotheses more critically. During the class, our instructor pointed out that one has to be precise when managing a project as it is relevant to get precise and accurate results.

Reflecting on the experience, we realized that the journey towards completing Milestone 3 was as important as the final presentation. The feedback we received was not a setback but an opportunity for growth and improvement. It taught us to embrace constructive criticism and use it as a tool for refinement. Ultimately, this experience reinforced the value of thorough preparation and the continual reassessment of our work, ensuring that our project meets the highest standards of excellence.

Jerico Luiz Tan - ME 3A

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Navigating Challenges and Capitalizing on Opportunities in Flood Warning Systems

Blog 2 - finals

During this week's project update, our team demonstrated significant progress by highlighting our accomplishments in milestone 1. We implemented an innovative concept by including SMS notifications into our flood warning system, which enhanced its accessibility and efficiency. The brainstorming meetings were useful, and the constructive criticism we got strengthened our dedication to improving our idea even further.

As we approached milestone 2, we found difficulties in identifying competitors in the market. It became clear that just a few organizations were actively involved in similar initiatives, making benchmarking and market research more complicated. However, this challenge led us to dig deeper into our unique selling characteristics and market positioning.

Recognizing the lack of competition in our distinctive market segment encouraged introspection among our team. We recognized the chance to establish a distinct brand and make a significant effect in the industry. Looking ahead, we are excited about utilizing this knowledge, using our creativity and commitment to push limits and produce a product that truly stands out.

Jerico Luiz E. Tan- ME 3A

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Pitch Presentation

Finals blog 1

This week has been notably long enough due to the level of exertion of our efforts. The highlight was probably our pitch presentation, which served as a midterm examination, showcasing the course of our new venture: a flood warning system. It was the culmination of weeks of brainstorming, thorough preparation, and adjustments, all compacted into a well-structured presentation. The anticipation and laborious preparation building up to the presentation were exhausting each day, but the experience proved important for our development as aspiring engineers.

Reflecting on the week, we realized the scope of our innovative efforts. The pitch presentation was more than just an academic exercise; it was a practical step toward making our idea a reality. We had hurdles along the road, ranging from fine-tuning our product concept to refining our public speaking skills. However, each hurdle served as a learning opportunity, strengthening our commitment to our startup's success and expanding our understanding of the innovative process.

In the end, the pace of this week acted as a catalyst for both personal and professional development. It gave us a better grasp of our startup's potential and helped us choose where our focus should be in the future. Despite the hurdles, presenting our ideas to our instructor was quite rewarding. As we optimize our business model, we will rely on the insights gained from this week's testing, enhancing our drive to make our flood warning system a reality.

Jerico Luiz E. Tan -BSME 3A

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Embracing Change: Lessons Learned from Starting Anew in Product Development

Blog 6

Starting from the start all over again and again is an inevitable requirement for conducting business. As a team, we just experienced a significant change as we concentrated our efforts on a new product. This shift raised a lot of concerns, particularly as we began conducting interviews with potential customers. These contacts proved to be more than just ordinary information gathering operations; they provided as inspiration for significant ideas for our new product.

In the process of conducting interviews this week was filled with challenges but each one gave an opportunity for learning and growth. Initially, the goal seemed simple: engage with our target clients and gather feedback to influence our product development strategy. As we got more involved in these interactions, we learned how challenging it is to understand clients' demands and preferences.

One notable note from our interviews was the wide range of perspectives among our target audience. Each person offered their unique background, preferences, and challenges. This insight highlights the importance of inclusion in our product design strategy. We recognized the need of embracing diversity in order to effectively meet our clients' individual needs.

Moreover, the challenges we encountered throughout this week of interviews highlighted the importance of effective communication and teamwork within our team. We relied on one another for help, using our distinct abilities and perspectives to tackle problems. We made significant progress toward our goals by adjusting our strategy in response to constructive feedback and open communication.

Jerico Luiz E. Tan- ME3A

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Blog 5 - March 17, 2024

During this week's technopreneurship class became increasingly intriguing as we went through the interview process. Knowing our target audience is significant, and conducting interviews provides helpful insights into their needs and aims. It was exciting to witness my teams' commitment as we communicated with potential customers, learning about their pain points and goals. Through these conversations, we gained a better knowledge of the business landscape and identified areas where our solution may have a significant impact.

In addition, in response to the opinions gathered during the interviews, our team made an important preference to adjust our product importance. Although it is scary to depart from our first objective, accepting this change displays the adaptability necessary. As we develop our vision and adjust to market realities, we demonstrate our determination and commitment to creating solutions suited to our target audience. This shift in focus indicates not just our responsiveness to consumer requirements, but also our willingness to adapt and improve in order to succeed.

Throughout our presentation of the value proposition, I felt enormous satisfaction in our collaboration and accomplishments. Engr. Jael gave us feedback on our presentation, confirming the viability of our selected venture while reminding us of our limits as students in developing a prototype. We will examine our project choices together, using creativity and constructive criticism. As we develop our business and flesh out our concepts, I am convinced that our path as technopreneurs will be distinguished by progress, resilience, and, lastly, victory.

Jerico Luiz E. Tan - ME 3A

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Powering Solutions: Enhancing Food Preservation in Off-grid and Rental Settings

Blog 4 - March 10, 202

As we thought of Engr. Jael's advice, my fellow teammates and I have decided to reevaluate the issue we will be working with. We recognized that the first task we chose was not feasible to solve. So we went again performing interviews with different target customers. Further interviews demonstrate a commitment to thorough investigation and a desire to discover a problem that we feel is worth addressing. This adaptability and commitment to choosing the appropriate problem to address will almost certainly result in a more profitable and significant venture outcome.

The interviews provided insights into a fundamental challenge encountered by tenants about food preservation, showing a lack in economical and effective alternatives. The difficulties renters have as a result of a lack of appropriate food storage alternatives highlight the need of tackling this neglected area of home management. Furthermore, the need for Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVRs) in rural regions to guarantee a continuous electrical supply for equipment such as refrigerators highlights the larger range of issues in maintaining food preservation, particularly in places with intermittent electricity. These disclosures highlight the need for new and affordable solutions to improve food preservation methods, especially for people living in rental units or areas with inconsistent power supply.

The decision to revisit and address the matter after conducting insightful interviews demonstrates a proactive attitude to problem resolution. Recognizing the range of facts uncovered during the interview enabled us to better meet the genuine requirements and challenges encountered by some people, notably renters and those living in rural regions. This strategy not only makes the project more relevant and effective, but it also reflects our commitment to substantial innovation and good change. With this newfound understanding, our team came up with several solutions that will improve the lives of individuals afflicted by food preservation difficulties.

Jerico Luiz E. Tan - ME 3A

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Unveiling Market Insights: Utilizing the 'Mom Test' to Explore Customer Needs

Blog 3 - March 3, 2024

During this week, we were tasked with conducting an interview with a possible customer. And in order to carry out our interview properly, we followed the 'the mom test' principles. The mom test pointed out simplicity and clarity, allowing us to simplify our complicated thoughts into easier concepts, ensuring that our value proposition connects with a wider audience. As we progressed through the customer discovery process, conducting interviews and receiving feedback, we discovered that using the mom test concepts enabled us to have more meaningful interactions with potential customers, allowing us to better understand their needs and preferences.

The iterative nature of applying the 'Mom Test' into our customer discovery strategy provided major benefits. We successfully changed our product concept to changing market conditions by consistently validating our assumptions and refining our methodologies with real-world facts. This adaptive learning process has not only improved our understanding of our target audience, but it has also increased our confidence in the viability and prospects of our venture. In essence, including the 'Mom Test' into our consumer research process has shown to be a synergistic approach, increasing our understanding of customer preferences and improving our market alignment.

Furthermore, we showcased our weekly progress, emphasizing the cooperative chemistry among our team, which is both fulfilling and instructive. We celebrated our progress while also confronting the challenges we faced through these presentations. Furthermore, gaining insights from Engineer Jael provided us with valuable perspectives and opportunities for progress. In conclusion, the presentation encouraged introspection, teamwork, and renewed determination as we seek to move our product toward its goals.

Jerico Luiz E. Tan - ME 3A

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GAME 2: The Fishbowl Game

Blog 2 - February 25, 2024

In the second week of class, we engaged in a game called Fishbowl. The game, which was mainly intended to develop collaboration, encouraged team members to work together, interact, and solve problems. The game was challenging to me because my fellow players and I are all ISFPs (introverts), and we initially struggled to engage in conversation and understand the game's rules. However, with time and effort, we overcome our apprehension gained to work well together, and ultimately understood the game's rules.

Considering the first challenges of the Fishbowl game, we were able to complete it effectively. We concentrated on the essential topic of clean water and sanitation. Our common goal was to provide access to clean and safe water sources, so improving public health, reducing waterborne infections, and encouraging sustainable development. We aimed to guarantee fair access to clean water for communities globally using collaborative efforts and creative solutions, therefore contributing to a better environment. We recognized point-of-use water purification as an essential component of accomplishing this goal.

We were also assigned a new task: create a venture in Wadhani. During our brainstorming meetings, my team and I chose to focus on energy and power, particularly enhancing solar energy use. While our ideas developed, our dedication to solving global issues remained unchanged. Despite the change in focus, our main objective remained the same: to contribute to a better society by addressing important challenges and using innovative approaches.

Throughout our experiences playing the Fishbowl game and discussing clean water accessibility and energy use, I've realized the need of teamwork, determination, and adaptation in tackling difficult global concerns. Despite our initial challenges as introverts, we discovered to communicate effectively and collaborate on a single objective. Our shift in focus to energy and power in the context of launching a company in Wadhani highlighted the need of adaptability and openness to new ideas. Finally, our trip has demonstrated the interconnectivity of numerous concerns, as well as the need of new solutions in making a constructive contribution to society and the environment.

Jerico Luiz E. Tan - ME 3A

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SDGs: Shifting Gears Towards a Sustainable Future

Blog 1 - February 18, 2024

In our first Technopreneurship class, Professor Marberth shared a recorded video explaining the course requirements and their value in shaping us as future engineers. He emphasized the importance of self-assessment by requiring us to complete the Myers-Briggs Personality Test and the Innovation Index Test in the first and last weeks of the semester, respectively. The aim of the innovation test was to assess our innovative mentality. Based on my evaluation, I received a score of 66.65 out of 100, which I will be working on for improvement. My personality test results, on the other hand, show that I am an ISFP-T, or active type of person. Individuals with the ISFP personality type are known for their spontaneous nature, which includes experimenting and exploring with themselves and their ideas. They are also service-oriented and demonstrate true concern for others through actions rather than words.

In addition, we completed an activity that needed collaboration and brainstorming concerning the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs aim to alter the world. They represent an encouragement to action to eradicate poverty and injustice, protect the environment, and ensure everyone's well-being, equality, and prosperity. My groupmates and I decided to focus on the sixth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), Clean Water and Sanitation. As the majority of us have noticed, unfiltered and polluted water is one of the most common issues that people encounter, particularly in our area. This issue can be resolved by using a water filtration device. During the decision-making process, we considered a variety of factors, including whether it is S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound) in nature and how we would be able to use our future career as mechanical engineering students to enhance water cleanliness and sanitation.

My first week in our technopreneurship course was very informative and eye-opening. The emphasis on self-awareness in personality tests such as the Myers-Briggs and the Innovation Index has given me significant insights into my strengths and areas for improvement as a future engineer. Despite initially scoring lower on the innovation exam, I understand the potential for personal growth and am motivated to developing a more innovative mentality. Furthermore, our group's focus on the sixth Sustainable Development Goal emphasizes the necessity of solving urgent global challenges such as access to clean water and sanitation. I think that by combining our innovative spirit and commitment to service, we can make significant contributions to creating a more sustainable and equal world.

Jerico Luiz E. Tan - ME-3A