Jolen

Blog 6 - June 1, 2024

Artist: Arek & Anna Kajda - Pitch 3D Brand Illustrations 2020

This week, our team embarked on crafting our pitch deck for the final presentation. As we pored over the guidelines, a profound realization dawned upon us – creating a compelling pitch is not merely about presenting facts and figures, but about crafting a narrative that resonates deeply with our audience and encapsulates the very essence of our venture.

The 10/20/30 rule – 10 slides, no more than 20 words per slide, and a minimum 30 point font size – forced us to distill our message to its most succinct and impactful form. It was an exercise in ruthless prioritization, challenging us to identify the core elements that truly capture the heart of our Fish Box solution and its value proposition.

We recognized the intricate interplay between each element as we mapped out the components – the problem, solution, product, target market, traction, revenue model, competition, team, and ask. Every aspect had to seamlessly reinforce the overarching narrative, painting a vivid picture of the problem we aim to solve, the innovation we bring, and the potential impact we can create.

A key realization was the importance of storytelling in entrepreneurship. It's not just about presenting dry facts and figures; it's about weaving a captivating narrative that connects with the audience on an emotional level, igniting their imagination, and inspiring them to believe in our vision.

Moreover, we understood that our pitch is not just a one-way communication; it's a dialogue, an opportunity to engage our audience, address their concerns, and ultimately, convince them to invest – whether that investment is financial, intellectual, or simply their belief in our cause.

As we continue refining our pitch, we are reminded that this exercise is not just about securing funding or approval; it's about crystallizing our understanding of our venture, our goals, and our path forward. Crafting a compelling pitch is an invaluable exercise in self-reflection, forcing us to confront our assumptions, sharpen our focus, and emerge with a clearer, more cohesive vision for the future.

Blog 5 - May 25, 2024

Artist: Arek & Anna Kajda - Pitch 3D Brand Illustrations 2020

This week, our team tackled the critical aspect of securing funding for our Fish Box venture through Milestone 4. As we delved into the financial projections and unit economics, a profound realization struck us – the path to transforming our innovative idea into a scalable, sustainable business hinges heavily on our ability to secure the right capital at the right time.

Our first-year financials revealed a promising gross profit margin of 30%, but also highlighted the substantial operating costs required to bring our product to market. While our long-term projections paint an optimistic picture of growth and profitability, the upfront capital requirements to kickstart operations cannot be understated.

Crafting a well-thought-out funding plan became an exercise in balancing ambition with pragmatism. We recognized the need to explore a strategic mix of funding sources, from bootstrapping and angel investors to venture capital and potentially crowdfunding campaigns. Each option comes with its own set of trade-offs, and we must carefully weigh factors such as control, dilution, and the alignment of interests with potential investors.

A key realization was the importance of meticulously mapping out our capital roadmap, aligning it with projected milestones and growth stages. Securing the right funding at the right time could mean the difference between sustained growth and stagnation or even failure.

Moreover, we understood that investors would scrutinize not just our financial projections but also our ability to execute, adapt, and innovate. Building a compelling narrative around our vision, market opportunity, and competitive advantages will be crucial in attracting the right partners and funding sources.

Overall, this milestone underscored the inextricable link between financial planning and strategic decision-making in the entrepreneurial journey. As we forge ahead, we must approach funding not just as a means to an end, but as a critical component of our overall strategy, one that requires careful navigation and a deep understanding of the risk-reward landscape.

Blog 4 - May 18, 2024

Artist: Arek & Anna Kajda - Pitch 3D Brand Illustrations 2020

This week was centered around Milestone 3, where we delved into the financial and go-to-market aspects of our Fish Box venture. It was a reality check on the numbers and strategies needed to transform our innovative idea into a viable business.

Projecting our financial plans and forecasts for the next five years was an eye-opening exercise. It forced us to meticulously consider all the costs involved, from manufacturing and materials to marketing and distribution. Reconciling our ambitious goals with realistic revenue projections was a delicate balance, highlighting the importance of prudent financial planning and risk management.

Crafting a compelling go-to-market strategy was equally crucial. Our branding video and Facebook page aimed to succinctly communicate the Fish Box's unique value proposition to our target audience of fishermen and fish vendors. Distilling our complex product into a clear, relatable narrative was challenging but vital for building brand awareness and establishing a strong market presence.

Overall, this milestone underscored the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship. It's not just about having a great product idea; it's about having a comprehensive, well-thought-out plan to make it a commercial success. The financial and marketing components are just as critical as the technical aspects, and we must approach them with the same level of diligence and strategic thinking.

Blog 3 - May 11, 2024

Artist: Arek & Anna Kajda - Pitch 3D Brand Illustrations 2020

This week, our team presented Milestone 2 for our Fish Box venture, delving deeper into key aspects like competition analysis, the lean canvas model, minimum viable product (MVP) plans, and MVP validation strategies.

A major realization was just how crucial it is to thoroughly understand the competitive landscape and differentiate our value proposition. There are already several portable cooler options on the market, so we need to highlight how our solar-powered, thermoelectric design specifically solves the unique challenges faced by fishermen and fish vendors.

Mapping out our lean canvas was an insightful exercise in distilling the core elements of our business model on a single page. It forced us to sharpen our customer segments, value propositions, channels, and revenue streams. Striving for that clarity and focus will be vital moving forward.

Defining the MVP was both challenging and eye-opening. We have to carefully prioritize the essential features that can be built and tested quickly, avoiding getting bogged down perfecting bells and whistles prematurely. Smart MVP validation techniques will enable us to get rapid user feedback to iterate and pivot as needed.

Overall, this milestone illuminated just how much strategic thinking and leanness is required to successfully bring a new product to market. Constantly evaluating our assumptions against real-world data will be key to making our Fish Box a sustainable venture that genuinely improves the fishing industry's cold chain.

Blog 2 - May 4, 2024

Artist: Arek & Anna Kajda - Pitch 3D Brand Illustrations 2020

This week, our team had the opportunity to present our Milestone 1, showcasing our Fish Box venture aimed at addressing the challenges faced by fishermen and fish vendors in preserving the quality of their daily catch. As we prepared and delivered our presentation, several valuable realizations dawned upon us.

Firstly, we recognized the importance of clearly articulating the "why" behind our venture. It's not enough to simply describe our product and its features; we need to paint a vivid picture of the problem we're solving and the impact we aim to create. Our pitch deck highlighted the significant food wastage, economic losses, and environmental pollution caused by the lack of reliable and sustainable refrigeration solutions in the fishing industry. Communicating this problem and our vision for a better future helped us establish a compelling narrative that resonates with our audience.

Secondly, we learned the value of customer validation. Our research and interviews with fishermen, fish vendors, and end consumers not only provided us with valuable insights into their pain points and needs but also served as a powerful tool to demonstrate the demand for our solution. By sharing the quantitative and qualitative data we gathered, we were able to substantiate the market potential and underscore the urgency of addressing this issue.

As we move forward, our team is committed to refining our pitch. We'll continue to hone our ability to communicate the essence of our venture, while also ensuring that we back it up with solid market research, customer validation, and a well-thought-out solution. By striking this balance, we aim to not only present a strong business case but also inspire others to join us on this journey of creating positive change in the fishing industry.

Blog 1 - April 24, 2024

Artist: Arek & Anna Kajda - Pitch 3D Brand Illustrations 2020

This week, our team had the opportunity to present our pitch deck for our Fish Box venture to a panel of experts. While they showed approval for our innovative solution to address food wastage and pollution in the fishing industry, their feedback reminded us of a crucial element often overlooked – the power of storytelling.

The panelists pointed out that our presentation, though informative, lacked the compelling narrative and engaging delivery needed to truly captivate our audience. We were too formal and "stiff," failing to infuse our pitch with the passion and enthusiasm that could make our idea truly resonate.

As technoprenuers, we tend to get caught up in the technical details and practical aspects of our products, forgetting that ultimately, we're selling not just a solution, but a vision. We need to paint a vivid picture of the problem we're solving, the impact we aim to create, and the journey we're embarking on – all while injecting our own personalities and genuine excitement into the narrative.

Moreover, the panel's advice to provide the product architecture in our next presentation reminded us of the importance of striking a balance between the "big picture" and the nuts-and-bolts details. While captivating storytelling is crucial, we must also back it up with solid technical information to demonstrate our credibility and the feasibility of our venture.

As we move forward, our team is determined to apply these lessons. We'll work on crafting a more engaging and visually appealing pitch, one that truly showcases the passion driving our venture while also providing the necessary technical details. After all, successful technopreneurship is about more than just a great idea – it's about the ability to communicate that idea in a way that inspires and captivates our audience.

Blog 6 - March 23, 2024

Artist: Paykhan - Science & Vie Magazine 2023

As part of developing our sustainable refrigeration venture, our team interviewed 30 potential users - fishermen, vendors, and consumers. While the goal was to gather insights validating our product ideas, I gained something deeper - a humbling perspective and wisdom from unexpected places.

Speaking directly with weathered fishermen, I was struck by their thoughtfulness towards environmental issues despite economic hardships. Many acknowledged the wastefulness of styrofoam boxes and concerns about plastic pollution's impacts. Yet they felt trapped using styrofoam due to cost and lack of alternatives. If affordable, their openness to our renewable cooling solution renewed my motivation to make sustainable options accessible.

The fish vendors offered further reminders that environmentalism cannot be an elite privilege. While enthusiastic about quality preservation benefits, they stressed any price premiums needed to be marginal to justify upfront investments. I learned the nuances of balancing ecological priorities with tight operational margins. These pragmatic realities underscored that sustainability must align with livelihoods, not burden them.

Perhaps most powerfully, the end consumers - families of varying incomes - shared perspectives expanding my myopic view. They didn't just evaluate our product through a cost-benefit lens, but provocative questions about ethical labor practices, nutritional values, and community economic impacts. Sustainability, I realized, is a holistic system not just clean tech. True solutions must be just and inclusive.

As a soon-to-be engineer, maintaining this open perspective is critical for creating solutions that are adaptable, ethical, and genuinely uplifting. I'm energized to combine technical craft with emotional intelligence - approachability, caring, and insightfulness. Unlocking sustainable transformation requires innovative minds and humble hearts working in harmony.

Blog 5 - March 16, 2024

Artist: Paykhan - L'homme Flutur Playing Arts 2020

As our Technopreneurship team crafted the value proposition for our eco-friendly portable cooling solution "Cooler Crew", I found myself experiencing a surprising yet profound personal realization. What began as a functional exercise in mapping out customer pains, gains, and product benefits, unlocked deeper insights into my motivations as an engineer.

Piecing together the economic strains faced by humble fisherfolk from spoiled catches and the environmental damage caused by ubiquitous styrofoam boxes shone a light on the real human and ecological tolls of unsustainable practices. Suddenly, our technical thermoelectric refrigeration became more than just an inventive application - it represented a pathway to address basic needs with climate-positive innovation.

This clicked something within me about the potential of mechanical engineering to be a tool for a holistic positive impact when solutions are purpose-driven. Of course, I've always abstractly appreciated sustainability and social responsibility. However, this tangible exercise of articulating the authentic pains, gains, and corresponding product value to underserved stakeholders like fishers made those grand concepts finally feel tangible.

In that charged moment of mapping impact pathways, I realized this is the type of work that stirs my passion as an engineer. Creating eco-positive products guided by a holistic understanding of socioeconomic and environmental contexts is my calling. This awakening has me eager to further explore complementing my technical studies with coursework in areas like green design, life cycle analysis, and development engineering. I want to forge a career catalyzing planetary regeneration through thoughtful innovation - and this activity sparked that consciousness.

Blog 4 - March 8, 2024

Artist: Paykhan - Science & Vie Magazine 2023

As part of our Technopreneurship class, my team gave a progress report on our venture in developing an eco-friendly refrigerated fish storage box. While researching thermoelectric cooling and insulation materials, I gained some meaningful insights.

Exploring coconut husks made me reflect on how much ingenuity remains untapped in circular economy solutions. I was amazed by how this abundant agricultural byproduct could outperform conventional insulators while being renewable and biodegradable. I also got excited envisioning how TEC technology could enhance cold chain and food preservation in developing communities, and maybe simultaneously combating hunger, climate change, or proper waste disposal.

Beyond the technical aspects, this project is shifting how I approach design from a sustainability mindset. Instead of optimizing for narrow factors like cost or performance, I'm learning to evaluate a fuller lifecycle picture - materials sourcing, energy use, end-of-life, and social impact. True sustainability means creating ecosystems and thinking about regeneration over degeneration.

This experience illuminated the power of engineering to develop intelligent solutions that harmonize modern needs with environmental rejuvenation. I feel inspired to carry this consciousness forward, finding opportunities to beneficially merge technology and nature's wisdom. As I continue my studies, I hope to further explore biomimetic design principles that allow innovation to emulate net-positive, zero-waste systems. The path to a thriving future lies in realizing our complete interdependence.

Blog 3 - March 3, 2024

Artist: Paykhan - Science & Vie Magazine 2023

This week our Technopreneurship group conducted customer interviews to inform a business pitch for our sustainable fish storage box. While necessary for validating the product, the conversations gave me surprising personal insights.

Speaking directly with potential users like small fishermen, fish vendors, and end consumers, I was struck by their receptiveness to trying an eco-friendly option to replace polluting styrofoam. Despite economic constraints, many shared thoughtful concerns about plastic waste and food safety.

My assumptions were challenged that low-income communities would resist paying extra for sustainability. Their openness to balance affordability and values inspired me. Beyond product feedback, I was touched by the generosity and wisdom people shared once we established a human connection. Many took time to explain realities about their work, family, and hopes that textbooks don't convey.

Innovating solutions means seeing people's full dignity and considering social justice. This experience reinforced that entrepreneurship cannot happen in a vacuum focused only on technology and transactions. Business goals and human goals go hand-in-hand. Moving forward, I want to carry these lessons to ground my engineering in community uplift.

Blog 2 - February 24, 2024

Artist: Paykhan - World Economic Forum 2020

Our recent Technopreneurship class featured an eye-opening activity on innovating for sustainable agriculture. Having grown up in the city, farming always felt detached from my reality. But climate change and feeding billions make achieving sustainable food production an urgent challenge.

As we debated ideas from vertical indoor farms to smallholder farmer empowerment, I found myself captivated. My teammates’ passion for regenerative solutions was contagious. I also saw firsthand how technology interventions I take for granted like sensors and AI could help farmers minimize inputs and grow resilient crops.

Beyond the technologies, the ethics debates are what really stuck with me. How do we ensure marginalized rural communities can access and sustain new innovations? How can policy better value ecological conservation and nourishment? I reflected on my own privileging of efficiency and productivity above equity and people.

I’m now convinced that building a sustainable food future requires holistic thinking between farmers, engineers, economists, and governments. My eyes opened that fields I dismissed like agriculture and social policy are just as vital paths for driving change.

Most of all, I’m inspired by how creative technologies can help balance productivity, inclusion, and regeneration when designed responsibly. I plan to explore courses on agritech and sustainability to diversify my mechanical engineering knowledge. Who knows, combining my technical skills with ethical farming insights might bear fruit in the future!

Blog 1 - February 16, 2024

Artist: Paykhan - CDSCOPE Transition Energetique 2023

In our Technopreneurship class this week, we engaged in an impactful group activity centered on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 17 SDGs aim to address critical global issues like poverty and inequality by 2030. My group focused on SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy. We reflected on the reality that many remote islands in the Philippines still lack electricity access. This severely impacts healthcare, education, and economic activity. I was heartened to see how tailor-made technology interventions could truly empower those living off the grid. It also emphasized how energy poverty remains a huge barrier to development in parts of our country. Beyond technical fixes, we debated policy and training needs for sustainability.

This class illuminated issues around energy equity and ethics. Our duty as engineers goes beyond building stuff; we must consciously create solutions that lift up excluded groups and pave the way for their progress. I feel doubly driven to leverage engineering to light the way for marginalized communities lacking basic access. I'm eager to explore other persisting development gaps technology can help bridge.

Daily Journal 10.2 - Fri. March 26 2021

Artist: Meel Tamphanon - Education system in Italian School 2020 January 17

When I was a kid, my biggest dream is to become a teacher. But as I grow older, my choices have changed. I realized and considered some factors that resulted into changing my decision. We are always torn by the opportunities and options we get to choose from. I want to achieve everything that I have always dreamt of. I want to become the person whom my family, my friends, and I myself can rely on. Although, we cannot achieve our goals without going through hardships and a long way process. It takes time to hone ourselves and become that ideal person we wish we were. However, by being completely emerged in what we do, it could provide us with more potential for advancement that we can use in the future. As long as we continually engage ourselves in our career, that long-term commitment will someday pay off.

Jullien Lorilli T. Angcla - Grade 12 STEM 13

Daily Journal 10.1 - Fri. March 26 2021

Artist: Meel Tamphanon - Various Editorial illustrations  for Il Corriere Della Sera 2018 to 2020

A family is where a child learns the basic values of life. It is where our character is being molded. Families might come in different structures and sizes, but it doesn't matter how many or who are the members of your family are. What I believe is important is as long as you are comfortable, and you feel at home with them, then you can already consider them as your family. Our mental growth, well-being, and stability all depend on our family. That is why it is important for us to protect and strengthen our relationship with them. Personally, I feel more distant to my family as I grow up. And I have come to realize that it is communication that is lacking and is what something that we need to work on to. A family that talks and listens to each other will have a healthier bond.

Jullien Lorilli T. Angcla - Grade 12 STEM 13

Daily Journal 9 - Thu. March 25, 2021

Artist: Meel Tamphanon - Illustrations of the Airbnb Ambassador Program n.d

Our values have something to do with our tight-knit relationship with other people. As Filipino, we remarkably practice Pakikisama, Bayanihan, Utang na Loob, and Hiya. These values form good social relationships, which give benefits and advantages: Emotional Rewards, Material Rewards, and Health Rewards. To sum up, these rewards make us be that person who lives happily, healthy, and satisfied. Thus, it enables us to share and spread harmony in the community and society instantly. It would even influence others to do so since The Looking Glass Self states that our self-concept is greatly affected by the interactions we form with other people. Suppose we have good interactions with people around us. In that case, we are likely to influence others to be good, which leads us to practice good values further and have harmonious relationships with other people. As Rudolf Steiner once said "A healthy social life is found only when, in the mirror of each soul, the whole community finds its reflection, and when, in the whole community, the virtue of each one is living."

Jullien Lorilli T. Angcla - Grade 12 STEM 13

Daily Journal 8 - Wed. March 24, 2021

Artist: Meel Tamphanon - Various Editorial illustrations for Il Corriere Della Sera 2018 to 2020

The idea of loving and being loved is what most of us desire. And the five love languages can help us create a better understanding of each other's needs and support each other's growth.

All of us are capable of showing love, but not all of us communicate love in the same way. We are free to express our love in any methods but we should learn to know and compromise what the other party wants. We should make them feel that we care about it. Knowing the primary love language of the other person will establish a healthy and stronger relationship. Starting now, I will be more aware of the preferences of my loved ones. This way, they will realize more how I genuinely love them and how all I want is for them to be happy.

People also have different way they prefer to receive love. We may relate to all of the love languages, but there will be one that speaks to us the most. It is important as well to convey what we want to those who love us for them to recognize the things that they should do or not, and what we appreciate the most. We should learn to rely on other people for love is a give and take system. But for me, no matter in what way my loved ones would show their love for me, I would truly value it regardless because their effort, time, and thought is enough reason already to appreciate it.

Jullien Lorilli T. Angcla - Grade 12 STEM 13

Daily Journal 7 - Tue. March 23, 2021

Artist: Meel Tamphanon - Momentary of Happiness n.d

Relationships are our close connection to other people and they are vital to our mental and emotional welfare. Oftentimes, relationships hold us together during times of stressful situations and when we face life difficulties. That is why it is imperative to build and establish it.

In every relationship, there is a type of love that varies in the interaction of intimacy, passion, and commitment. Love itself is essential to people. Even though most of us have experienced it, defining love is challenging. Because according to our discussion in Personal Development, love is something that can't be fully captured in any single definition. We'll just feel that it is love - even without a proper explanation - the moment it arrives.

There will always be new people whom we'll meet as we grow older. In today’s topic, I am reminded that before we begin a new relationship with new people, we should never forget the most important relationship we already have. And that is our family, where I believe we all knew and met love first.

Knowing our relationship with other people will be our starting point in building and establishing it. Because of this, we learn how to love and how to be loved as who we want to be or who we don't in life. Just be yourself and the right people will be in your life for the right time and right reasons.

Jullien Lorilli T. Angcla - Grade 12 STEM 13