#gee 16

Our entrepreneurial journey with Lightaser was a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges that tested our resilience and determination. From the outset, we were tasked with creating a prototype that seemed like a distant dream due to the unavailability of essential materials, particularly the elusive taser module. This setback forced us to confront a reality where our prototype didn't quite match our initial vision.

Navigating the intricacies of cost structures and revenue models added another layer of complexity. The lack of knowledge on what information to include and understanding the technical terms required for our final pitching left us grappling with anxiety and worry.

These emotions echoed our experiences during the midterm pitching and the Business Model Canvas phase, but we held on, fueled by determination and a shared vision.

Amidst these challenges, we found strength in our collective perseverance and the unwavering support of our advisor, Sir Reymark Menguito. His patience, encouragement, and insightful guidance were the pillars that steadied us through the stormy seas of entrepreneurship. His uplifting messages and belief in our potential never failed to reignite our passion and drive, even on the most exhausting days filled with interviews, prototype making, and endless preparations.

To my teammates also, I couldn’t have done this alone. Without you, I would literally be in despair. I know I have a lot of flaws and setbacks and sometimes feel like a useless member in the team, but thank you for bearing with me.

Each of you has taught me valuable lessons that I need to polish within myself and work on in my character. Thank you for being dependable teammates and a strong support system! We deserve this success!

The pivotal moment arrived during our final pitching, where we poured our hearts and souls into presenting Lightaser to the panelists.

Despite the hurdles and uncertainties, we emerged victorious, delivering a product we were proud of and showcasing our growth and determination.

Beyond our immediate challenges, a special lecture series opened our eyes to the broader landscape of entrepreneurship.

The insights gained about starting a business, navigating patents and intellectual property, and embracing failures as integral parts of the journey were transformative. One speaker, in particular, emphasized "Failures 101" over "Success 101," reminding us that setbacks are stepping stones to success. Witnessing his journey from failures to triumphs was a testament to the resilience and perseverance required in this arena.

Reflecting on this entrepreneurial mind journey,

it's clear that the path to success is not a smooth sail. It's marked by uncertain ideas turning into realities, good and bad days, and moments of exhaustion and exhilaration. Yet, each experience, whether motivated or not,

has contributed to our growth and character development.

As we bid farewell to this chapter, I, Marielle Gloria, carry with me a wealth of knowledge, resilience, and a deep gratitude for the lessons learned and the support received. This isn't just the end of a journey but the beginning of a new chapter where the sharpened tools of entrepreneurship will be wielded to claim victory amidst challenges. To Sir Reymark Menguito, thank you for being the beacon of guidance and inspiration. Your impact will resonate in our future endeavors, and we pledge to make you proud.

This is Marielle Gloria, signing off with determination and gratitude,

ready to embark on new adventures armed with the lessons learned and the dreams that fuel our journey forward.

"From this, into this." last blog of GEE 16.... The SABAYLAKBAY product boasts a uniquely designed map navigation application that efficiently guides users to their destinations. However, during our last pitching session on May 8, feedback indicated a lack of features that left customers unsatisfied. This realization has driven me to ensure that our product meets the expectations of our customers. Additionally, the costs associated with the project are reportedly quite high, and there is a suggestion to create our own travel agencies to improve the trustworthiness of our product in the eyes of customers.

" The journey of entrepreneurship is often filled with exhilarating highs and nerve-wracking lows. "

As students at CMU delving into the world of startups, our recent experience pitching our product in the midterm presentation was a rollercoaster of emotions. Despite the anxieties and sweats preceding our presentation, the experience proved to be a valuable opportunity for growth and learning.

Pitching our product to seasoned professionals outside the confines of CMU was both overwhelming and enlightening. Their expertise in entrepreneurial endeavors provided invaluable insights and advice, shaping our understanding of what it takes to succeed in the competitive landscape of startups.

Their compliments served as a motivational fuel, igniting our determination to persevere and see this journey through to the end.

Following the adrenaline rush of the pitch, we embarked on the next phase of our entrepreneurial venture: validation. Armed with a list of questions and a genuine curiosity, we set out to interview potential customers to gauge interest in our product. The responses we received were not only encouraging but also enlightening.

One interviewee expressed a keen interest in purchasing our product, citing its potential to address a pressing issue faced by students while ensuring their safety. Another emphasized the importance of affordability, safety, and quality that could stood the test of time indicating a willingness to buy if the product met these criteria. These sentiments were echoed by the students we interviewed, providing us with valuable insights into their concerns and preferences.

This emphasis on their wanted features of the product underscores the importance of not only meeting but exceeding customer expectations in order to secure their trust and loyalty. Understanding that quality is a critical factor in the decision-making process, we are committed to delivering a product that not only meets but exceeds the standards set by our customers.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, we are now equipped to refine our product to better align with the needs and expectations of our target market. From pricing strategies to product features,

every decision moving forward will be informed by the invaluable feedback we received during the validation process.

As we continue on this entrepreneurial journey, we are reminded that success is not just about having a great idea, but also about understanding the needs of our customers and adapting accordingly. With each hurdle we overcome and every lesson we learn, we're inch closer to turning our vision into a reality.

I'm a first-year student at Central Mindanao University, taking an Entrepreneurial Mind course. It's been quite a ride!

Talking to Students: Learning Their Problems

Our group of six students efficiently utilized both technological tools and interpersonal skills to conduct interviews and glean valuable insights from our peers. Although the minimum requirement was to interview 25 individuals, we surpassed expectations by gathering input from 60 students! They told us about problems like struggling to find a place to stay, the location of trash bins being a bit far away, keeping their things dry during the wet season, and being unsafe in dark areas.

Finding Solutions: From Apps to Eco-Friendly Bags

We came up with ideas to solve these problems. One idea was an app to help students find places to live, but we realized it might only be useful sometimes. So, we switched gears and thought about making bags out of old plastic bottles to keep things dry and help the environment but making it with a touch of technology was quite challenging.

The Lightaser: A Bright Idea for Safety

One big problem we found was students feeling scared in dark places at school. So, we had an idea for a gadget called the Lightaser. It's a flashlight and a safety tool in one, perfect for helping students feel safer. Plus, we make it out of recycled stuff, so it's good for the planet too. Although we can't provide a picture of its appearance yet as we're still refining the design, we're considering its aesthetics to align with students' fashion preferences, ensuring it complements their style while prioritizing safety and sustainability.

Wrap-Up: Changing the World, One Idea at a Time

In our Entrepreneurial Mind subject, we were fortunate to choose our group mates for the entire semester. Our mission involved conducting interviews within Central Mindanao University to comprehend the prevalent issues faced by the community. With a group of six members, we deliberated on our target market and devised questions for the interviews.

The next day, we initiated the interviews, strategically positioning ourselves across various campus locations – the Education Building, CAS Extension building, CAS Main, CAS Annex, and the MAS-AMiCUS Organization, where one of our group mate was a member. Our objective was to interview more than 25 people to ensure a substantial response pool. Ultimately, we collected 60 responses from our participants.

From our findings, we proposed our initial solution: creating an application that consolidates information about boarding houses. This aimed to address the challenges students faced in finding accommodations at the beginning of each semester. In our discussion through Google Meet, we identified a potential drawback—the sustainability of the business in the long term.

Considering this, we pivoted to another solution: designing a bag made of plastic bags to safeguard school supplies from getting wet during heavy rains. Additionally, this solution aimed to address the issue of garbage. However, we encountered difficulties in integrating technology into this idea, leading us to search for a more viable solution.

Recognizing the growing concern about areas on campus lacking street lights, especially making it challenging and unsafe for students during the night or after 7 pm classes, we introduced a 2-in-1 portable gadget. This innovative device, named Lightaser, serves as a handy flashlight and a taser in one. What makes it even more impactful is its incorporation of recycled bottles and plastics as its cover, contributing to environmental sustainability.

In the GEE 16 lecture series, three speakers discussed intellectual property, the startup ecosystem, and the startup journey.

The first speaker discuss the Intellectual property rights (IPR) safeguard creators' original work like inventions or art. Technology transfer shares knowledge or tech between parties, aiming to boost innovation and economic growth. It involves patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. Benefits include economic development, fostering innovation, and promoting collaboration. Challenges include negotiating agreements and protecting sensitive information.

The second speaker discuss the Startup ecosystems are networks supporting new ventures, varying in structure and resources. Key factors include access to capital, networks, and knowledge, crucial for scaling operations and success. Incubators, accelerators, and public sector support play vital roles, offering resources, mentorship, and infrastructure. Balancing risk and innovation is essential. Understanding these factors is crucial for fostering innovation and economic growth.

The act of becoming an entrepreneur, or "one who undertakes innovations, finance, and business acumen in an attempt to translate inventions into economic products," is defined as "one who engages in innovations, finance, and business acumen in an effort to transform innovations into economic goods." In reaction to a perceived opportunity, this might result in the formation of new organizations or the revitalization of existing ones.

Chances, opportunity, and learning are the most important factors. We introduced ourselves, discussed the curriculum, and were allocated to pitching groups for the first week. We also talked about Startups, Disruptors, and Misconceptions in Business, as well as the Entrepreneurial Mind in Technology Entrepreneurship. After that we talk about how to be a good entrepreneur and what mindset an entrepreneur should have in good communication. I have a lot of questions I want to be answered properly about entrepreneurship. And open my mind to the possibilities that there will be a change in my movements and thoughts. When we say entrepreneur good speech, good deal, knowledgeable business strategy and good decision.  It's also like studying if you don't study well you won't get good deal grades either. Must have perseverance to get a high grade.