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Faster Than We Think

11th Week: 11th Blog

Time flies so fast. Overused line. Majority would claim, even all, that this is absolutely true. In cases where we try to catch up with deadlines, this is more than true. Aside from the ability of time to fly fast, it runs smoothly. That if we aren’t vigilant enough, we’ll get behind. Whoever you are in the society or whatever you are in this world, circumstances remind us that time won’t wait for anyone. Time is even faster than we think.

Technopreneurship journey has been very great that we missed looking out for the time’s speed. We just focused on the things needed to be done as the deadline has already been in sight weeks ago. We were able to finish tasks necessary for the Final Pitching, a week after the Final Exams of USTP. We were giving our attentions, putting emphasis to the learning we get in this course, weekly through the blogs we write. Overall it was a fun journey. But I shouldn’t be using “was” for the journey has not ended yet. This could actually continue years from now, since this is just a beginning of being a techie entrepreneur.

So for this week, I’m glad that our team, KeNerGen Axis, finished assembling our product prototype. And it’s fully furnished, ready for pitching. We didn’t use an actual solenoid valve for the system, but searched for a different approach to introduce how AWSS functions.

The mechanism of the prototype is this:

If the system detects water flow, the LED will turn on as indicator the the “assumed” solenoid valve is activated. This allows water to fill the tank. When the water reaches the low level sensor inside the tank, the indicator for low level will turn on. The valve will on deactivate if the high level sensor is reached by the water. Whenever the water level is low enough to be under the low level sensor, that’s the time when the valve opens again. Either way, the solenoid valve will only be opened when there’s availability of water flow that can be detected. 

For the Customer Relationship, we have finalized details. The ways to keep, get and grow customer population, was made to benefit both the company and customer segment. Win-win solution for both parties. Therefore, we believe that our company will be able to have enough number of purchasers the moment we establish everything, because we have carefully deliberated on this matter. Considering the needs and what can only be afforded, were according to the concerns of the a respondent, mentioned during the interviews conducted for the past months.

We have also set Revenue Streams in specifics. Prices for every stream of service was decided by the team. Fee for every Preventive Maintenance and Repair, excluding the components to be replaced with, marks at Php 350. While the labour fee for every time a component needs to be replaced, is set to Php 150. Further problems to be encountered with AWSS, prices for servicing is dependent on it. 

Before the customers pay for extra-services, there will a be 6-month warranty for every household and establishment. Anything wrong with the AWSS will be fixed for free, within the warranty period. After that, the company will be collecting fees for all transactions. Except when loyalty cards and points can already suffice the charges. However, it is guaranteed that the product is efficient and will not cost more than what if offers.

Much has been accomplished. Now, we look forward to the final pitching no matter how it makes our knees to tremble.

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Better Ahead Than Behind

Week 10 - Blog 10

Better be ahead than left behind. That's a quote I quote from myself, as I contemplated on being prepared and even advanced for a certain situation.

Personally, I think preparedness is an important matter to look on. In everything that we have to do, preparation is a must. Because without it, things might either be messed up or just mediocre. Who would want to settle for mediocrity?

KeNerGen Axis wanted to defy any hitches that they say are inevitable. Since we are not yet sure about other concerns that would need our team's individual attentions, we had to think if a solution ahead of time. Advanced interviews were made to overcome hindrances in finishing the quota for the number of interviews conducted at the end of this sem for Technopreneurship.

17 interviews. That was one exhausting week for us to go through. We pushed 17 interviews not just to catch up with the quota but also to verify surveys legibly. A major number will represent majority more effectively. The same questions were asked for most respondents, clarifying the marketability of the AWSS. But this week, we focused more on determining how our company can GET, KEEP, and GROW customers.

Getting the attention of the target market is our first concern. The most effective way to do this is through advertising. Today, there are many types of channel for endorsing anything because of technology. We asked people for their own opinion in this. We have gathered information, summarized into one conclusion. Most of the respondents have easiest access on Televisions. To apply it to our company, TV Ads is best used for guaranteed audience. While this is true, Radio Ads is still preferred by the some establishment staffs who do multitasking during store hours.

Millennials interviewed from boarding houses are all capable of connecting to the Internet though. This led us to consider Web Ads for our product. More specified details will be presented on the next presentation this coming Monday.

For the Prototype of the product, we decided not to use a Solenoid Valve as of the moment. We think it'd be good to have just a mini system for convenient actualization of its functionality. However, we already ordered a Solenoid Valve 3 weeks ago that hasn't arrived yet. Our plan was to make an actual system at first. But it will be harder to lay down the mechanisms of the AWSS if we use big components got the prototype.

So now, we utilized some electronic components available in our tool boxes and bought some additional things. LED light will serve as the indicator for the valve's activation. Instead of using a real tank or any big containers for the reservoir, a 5-liter mineral water container took its place. There are only few finishing touches left to do for a fully furnished prototype.

The rest of the work such as finalizing the PowerPoint presentation for another discussion of our Team's progress will be done today.

We look forward to a successful company to rise up soon, KeNerGen Axis. Because We care - Every droplet we don't spare.

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Ain’t Easy But It Ain’t Always Hard

9th Week: 9th Blog

People say that life ain’t easy. Well, that’s true. Nonetheless, life will not be always difficult and complicated. There are days when you just have to repeat routines with a little few additional loads of work. But because you got used to it, there’s no more struggling.

This week, I was able to prove that some days will just turn out well without having to exert effort more than ample. As days drag by, Technopreneurship became more interesting and beneficial at the same time. I’ve learned a lot from the past 9 weeks of work, in order to come up with a good start-up company. Through all the learning I’ve gained from the course in just few weeks, the following weekly tasks wouldn’t be much of a burden to me any longer. Maybe, majority of us in the class would agree with me.

Interviews conducted, idea formulation and finalization, error checking, calculations and other things became easier for us to do. Since the first formal pitching was conducted last Monday, we’ve come to the point of revisions. The questions thrown by 3 panel members to whom we presented our schemes, helped greatly. Despite not being able to answer one regarding our company’s Economics, we’ve made sure that we can get back to it in the next pitching.

We listed 4 tasks to complete for our 9th week of Teh101 Journey, pushing forward Automatic Water-flow Sensing System “AWSS” as our product. We did the tasks hand-in-hand, instead of dividing it individually. Our team works every Friday and leftover tasks are always done Saturday mornings, or if not, on Sunday afternoons. Gladly, we finished things before Sunday came.

First, we made more interviews on micro-businesses. We were able to gather information about the water-supply situations of 5 Karenderyas and 4 boarding houses, all with more than or equal to 10 boarders. We have concluded that there is a big need of AWSS in each business hub we visited, although not all were affected by scheduled water-supply. Others are just part of areas with low-pressure and insufficient supply during peak hours.

Second, we went looking back at our BMC. For the 8th week, we have made final changes in the canvass but just to make sure, we checked for some unchanged details. For weeks, only the customer segments part has been constantly altered due to discoveries we found from interviews. To recap, we have added refilling stations to our target customers. While they are also considered competitions of KeNerGen Axis, they are one of those who need the aid of AWSS in their operations to be more convenient and reliable. For the revenue streams, it is stated in the Pitch Deck that the procurement and installation of the product is included in the first payment. Other services such as maintenance, repair and electronic parts replacement, shall be paid by the adaptors after 6 months. During the preliminary 6 months, it will be free for the early bird users, those who are part of the first adaptors in the initial 6 months of launching AWSS.

Third, we finalized our Pitch Deck and put on some important details that were left out the last time we edited it. There was no major change in it except for the calculations in the Economics. It was a little frustrating for me, that we missed to lay down specific calculations regarding the Return of Investment which was asked Engr. Pallugna, one of the panels during the presentation last week. The rest of the figures presented were merely right and close to exact.

Fourth, which technically should be 3rd in line, is the calculation of ROI – Return of Investment, both for the investors and customers. We chose 5% baseline for the investors, because it is the safest figure for our part, in case the number of stakeholders multiply in the forthcoming days. The Team is targeting 60% ownership of the company, giving only the 40% of it to the other holders of its stocks. We settled for monthly return for this is by far the safest gamble rather than per sales. For the customers, the ROI is determined by asking an estimation of the number of containers that can be filled with the wasted water in a week. We took a typical sized container’s volume to compute the amount, multiplying it to the rate per cubic meter paid to the water distribution company.

So far, the tasks completed gave as another drive to continue the business. We were able to see the future of the Team, clearer.

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The Constant and Inevitable

8th Blog: 8th Week

Supposedly, a day in the 8th week was scheduled to be the first official pitching of each team’s product in this course, Technopreneurship. We, in the team KeNerGen Axis, thought we were ready to pitch. Things to present were in its right order. Details of the Automatic Water-flow Sensing System (AWSS) were fixed. Everything was done. However, we found out that there were lacking specifics as Engr. Bronson Mabulay, our course instructor re-discussed what we certainly need to lay down to the panel members. The pitching was postponed, giving us more time to change and improve things. Our team decided to continue the interviews so we can gather enough information to add up to our presentation.

We were able to approach 16 people from households and micro-businesses. Only 13 respondents were interviewed this week, from different areas in Misamis Oriental, and the interviews conducted were done in different dates. 7 out of 13 were household owners in Sto. Niño, Tagoloan, of which 2 of them use Best Tanks with the aid of water pump and 1’s a boarding house landlord. The interviews included 3 refilling stations along Burgos St. was 1 station, 1 in Capistrano St., and another 1 station in Tomasaco St. Extending the location to Pabayo St. where we interviewed 2 karenderya owners, since the street is known to many people who loves to hang around and grab some foods. It is also near an institution, which makes food hubs busier on weekdays. Busier days means more income, more demand to supply and resources. This includes water supply, a primary need for karenderya businesses.

Here’s what we’ve discovered for this week’s. First is that, most of the Refilling Stations only use Water Columns. This is a transparent tube which is installed both at the top and bottom of the reservoir. This enables them to monitor the water level inside the tank, since it reflects the amount of water in the tank. As the level of water in the column changes, the same thing happens inside the water storage used. This is inconvenient to the part of the staff in the station especially during peak hours, when they have to attend to a number of customers, leaving the water level unattended. A result of excessive amount of water, may require them to disburse some quantity to have a balance of gas and liquid, so that the pressure can still be effective, because refilling stations really need to have their water supply pressurized. Their manual utility limits their capacity to maximize their time, manpower and station operations.

In Tomasaco St., 1 station already uses an automation. They applied directional flow control valves and a return tank. Conversely, it was very expensive to mount such equipment to their station. Since they used advanced electrical materials in the assembly, it reached almost Php 160, 000 to be completed. We were amazed but a little disappointed that we were late to formulate and present this idea to the owner. They could’ve considered and adapted to AWSS.

There was one customer, who was very technical in asking details about our product. A question about the power supply was raised. What will happen to the system if there’s an electrical inconvenience such as brownouts? We have offered a solution of using an automatic transfer switch, to be able to automatically transfer the power source, from the grid to the renewable energy supply connected. But the expense would cost them more. The team previously discussed this, and we came up to an idea of putting a manual valve, parallel to the solenoid valve. For such cases, the valve can be opened manually, so that there will still be a continuous supply of water, even when the electricity is out and the rest of the system can’t function. If the power is back, the valve is to be closed manually so the flow is directed to the solenoid valve, activating the functionality of AWSS.

At the end of the week, despite the exhausting interviews made, it’s relieving to have 8 interested respondents. But there were 2 who declined to try the product. 3 were undecided, not because of the finances but they are just contented with their current aid to the issues existing. We made changes to our PowerPoint presentation, but still each of us in the team got the same job to do. The division of work last week was as is, to prevent confusions and delays to the alteration of details.  

Personally, this week taught me many things, and two thing is for sure. CHANGE is the only constant thing in this world. DELAY is another inevitable thing we encounter often.

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Setting the Pitch Right

Week 7: Blog 7

Every start up business requires financing. This is to activate plans and planned operations. There are types finance sources. It can be contributed by investors such as other entrepreneurs or just some normal people, wanting their money to work for them. For starters, business proposals and endorsements are needed to attract investors. It can also magnetize the entities under the focused target market.

Reaching the 7th week of our Technopreneurship Journey, the team finalized the business proposal to be presented to a panel of judges on February 19, 2018. Through making a Pitch Deck, KeNerGen Axis will take the number of audiences to an eagle’s eye view, of the trade.

The first thing we made to jolt into the work was to evenly distribute tasks needed to be done. I was the one assigned to do the presentation of the business’ Traction. In this juncture, we will be showing evidences of the product’s marketability. So how do we do it? Records of the precise total of customers, who gave positive responses in availing the finished product, will be the basis of the revenue. In just a span of 3 months, we were able to garner 13 customers with affirmative retorts to AWSS. With this, the exact figure can be presented for the launching and 1st 3 months of operation. Within 1 year, the team is expecting 52 customers to avail AWSS, which gives a total of Php 208,000. From the figure, 32% of it will be the team’s gain.

The next task I had to do was crystallizing want we really want from our interested investors. We will have to ask the exact amount needed to be raised for the business to start functioning. From the calculations completed, we will only need Php 29,900 for manufacturing 13 units of AWSS to be sold in the 1st 3 months after launching the product to the market. Each product has a selling price of Php 4,000 where the team gets 32% for every transaction.

The Pitch Deck contains all necessary information needed to motivate people in delegating their trust to the company. Creating an effective Pitch Deck was challenging. It required us to set the right pitch to be used in catching the attention of entrepreneurs and other consumers.

We were able to interview 9 individuals, coming from 7 households, where 5 are Best Tank users while 2 of them have scheduled water supplies. The rest of the 2 are coming from micro businesses, specifically Refilling Stations. 4 respondents confirmed to be interested in the product. 2 said no this time. 3 are still undecided. But as we have observed, a little more persuasion will convince them to avail. We just have to show them how the system really works.

At the end of this week, we were also able to finalize the Market Size. This is also needed in showing evidences that it is marketable. We have researched the number of households in the whole Philippines. Next, we went down to the tally of the number of households with scheduled water supply and those who use Best Tanks. We have included Best Tank users because it is apparent that they are in need of such aid in their equipment. Other more reasons were stated in the past week, 6th blog.

Another change was made in our Business Model Canvass. For the customer segment which is composed of Households and Micro-businesses, the team included Water Refilling Stations. They need consistent water supply with their amount of water demand daily, and it won’t be enough to directly connect to the main line. These stations use tanks for storing water. To lessen the monitoring necessities, AWSS is a big help.

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Boundary Escalation

Week 6: Blog 6

For the past weeks, we focused our attention to areas where the water supply is on schedule. Either the place is populated or it’s just elevated. This week, we went and visited households with pumps and best tanks. It was to get their opinions regarding the AWSS project of KeNerGen Axis. But before getting their side about it, we took details of their situation.

Having interviewed 9 households from different areas in the city of Cagayan de Oro, the team was able to see the picture, clearer. Last week, it only took one household to create the idea of that even pum and best tank users, need AWSS. This time, concrete supporting detail was gathered, to be set as a foundation of escalating the boundaries of our target market.

3 interviews were conducted per location; Upper Macasandig, Puntod, Gusa. We found out that it is still inconvenient in their part, for those who use pumps and best tanks, in storing water. There still problems encountered with the use of these equipment.

The purpose of using the utensils, is to store water and be able to ensure enough supply and pressure when using the faucets coming from the same line. This is because the aforementioned locations have minimal pressure when other households use water, since they’re connected to a main line. There’s a division of supply. With the type of connection available from the Water District, it can implied that houses on the higher ground can’t longer have enough water if the houses on the lower ground uses it up.

Such cases, can cause the pressure to decrease. Through the expenditure of water storages, the water can be used by stocking system. The pump can then offer just enough pressure needed by the consumers. Even when other households are using a big part of the water supply, it can’t be deficient for anymore.

Comments from the interviewed individuals were taken. In summary, AWSS is a helpful tool for monitoring the storage of water, if implemented correctly. Overflowing water which can cause additional bill can be avoided through it. The water level of what’s stored in the tank can be consistent, therefore eliminating inconvenience to the users.

From the 9 interviewed respondents, 7 of them were convinced with the explanation of the mechanism of the product. They have no doubts with the functionality of the proposed Automatic Water-flow Sensing System (AWSS). In fact, they were excited with the thought that the level of water inside their tanks can be perceived. And the sensing system can effectively turn of the valve if no water flow is detected.

Out of 7 who approved the product, only 3 confirmed that they think AWSS is really needed in their households. Also, these 3 can surely afford the product according to their income information. The rest were undecided though. They didn’t directly say no to us. Gray area is where we can put the 2. As of the moment, they prefer seeing the merchandise and see its functionality and test it’s effectivity without having to purchase it first. We promised showing a prototype not long from now, so they can already judge it.

Having expanded the target market, is beneficial for start-up companies like KeNerGen Axis. In planning to launch the business soon enough, this will give us a greater assertion of success.

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Going Further, Not Farther

Week 5: Blog 5

For this week, the task given for us to work on, focused on the Distribution and Key Channels. These part of the resolutions to be decided must be studied intently, so that the start-up business and project will surely be safe from turning into a scrap. It is to ensure that the AWSS is marketable and its existence in our society today is needed.

Since we interviewed households and micro-businesses in the municipality of Tagoloan for the 4th week, we didn’t just gather data from people. We were also able to clinch that the place is a good avenue to connect with people. By ‘people’ we mean to say those who can be our respondents. Given the basic details such as lifestyle, area of residency, monthly income and confirmation of the problem, our team can determine whether a person is a prospective respondent. Therefore, we have presumed that most people in Tagoloan can be our clients.

Going back for another set of interviews, KeNerGen Axis approached 14 probable customers. However, because the municipality was celebrating its yearly fiesta, we were turned down 5 times. Some were not home owners and others were too busy with their visitors, that they couldn’t entertain us for a bit. We didn’t drop optimism, so at the end of the day we were able to talk to 9 respondents.

Barangays celebrating fiesta will take all the water resource, according to the interviewed individuals. For the rest of the day, other households from a different barangay will not have their daily supply of water. This is to ensure that homes with preparations will not have a hard time in doing the dishes and even in cooking. Out of the 9 interviews conducted, 1 declined the idea of having the product installed. 2 were still undecided but keen to see if the product is really effective and functional. Nonetheless, 9 confirmed that they’re interested and willing to try the product in their own households.

This leads us to another successful verification of the need to create the AWSS as soon as possible, to have it tested. With the overall number of positive response we got, it is evident that there’s no need to turn back from this. Pushing this project today, is less risky than it was on the first thought of crafting the concept. The idea of checking if this can go further is to avoid going farther from the notion created to solve the issue on water supply inconsistency.

There was a change on the customer segment. From the time when we found out that even those households with no scheduling of water supply, but uses water pump and tanks to store water, we concluded that they need this kind of electronic device. Installing this would mean lesser trouble when it comes to filling up the tanks. No water leakage or scarcity will be observed because AWSS will automatically determine the necessity to let the flow start to fill the tanks. To summarize, water pump and tank users are included in the conceivable customers of KeNerGen Axis.

We decided that the team focus on the physical store and abandon the idea of virtual store. This is to have a realistic assumption of the success in terms of marketing. The product needs more than just a Facebook post and picture to be appealing and sellable in the market. So for the channels, we now have the Physical Store where we take direct-selling as the technique in marketing. Another one is a hotline number where they can ask inquiries regarding the procuring of the merchandise.

As a startup company, bootstrapped to be specific, we resolved that our own labor now will help this business become great in the future. It’s just a matter or patience and perseverance.

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A Different Side

Deeper Interviews to Create a 2nd Persona

Week 4: Blog 4

For a better understanding of the connection between the problem, solution and the consumers of the product, further interviews were conducted. This time, the interviews done included micro businesses. The action was also done to see a different side of the target market, and to create another persona for businesses.

KeNerGen Axis traveled 30 minutes from the University to reach Barangay Sto. Niño, Tagoloan. It is municipality where the water is also limited by the time scheduling. We had sources informed us of the situation in the area, so we decided to go. The place is already a bit populated than I thought. Barangay Sto. Niño is not an elevated area but rather located on lower grounds. However, the growing population seems to be problem feeder.

We conducted surveys to micro businesses, specifically – 4 Karenderya stores, that sell foods for the students studying in Tagoloan Community College, and offer hubs where to eat meals; and 1 Boarding House. 3 Households were correspondingly considered respondents. A total of 8 interviews were completed last January 19, 2018.

The respondents confirmed that the water supply in their area is in scheduling condition. But unlike the situation in Barangay Patag, the other probable market, the water supply scheduling in Tagoloan is very inconsistent. The residents were not given a time schedule for their households, but it was their own initiative to remember the time when the water comes flowing. Timing and monitoring were the main keys they applied for the matter.

The inconsistency gives a bigger door for a disturbance and hassle to be brought to the people in Tagoloan. The Team was able to determine that the area has a greater need for our Automatic Water-flow Sensing System (AWSS). In their Barangay, the problem regarding the wastage overflow of water, the monitoring disturbance, even the interrupted sleeps and other chores or activities, were emphasized critically. Another issue that was taken from the interview was the quality of water in their area. People would avail mineral water from water stations. Not that the water is too dirty, but rather it’s just too risky to drink. Even the Municipality Officials propose solutions to the problem, yearly. And every year, the problems seem to remain.

Pass or Fail evaluation was set in a 50% Yes Vote, which means half of the number of respondents that day has to say yes for us to keep away from pivoting into another concept. Nonetheless, YES is defined as INTEREST in the product not just interest to get one. Even if they were not that convinced to buy the product yet, but said they’re interested to see the prototype or sample, and reconsider their decision, that was taken as a yes.

Last week, a persona for households was accomplished. For this week, KeNerGen Axis, was able to gather data for the 2nd Persona, intended to see another side of the customers’ lateral.

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Specifying the Target Customers

Week 3: Blog 3.1

                          Last week, KeNerGen Axis conducted interviews and surveys despite the supposed hiatus for our Tech101. Since Christmas Break already ended, we decided to continue working on our project so that we could save a week of work. We were also able to write blogs for that week, which should be our blog for this week. The things we’ve done to pivot from one concept to another, is included in that write-up. The reason why we have shifted into making an Automatic Water Storage System is also in that blog. This one’s 3.1 and last week is my blog number 3.

                         The interviews we have conducted in the households of Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City gave us a confirmation, that our product is marketable. We got opinions and feedbacks regarding the proposed AWSS. Receiving positive output, the team is pushing the project forward. A month from the interview conducted, we hope to finish a prototype. We will then go back to the respondents who confirmed their interest, for the purpose of testing the product.

                          As a recap, out of 9 households, all of them confirmed the need of a new solution and agreed to the idea of creating AWSS. Only 3 said they’re going to purchase the product as soon as it’s finished. 4 of them said they’d think about it first and consider their finances. 2 households said they’re not going to avail it for some reasons, however they agreed to see the prototype, and maybe they can change their minds.

                          As for this week, our group clustered information gathered from the interviews. A persona of our target customer was created and it contains the specific descriptions. The details of it, are the combined characteristics of the persons we’ve talked to. We did an analysis so we would come up to a persona, fitted to the customers we expect.

                          We also revised our BMC for the next presentation. Particular establishments and depiction of customers were the things added into our canvass. Further, we settled into doing more interviews to strengthen our hypothesis and look for supplementary branching ideas necessary for our action plan.

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Confirming the Marketability

Week 3: Blog 3                 

                Before entrepreneurs risk everything for a start-up company, they ought to assess the marketability of the merchandise they are to yield. This is to foresee and ensure the company’s life in the future ahead.                      

                 Marketability is the capacity of a certain product to be sellable to investors who could help finance the production supplementary to the demand. It is also the ability of being purchasable to the consumers of the targeted market. This varies on the certain field of interest and necessity that it takes as consumable or usable product.

                KeNerGen Axis, one of the planning companies to start building its dreams, took the step to becoming known in the market not too long from now. Having been able to confirm the problem and solution that is existing in our society, the team came up with an idea of solving the problem of high-humidity in some areas in the locality. However, due to further surveys and interviews conducted, the team decided to change the project. From the idea of utilizing renewable energy to be used as the source of an air-conditioning system, the project shifted into making an Automatic Water Storage System (AWSS).

              This project is fixated on the concern of populated and elevated residential areas, where the water supply is inconsistent or scheduled. The AWSS offers automatic switch for storage of water supply and eliminates the need for manual monitoring. Should this be realized, households in areas with water supply, for the most part those scheduled as early as 4 in the morning and even late night, will no longer have to leave their beds lacking sleep just to store water. It will alleviate hassle for every consumer and ensure proper switching of valves, the moment water comes flowing.

             9 households were visited to get feedback and information needed for the project to be pushed through. Out of the 9 interviews, 100% affirmed interest in the AWSS, despite the existing remedies that aid to their concerns regarding their scheduled water supply. All 9 agreed to accept the invitation for the viewing and testing of the prototype when it’s complete. The team has been given permission to take their contact information to update them with the completion and pre-launching. However, only 8 out of 9 confirmed interest in purchasing and installing the AWSS. The surveyed residential area, was set in Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City. Only Zone 5 and Zone 6 use the water supply from PURSANA, a water distribution cooperative. That makes both zones subject to the project, having inconsistent water supply within a 24-hour period in a day.

             At the end of the day, as one of the only 3 people in the marketing team of KeNerGen Axis, I’ve noted the great chance of our product to be a good-sell in the market. Additional consultations will enable us to determine whatever enhancements we will be called for in the days to come.

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Verifying The Problem

Week 2: Blog 2

                        The problem that was considered and the basis of the formulated solution, must first be verified by legit ways. By legit, we mean to say, concrete confirmation. This is to give us the confidence to push forward the solution we are going to work on.

                       During the initial interviews conducted, the people were randomly selected to be asked about the usual and common problems faced in their households. Clustering their answers, we were able to come up with Hybrid Airconditioning System Utilizing Renewable Energy, to solve the problems regarding high humidity in the common households. However, after the presentation of our Business Model Canvass (BMC) to Engr. Mabulay, our course Instructor for Technopreneurship this semester, a challenge to verify the problem was given.

                       To come up with an accurate result, the respondents were selected carefully. The team, with the name KeNerGen Axis, combination of the names Kestrel, Nerzil and Genesis, was able to specify the target population as average people or households. To define this, we have considered some factors, specifically the occupation, monthly income, no. of household members, electric bill and other stuff of lesser importance than the aforementioned.

                       The analysis on the selection was made possible through a Pre Evaluation Survey. There were survey forms given to people we’ve approached, to identify the right respondents needed to be instruments of our verification process. Our team approached a total of 16 random people in a 2-day time span. As others rejected us, only 10 accepted and answered the survey forms. 9 out of 10 were given follow-up questions after the survey, as part of the interview.

                       Only 7 out of 9 respondents said that high humidity is a problem in their households which needs to be solved. They have means to somehow serve as an aid to the problem such as electric fans and cooler. Although they admitted these solutions are almost sufficient, on the economical stance, these would be dragged down as inefficient. Electricity bill is really an area where the kind of solution affects the economic status of a household. On summer days, fans and coolers wouldn’t even suffice the need for low room temperature, needed to be comfortable in their own homes.

                       4 respondents claimed that water supply is also a problem in their respective communities. Nonetheless, we have concluded that the problem we pinpointed is correct and the solution we want to create, might be a good one. We still need to check on it through further research and communication with our potential market.

[aerialascendingfalcon-blog]

CRAFTING A CONCEPT

 Week 1: Blog 1             

                      When we talk about innovations and inventions, coming up with a good idea for creating something cool or new is not so hard. But making the good idea, good enough to create something marketable is a different story. The formulated concept must attract people in the market, to be sold at a reasonable price.

                       A week ago, we were told to derive to an idea suitable for business. An idea to start a marketable project, not just for compliance to our course Technical Elective 2: Technology Entrepreneurship, but also to give us a chance to explore the world of entrepreneurs. It should be feasible but not too simple to be imitated or as an imitation of what’s already existing today.

                       In our team, I have Nerzil and Genesis as my project buddies, hopefully business partners in the future. Even before we were told to think of an idea, the three of us were already framing concepts in our individual heads. As the deadline for the Business Model Canvass (BMC) approached fast, we decided to specify our ideas and solidify them into one, as a team. The process which our ideas went through wasn’t so smooth, but for starters, well it wasn’t that bad at all. We thought about renewable energy sources. In order to wrap up the idea into a good output for BMC, we started the whole process of finalizing the notion.

                       Firstly, we asked random people about what they can identify as a common problem at home. We got a list of it and on top of all that has been enumerated, is the dilemma regarding the temperature inside their homes. Knowing that our country, Philippines, is a tropical one, we only have sunny and rainy as seasons. During the sunny seasons, the heat index of the environment inside the homes of Filipinos, could reach up to a dangerous 51degrees Celsius, and that is adequate to have us soaking wet with sweat. It can also bring a scary possibility of heat stroke to anyone of any age.

                       Looking at the status quo, people have been using cooler and heater to control the room temperature in their homes, since the time that technology was able to provide so. Air conditioners are being used by those who can afford to get a unit and pay a bigger monthly electric bill. The available units use enormous amount of power which makes consumers recompense a lot more than the usual bill without air conditioners.

                       So we have researched about renewable energy sources, hoping that it would be a good solution to reduce the cost of using AC units. We also aimed to increase its affordability, even reasonably priced for the average people, who earn lesser in a month. Upon researching, we came across studies of AC units using Solar Power to sustain the energy needed to run the system.

                       However, these concept has not been developed further. As a matter of fact, it has not been introduced fully in the Philippines yet. Our team decided to take the challenge of developing the system and modifying it to become a quality product, ready to be pitched in the real world market. Since it uses Solar Energy to supply the unit, it can be concluded that it is effective during day time. The doubts of its effectivity during night time led to an idea of using another renewable energy source.

                       We finalized the concept as Hybrid Air-conditioning System Utilizing Renewable Energy Sources.   

                        I will be writing more about this in the following weeks to come, to provide more of the details and create at least the imagery of the project in our minds in the mean time.