We are thrilled to announce the launch of Cohort 2 of the Quest Fellowship program, a semester-long initiative developed by AirDrop Labs in collaboration with the Dunin-Deshpande Queen's Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queen's University. This program is meticulously crafted to equip young minds with the necessary tools to transform ideas, technologies, or passions into impactful ventures that contribute to shaping the future.
More than just a conventional entrepreneurship program, Quest Fellowship is a global movement tailored for unconventional thinkers and ecosystem amplifiers from around the world. It is designed for those who aspire to address challenges on both global and local scales through innovation-driven entrepreneurship, fostering a sense of purpose and impact (#Ikigai) while integrating into the worldwide workforce.
What sets Quest apart?It transcends traditional boundaries, offering a comprehensive blend of education, mentorship, and support. Participants can expect curated lectures by acclaimed faculty members from Queenโs University and hands-on boot camps held in diverse locations, providing an immersive learning experience like no other.
Why focus on emerging markets? Because therein lies the greatest potential for impact. Quest is dedicated to tackling real-world problems, generating employment opportunities, and driving sustainable growth through innovative solutions that uplift communities and leave a lasting legacy.
The program structure revolves around three distinct stages: explore, ignite, and launch. Advancement through these stages hinges on the commitment and dedication of participants, who must demonstrate progress on their entrepreneurial journey by completing assignments, attending lectures, engaging in quizzes, and actively participating in biweekly office hours.
Each stage unlocks new opportunities and resources, empowering fellows to build successful ventures. From seed funding to tailored mentorship and market access, Quest provides the support needed to turn ideas into reality.
Quest is a self-paced program, offering a wealth of training materials such as bite-sized video lectures curated by Queenโs University faculty. The curriculum draws inspiration from the systematic approach outlined in Disciplined Entrepreneurship: 24 Steps to a Successful Startup by Bill Aulet, developed at the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship.
Cohort 1 Recap: Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators
The inaugural Cohort 1 of the Quest Fellowship Program marked a significant milestone in our mission to build market-defining companies through the knowledge, skills, and network required to transform innovative ideas into viable ventures. Our program centered on nurturing creativity, resilience, and an entrepreneurial mindset among participants, preparing them for the dynamic landscape of the future workforce.
Over a period of 8 months, we enrolled with 500 exceptional Questers from 15 countries in a structured program that provided access to curated online entrepreneurship courses, a disciplined entrepreneurship framework workbook, and mentorship from industry experts. This journey unfolded in three phases: explore, ignite, and launch, with progression contingent upon participants demonstrating commitment and advancement in developing their solutions.
As a result, we have incubated of more than 25 innovative projects, addressing pressing issues across various sectors. Additionally, we are awarding 500 Micro-certificates to all participants who completed the online modules, recognizing their dedication and achievement. These projects exemplify the potential for significant impact in their respective fields and underscore the importance of empowering young minds with the necessary resources and guidance.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunities, connections, and personal growth experienced through the program. We have witnessed firsthand the transformative effect of the Quest Fellowship Program, not only in the development of ventures but also in the personal and professional growth of our participants.
Alumni Spotlight
Kliwunari created an e-commerce platform to exchange used and affordable educational materials for sustainable learning in Africa. The platform earns a 10% commission on every successful sale and has facilitated the exchange of over 2,000 reading and revision materials. To expand the business, they are seeking $10,000 in investment to hire more staff, extend their reach to more campuses, and improve their technology for better efficiency and impact.
We are a social enterprise connecting students in need of affordable course books in fields like Medicine, Nursing, Law, and Accounting with sellers of used books, revision papers, and notes. Additionally, we organize book-reading sessions for students in low-income areas and informal settlements - Phebe Monari, Kenya
Phebe Monari, Kenya
Turning Invasive Species into Assets for Forest Communities
Invasive species in India pose a significant threat to agriculture, forestry, and biodiversity, resulting in an annual cost of $91 billion. The proposed solution involves assigning a market value to invasive species, setting up decentralized workshops, creating biomaterials from biomass, and fostering collaboration between local and commercial producers. This approach aims to address the negative impacts of invasive species, support forest communities, and contribute to a greener economy, with a potential Indian biomaterials market worth $208.47 billion.
I am a serial entrepreneur with two start-ups: a cafe in Ahmedabad providing a cozy space for discussions and supporting marginalized communities (2015-2018), and Van: One - The Forest Collective (2021-present), which was selected for programs at NSRCEL, IIM Bengaluru, and Catalyst, IIT Mandi -Pavan Vyas, Founder at UAN:ONC
Pavan Vyas, Founder at UAN:ONC
Atehrl ECO-HOMIE
Emmanuela Kudwa presents Atehrl ECO-HOMIE, a business aiming to provide affordable, eco-friendly fuel products to Nigerian households by recycling plastic materials using a plastic pyrolysis reactor. This solution addresses the financial burden of high liquefied natural gas prices for middle and low-income families. Target customers include households, schools, bakeries, factories, and middle-income families. Marketing plans involve product positioning, advertisements, and events. The company is in the ideation stage and seeks $10,000 in funding for hiring, equipment, and piloting their business.
I'm Emma. I'm passionate about tech and writing. I'm also open to learning new things, building trust, relationships, and exploring the potential in opportunities given to me to develop my personal and professional career -Atehrl Eco-Homie, Emmanuela Kudwa, Nigeria
4. Sustainable Irrigation Solution for Farmers in Ghana
The inventor from Ghana proposes a sustainable irrigation solution for Northern region farmers. The current government project only serves 10% of the population, and fuel-powered machines have negative environmental and financial impacts. The solution converts kinetic energy from a stream to irrigate lands, targeting farmers using fuel-powered machines. The cost is $500 per acre compared to the current $1,500 per acre. A $50,000 investment is needed for a pilot project, expected to generate $25,000 in revenue for every 50 acres irrigated.
Nash Wumpini, Ghana
Pasha Fleet, co-founded by Rama Amabua, is a food processing enterprise offering ready-to-cook foods for busy individuals, health enthusiasts, and fans of Ghanaian cuisine. The company stands out by providing a one-stop market for various foodstuffs, promoting environmentally friendly policies, and focusing on extending food ingredient lifespan. Since their trial phase, they have built a 40-customer base with seven orders per week on average. Pasha Fleet aims to expand its reach, increase marketing efforts, and create employment opportunities through an intensive training program for high school graduates.
Jemima Ama Boatemaa Addae, Ghana
Environmate, a sustainable grocery store solution aimed at promoting environmentally conscious consumption. The core problem addressed is the negative impact of current grocery habits on the planet and people's health. The solution consists of a physical and online sustainable grocery store combined with a downloadable sustainability guide, featuring an avatar that guides users through their day.
Aroob Abid, Pakistan
Transforming the Health System in Africa through Online Training and Job Opportunities.Africa faces a significant shortage of health workers, with only 1.3% of the world's trained health workforce serving 25% of the global disease burden. The continent is expected to experience a shortage of 6.1 million health workers by 2030. To address this issue, the presenter proposes an online training platform specifically for African health workers, offering certifications, career improvements, and job opportunities across the continent.
As a General Medical Practitioner and department head, I supervise 12 staff and have improved service quality by 22%. I'm involved in prestigious leadership programs and have received a best clinician award for my achievements. - Asnake
Asnake Amelo, Ethiopia.
The Entrepreneurship Association of Afghan Women (EAAW)
The Entrepreneurship Association of Afghan Women (EAAW) aims to empower women and foster economic growth in Afghanistan by creating a network of entrepreneurs in each of the country's 87,316 villages. EAAW offers comprehensive support through training workshops, resource pooling, financial assistance, legal support, and business obstacle removal.
Mawloda Hassas, Afghanistan
Global Home Gym Solutions
Global Home Gym Solutions is a leading online retailer dedicated to providing exceptional fitness equipment for individuals worldwide. With a primary focus on the US and European markets, the company is committed to placing customer needs at the forefront of its operations. By offering a wide range of premium home gym equipment, Global Home Gym Solutions enables customers to create personalized and convenient workout experiences within the comfort of their homes.
Raja Jehanzeb Kayani, Pakistan
If you're ready to make a difference and embark on a journey of innovation and impact, we invite you to apply to Cohort 2 of the Quest Fellowship program. Together, let's unleash the power of your ideas and create a brighter future for all. The world is eagerly awaiting your contributionsโlet's make them a reality. ๐ซ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ for Cohort 2 : 25๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐ 2024
