Unlocking entrepreneurial potential: Harris’ journey
At Tilburg University, social entrepreneurship is highly encouraged. We had the opportunity to sit down with one entrepreneurial student, Harris Kristanto, a member of Enactus. From ideation to implementation, Harris shares insights into the challenges faced, skills honed, and invaluable lessons learned along the way. ‘’We’ve realized that we had skipped a crucial stage.’’
Tilburg University encourages entrepreneurs in IQONIC program
The IQONIC program represents all aspects of entrepreneurship within the university. It aids students, alumni, academics, and employees in cultivating their entrepreneurial mindset, empowering them to make a meaningful impact on society by fostering and supporting creativity and innovation.
‘’Since October, I've been a member of Enactus, a student association where we create startups focused on making a social impact. The startup we are currently developing is called Homu, a housing platform that connects students with hosts who have a spare room in their home. Through this initiative, we aim to tackle the housing crisis in the Netherlands and bridge the gap between locals and internationals.‘’
‘’Through Enactus, I was connected with IQONIC, where we receive coaching from experienced business developers who help us kick-start our startups and provide valuable feedback. IQONIC also helps us in obtaining the necessary resources for a successful startup journey. Therefore, we participate in the Tilburg University Challenge, a program that offers workshops to strengthen our startups. Additionally, it provides opportunities to expand our network with various partners, such as Rabobank and Municipality Tilburg. Ultimately, you will pitch your business ideas for a chance to win a cash prize to further invest in your business.’’
Improving valuable skills
‘’A startup usually goes through certain stages. Initially, we believed we were on the right track to launch our platform, as the website and process design were almost ready. However, during a coaching session, the developer gave critical feedback advising against rushing the process. This was because we had skipped a crucial stage: the validation stage.’’
‘’The validation stage involves researching whether there is a demand for your product or service. It requires research whether your idea is the right solution to the problem of your potential customers. Given that 42% of startups fail due to lack of market demand, this was a big eye-opener for us to take a step back and do the validation phase, even though it is a time consuming phase. As a result, through workshops organized by the Tilburg University Challenge, we learned valuable skills that could improve our entrepreneurial mindset. By example, we learned how to come up with a good idea, a revenue model and how to pitch to partners or investors.’’
‘’The most challenging part for me was pitching an idea because you have to effectively convey the essence of your business in a limited amount of time. However, through several workshops, I learned invaluable techniques for crafting a good pitch. These sessions not only enhanced my ability to articulate my business concept but also improved my public speaking skills, which I recognize as essential for my future career.’’
- Harris Kristanto
Encouraging other students
‘’The success stories of IQONIC alumni inspired my participation, highlighting the platform's effectiveness in nurturing entrepreneurial ventures. Witnessing their journeys instilled confidence and motivation in me to embark on this transformative path. I wholeheartedly encourage fellow students to seize the same opportunity, especially those intrigued by entrepreneurship. The practical skills acquired, combined with the platform's support, foster personal and professional growth beyond the constraints of traditional academia."
‘’Even if you're unsure whether entrepreneurship is the right path for you, or if you lack a clear business idea, I would still recommend joining IQONIC. They provide the necessary resources to help you explore and discover your potential!’’
Being part of this journey has been instrumental in shaping my entrepreneurial mindset and skill set.
Harris Kristanto