Difference between revisions of "Team:Calgary/Entrepreneurship"

 
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<img class="img-fluid"style="width:100%;"src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2020/5/5f/T--Calgary--entrepreneurship.png" />
 
<img class="img-fluid"style="width:100%;"src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2020/5/5f/T--Calgary--entrepreneurship.png" />
 
<br>
 
<br>
−
        <h4>Our business model is simple </h4>
+
<br>
 +
<br>
 
         <p>
 
         <p>
−
         Build a robust network of people, provide locals with our idea, and support their vision of implementation.
+
         Our business model is simple. Build a robust network of people, provide locals with our idea, and support their vision of implementation.
 
         </p>
 
         </p>
 +
  
  
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<div class = "objectives" id="objectives">
 
<div class = "objectives" id="objectives">
 
         <h2>OBJECTIVES</h2>
 
         <h2>OBJECTIVES</h2>
 +
        <h4>Achieving the aims of an effective humanitarian organization </h4>
 
         <p>
 
         <p>
−
         After speaking with anthropologists Dr. Warren Wilson and Dr. Charles Mather,  
+
         Through the advice we received from our HP experts, the core foundations of an effective
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         it became clear that many humanitarian initiatives fail even with the best intentions.
+
         humanitarian organization have started to emerge into a clear picture. At the center, lies a support
−
        With the expertise and experience of (insert people's/corporation's names here), we identified
+
         network working together with a shared goal.  
−
         three key issues relevant to the Oviita design that we plan to address to avoid similar pitfalls.
+
        </p>
 
         <p>
 
         <p>
−
         <h4>1. Failing to address local issues adequately:</h4>
+
         This is why Oviita bases our business model around people and the community.  
−
         <br>
+
         </p>
−
        Sometimes, the best intentions create problems.
+
−
        In one example, a humanitarian group decided to build a fish pond for a village along the Amazon river.
+
−
        The villagers used the river as a source of food, so the initiative already lacked purpose. Even worse,
+
−
        the stagnant water provided a breeding ground for mosquitoes, bringing malaria to the villagers.
+
 
         <p>
 
         <p>
−
         <h4>Addressing local issues:</h4>
+
         We believe this is reflected in our activities, which range from developing social enterprises that enrich a community through support, and forming partnerships
−
        <br>
+
         with organizations at all levels. We believe that by creating a rich network, we can maximize efficiency by coordinating on projects, reduce overhead costs
−
        Every step of our process is in conjunction with data.
+
         by sharing resources, and gain opportunities through general networking. This is how we will develop a sustainable organization.
−
        Before going to an area, we will first compile data from our partners and sources like
+
         </p>
−
         The Demographic Health Survey Program. Also, with our Randle Cell Testing Device, we can  
+
−
         then work alongside community health workers and policymakers to determine where Oviita
+
−
        can do the most good. Only when we have identified all of the facets affecting a community’s
+
−
         health can we begin work on implementation.
+
 
         <p>
 
         <p>
−
         <h4>2. Unsustainable Aid:</h4>  
+
         It’s not all warm feelings, though; in conversations with HP such as <a href="Human_Practices#understanding-problem">Dr. Warren Wilson</a> and <a href="Human_Practices#future-directions">Robert Gough</a>, we identified three key issues that cause humanitarian initiatives to
 +
        fail, which we plan to learn from and address.
 +
        </p>
 
         <br>
 
         <br>
−
        A significant hurdle for providing aid to a large number of
+
     
−
         people is logistics. As soon as a supply chain experiences a break or funding becomes
+
         <h4>1. Addressing issues without proper knowledge</h4>
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         sporadic, a ripple effect travels until the end-user becomes affected. If the proposed solution
+
<p>
−
         requires more effort than the perceived value, there will be no motivation to maintain that solution.
+
         Sometimes, the best intentions create the worst problems. While speaking with Dr. Warren Wilson, he strongly stressed how fallible our perceptions can be and how something that
−
         <p>
+
         seems like a good idea while we sit at our desks can do more harm than good.  He mentioned one example about a humanitarian group that decided to build a fish pond for a village in the Amazon. They were unaware that the villagers already used the nearby river as a source of food, and worse, the stagnant water provided a breeding ground for mosquitoes, bringing malaria to the villagers.
−
        <h4>Sustainable Aid:</h4>  
+
        Sharing his experiences with humanitarian projects taught us that such operations, if done thoughtlessly, could cause far more harm than good. He stated that this can be avoided, however, by listening to the needs of the people you're trying to help, and always involving them in the decision making process.
 +
         </p>
 +
     
 +
<p style="font-size: 110%; font-weight:bold;">OUR PLAN: ADDRESSING NEEDS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY</p>       
 +
<P>
 +
        Every step of our process is in conjunction with data and the community, especially at the local level. Before going to an area, we will first compile data from our partners and sources
 +
        like The Demographic Health Survey Program. With our Randle Cell Testing Device, we can then work alongside community health workers and policymakers to determine
 +
        where Oviita can do the most good. We will ensure strong HP and constant consultation with the help of our local partners like the West Nile Empowerment centre. Only when we have identified all of the facets affecting a community’s health and their individual concerns can we begin work on implementation.
 +
        </p>
 
         <br>
 
         <br>
−
        Oviita’s entire model is designed around sustainability. Our
+
   
−
        network of partners alleviates the overhead costs of operation and implementation, Oviita
+
   
−
        is recultureable allowing continuous batches to be produced from the same source, the
+
         <h4>2. Unsustainable aid</h4>
−
        bioreactors are very simple and require little maintenance, and the use of microenterprises
+
−
         encourages locals to continue to consume and distribute our product.  
+
 
         <p>
 
         <p>
−
         <h4>3. To narrow a solution:</h4>  
+
         A significant hurdle for providing aid to a large number of people is managing the logistics and incentives. As seen with the distribution of vitamin A supplements,
 +
        if a supply chain experiences a break or funding becomes sporadic, a ripple effect travels until the end-user becomes affected. If the proposed solution requires more effort
 +
        than the perceived value, there will be no motivation to maintain that solution. This leaves communities reliant for their health on external initiatives that can disappear at any time.
 +
        </p>
 +
     
 +
<p style="font-size: 110%; font-weight:bold;">OUR PLAN: SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS</p>
 +
        <p>
 +
        Oviita’s entire model has sustainability in mind. Our network of partners alleviates the costs of operation and implementation. Our yeast is recultureable, allowing
 +
        continuous batches to be produced from the same source with minimal work or monetary input. The FAB bioreactors are very basic and require little maintenance, and the use of self-sustainable microenterprises
 +
        encourages locals to continue to consume and distribute our product without outside support.
 +
        </p>
 
         <br>
 
         <br>
 +
 +
        <h4>3. Too narrow a solution</h4>
 +
        <p>
 
         Often, a solution isn’t as straightforward as it seems.  
 
         Often, a solution isn’t as straightforward as it seems.  
 
         A group might solve one part of the problem and still fail because it was only one piece of  
 
         A group might solve one part of the problem and still fail because it was only one piece of  
 
         the puzzle. For instance, nutrition deficiency isn’t just about nutrients; sometimes, parasites  
 
         the puzzle. For instance, nutrition deficiency isn’t just about nutrients; sometimes, parasites  
−
         and other organisms can disrupt the gut microbiome to the point of ineffective micronutrient uptake.
+
         and other organisms can disrupt the gut microbiome to the point of ineffective micronutrient uptake, or a lack of supplementation in an area may be due to missing nutritional data.  
−
        <p>
+
−
        <h4>A broad solution:</h4>
+
−
        <br>
+
−
        Oviita doesn’t just provide a source of vitamin A; it also produces
+
−
        an deworming compound. Also, by working with organizations that can provide clean
+
−
        drinking water, fermented food, solar panels, and workshops, we can ensure that we address
+
−
        all facets and the solutions tailored with the local’s best interests in mind—everything from
+
−
        health to hygiene, and resources to training.  
+
 
         </p>
 
         </p>
 +
     
 +
       
 +
<p style="font-size: 110%; font-weight:bold;">OUR PLAN: A BROAD SOLUTION</p>
 +
      <p>  Oviita doesn’t just provide a source of vitamin A; it also produces a deworming compound, and a diagnostic device. Its holistic approach tackles VAD from multiple angles to help with as many aspects of deficiency as possible. Additionally, by working with our partner organizations which provide clean drinking water,  solar panels, and informational workshops, we can ensure that we address all facets affecting a community's health. </p>
 +
        <p>
 +
        To see our business model put into action, <a href="Implementation">click here.</a></p>
  
 
</div>
 
</div>
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<div class = "empowerment" id="empowerment">
 
<div class = "empowerment" id="empowerment">
 
         <h2>EMPOWERMENT</h2>
 
         <h2>EMPOWERMENT</h2>
−
        <br>
 
−
        <img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2020/f/f2/T--Calgary--Yoghurt_Mamas.jpeg">
 
−
        <p style="color:grey; font-size: 85%;"> figure# a social enterprise, Yogurt Mama's. An initutive by Western Heads East. </p>
 
−
        <br>
 
 
         <h4>Through microenterprises</h4>
 
         <h4>Through microenterprises</h4>
 
         <p>
 
         <p>
−
         In many parts of the developing world, gender inequality pervades the environment to a harmful
+
         In many parts of the world, gender inequality remains a pervasive problem. Female oppression can have many detrimental effects on society. An initiative that we  
−
        extent, and female oppression can have many detrimental effects on society. An initiative that we  
+
         found inspiration comes from Western University, called “Western Heads East.” Gregor Reid, one of their founders, had this to say:   
−
         found inspiration comes from Western University called “Western Heads East.” One of their founders  
+
−
        had this to say:   
+
 
         <p>
 
         <p>
−
         <span style="font-style:italic">“We hypothesized that Societal change could occur if women received training on the production of  
+
         <span style="font-style:italic">“We hypothesized that societal change could occur if women received training on the production of  
 
         probiotic fermented food as a means to allow them to generate income and financial independence, and  
 
         probiotic fermented food as a means to allow them to generate income and financial independence, and  
 
         provide nutritious, health-promoting food to their family and community.”</span> (Reid, 2020, 2)
 
         provide nutritious, health-promoting food to their family and community.”</span> (Reid, 2020, 2)
 
         <p>
 
         <p>
−
         By providing the training, resources and a small wage, these women can use the monetary value of the  
+
         With Western Heads East providing the initial training and resources, these women can then use the monetary value of the  
 
         yeast to start a self-sustainable microenterprise.  
 
         yeast to start a self-sustainable microenterprise.  
 
         <p>
 
         <p>
−
         While creating positive societal change, and rather than developing a complex distribution network,  
+
         Rather than developing a complex distribution network,  
−
         these microenterprises can act as a means of distribution. Considering there is also monetary incentive  
+
         these microenterprises can act as a means of distribution,which also promoting sustainable development. Considering there is also monetary incentive  
−
         to sell this yeast, it will also encourage populations to sustain the consumption of our project.
+
         to sell this yeast, it will also encourage populations to sustain the project.
 
         </p>
 
         </p>
 +
 +
<br>
 +
        <img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2020/f/f2/T--Calgary--Yoghurt_Mamas.jpeg">
 +
        <p style="color:grey; font-size: 85%;"> Figure 1. Yogurt Mama's, a microenterprise initiative by Western Heads East. </p>
 +
       
 +
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
<br>
 
<br>
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         <h4>Building a sustainable device</h4>
 
         <h4>Building a sustainable device</h4>
 
         <p>
 
         <p>
−
         Since it is not economically feasible to provide the resources for a bioreactor to  
+
         It is not economically feasible to provide the resources for a bioreactor to  
−
         everyone individually and to ensure our product can reach as many people as possible,  
+
         everyone individually. To ensure our product can reach as many people as possible,  
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         our bioreactor will have two implementation divisions.
+
         our bioreactor design must be adaptable such that communities and enterprises can source most of the materials locally and inexpensively making use of whatever is available to them. This is the basis for the Field Adapted Bioreactor, or FAB.
−
        <br><br>
+
−
        The first division will be bioreactors that will be available for the women’s microenterprises.
+
−
        <br><br>
+
−
        The second division of bioreactors will be placed in schools and work alongside programs
+
−
        to feed children. The children can also act as a means of distribution by bringing it to their families.  
+
 
         <br><br>
 
         <br><br>
−
         We will present locals with design suggestions and requirements for the bioreactor and supply them  
+
         We will present locals with design suggestions and requirements for the bioreactor, and supply them  
−
         with the capital to buy the resources. They will then be able to build it in a way they best see fit.  
+
         additional resources to acquire some materials if need be. They will then be able to build it in a way they best see fit. This is based on the suggestions of <a href="Human_Practices#understanding-problem">Dr. Charles Mather</a>, who told us that populations in developing regions are extremely capable at working with the materials they have on hand and solving problems in a way that will work for them, even with limited resources.
  
 
         </p>
 
         </p>
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<div class = "training" id="training">
 
<div class = "training" id="training">
 
         <h2>TRAINING</h2>
 
         <h2>TRAINING</h2>
−
        <br>
+
<h4> Teaching locals how to be self-reliant </h4>
−
        <img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2020/5/5d/T--Calgary--cawst_training-workshop.jpeg">
+
−
        <p style="color:grey; font-size: 85%;"> Figure# A CAWST led workshop teaching good health practices  </p>
+
 
         <p>
 
         <p>
 
         Dr. Gregor Ried and Robert Gough both emphasized the training required for a project like this. With the help  
 
         Dr. Gregor Ried and Robert Gough both emphasized the training required for a project like this. With the help  
−
         of materials given from CAWST, we hope to develop training programs that can teach locals about:
+
         of materials given from CAWST, we hope to develop training programs that can teach locals about: </p>
−
        <br>
+
 
−
         -Nutrition and Health
+
          
−
        <br>
+
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nutrition and Health</span></li>
−
        -How to assemble the bioreactors
+
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">How to assemble the FAB bioreactors</span></li>
−
        <br>
+
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">How to run and maintain the FAB </span></li>
−
        -How to use the bioreactor
+
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">How to run a microenterprise</span></li>
−
        <br>
+
 
−
        -How to run a microenterprise
+
<br>
−
        <br>
+
<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2020/5/5d/T--Calgary--cawst_training-workshop.jpeg">
−
      </p>
+
        <p style="color:grey; font-size: 85%;"> Figure 2. A workshop led by CAWST on good health practices.  </p><br>
 +
   
 +
     
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
<br>
 
<br>
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<div class = "partnership" id="partnership">
 
<div class = "partnership" id="partnership">
 
         <h2>PARTNERSHIP</h2>
 
         <h2>PARTNERSHIP</h2>
−
        <br>
 
 
         <h4>An essential part of our project</h4>
 
         <h4>An essential part of our project</h4>
 
         <p>
 
         <p>
−
         In this day and age, partnerships and outsourcing are critical for effective business models since it improves
+
         In this day and age, partnerships and outsourcing are critical for effective business models since they improve
−
         efficiency, reduces overhead costs, allows for better tailored and specialized service and more. Given our multifaceted  
+
         efficiency, reduce overhead costs, allow for better-tailored and specialized service, and more. Given our multifaceted  
−
         approach to Vitamin A deficiency, providing Oviita, bioreactors, clean drinking water, fermented food, solar panels, and
+
         approach to Vitamin A deficiency, it would be easy for resources to be spread too thin and become ineffective.  
−
        workshops, it would be easy for resources to be spread too thin and become ineffective.
+
         </p>
−
         <br>
+
<p>
−
        <br>
+
 
         Community Health Workers will be a vital part of our business model, as suggested by both Dr. Warren Wilson and Kelly James.  
 
         Community Health Workers will be a vital part of our business model, as suggested by both Dr. Warren Wilson and Kelly James.  
−
         They are the face of healthcare on the local level and invaluable in determining our bioreactor placement and bridging the  
+
         They are the face of healthcare on the local level and invaluable in determining FAB placement, as well as bridging the  
 
         gap between the locals and us. They also often have existing training workshops centred around health and nutrition, and our  
 
         gap between the locals and us. They also often have existing training workshops centred around health and nutrition, and our  
 
         contacts have confirmed that we will likely be able to implement our training material into their current programs.
 
         contacts have confirmed that we will likely be able to implement our training material into their current programs.
−
         <br>
+
         </p>
−
         <br>
+
         <p>
 
         <span style="font-style:italic">“There is robust evidence that [Community Health Workers] can undertake actions that lead to improved health outcomes,  
 
         <span style="font-style:italic">“There is robust evidence that [Community Health Workers] can undertake actions that lead to improved health outcomes,  
 
         especially, but not exclusively, in the field of child health.”</span> (World Health Organization, 2007)
 
         especially, but not exclusively, in the field of child health.”</span> (World Health Organization, 2007)
−
        <br>
+
      </p>
−
         <br>
+
     
−
         When speaking with Kelly James from CAWST, she informed us that humanitarian projects often forget about disabled people.  
+
         <p>
−
        Therefore, we will also try to reach out to groups such as, The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, in addition to  
+
         We will also be creating partnerships with Universities. There is a strong need for research that covers many disciplines, such as bioreactor effectiveness,  
−
        local self-help groups for constructing microenterprises.
+
        development of microenterprises, community impact, and nutrition. Thus, we believe it is only ethical to conduct this research in association with the locals in the areas we wish to bring implementation.  
 
         </p>
 
         </p>
 
         <br>
 
         <br>
 
         <h4>Current Partners</h4>
 
         <h4>Current Partners</h4>
 +
        <p>
 +
            <div class="container">
 +
                <div class="row">
 +
                <div class="col"><img class="img-fluid"src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2020/8/80/T--Calgary--cawst-logo.png"> </div>   
 +
                <div class="col"><img class="img-fluid" style = "width: 60%;" src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2020/1/1d/T--Calgary--western-heads-east-logo.jpeg"></div>
 +
                <div class="col"><img class="img-fluid" style = "margin-left: -80px;" src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2020/e/e3/T--Calgary--wnyec.jpeg"></div>
 +
                </div></div>
 +
                <br>
 
         <p>
 
         <p>
 
         <b>CAWST:</b> A global organization with a focus on Water, Sanitation and Health. Capable of bringing clean water to communities,  
 
         <b>CAWST:</b> A global organization with a focus on Water, Sanitation and Health. Capable of bringing clean water to communities,  
 
         introducing us to an extensive network of partners and clients and an immense amount of resources for training material, workshops, and general education.
 
         introducing us to an extensive network of partners and clients and an immense amount of resources for training material, workshops, and general education.
−
         <br>
+
         </P>
−
        <img class="img-fluid"style="width:40%; height:40% "src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2020/8/80/T--Calgary--cawst-logo.png">
+
−
        <br>
+
 
          
 
          
−
         <img class="img-fluid"style="width:25%; height:25%; float:left; "src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2020/1/1d/T--Calgary--western-heads-east-logo.jpeg"> <b>Western Heads East:</b> A group that used probiotic yogurt to empower locals through microenterprises.
+
         <p>
−
         <br>
+
        <b>Western Heads East:</b> An established organization that closely resembles Oviita, who have provided 160 000 people with probiotic yogurt in an effort to empower locals through microenterprises.
 +
         </p>
 +
     
 +
        <p>
 
         <b>West Nile Youth Empowerment Center:</b> A youth-led, community level, non-profit in Uganda, willing to implement our training programs and bioreactor.  
 
         <b>West Nile Youth Empowerment Center:</b> A youth-led, community level, non-profit in Uganda, willing to implement our training programs and bioreactor.  
−
        <br>
 
−
        <img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2020/e/e3/T--Calgary--wnyec.jpeg">
 
 
         </p>
 
         </p>
 +
 
         <br>
 
         <br>
−
         <h4>Potential Partners</h4>
+
         <h4>Our potential partners</h4>
 
         <p>
 
         <p>
−
         <b>Association of African Entrepreneurs:</b> An African wide organization that supports the development and growth of local enterprises.
+
         <b>Association of African Entrepreneurs:</b> an African wide organization that supports the development and growth of local enterprises.
 
         <br>
 
         <br>
 
         <br>
 
         <br>
−
         <b>Little Sun:</b> A global organization that provides solar panels to communities.  
+
         <b>Little Sun:</b> a global organization that provides solar panels to communities.  
 
         </p>
 
         </p>
 
         <br>
 
         <br>
 
         <h4>What can we gain from our partners?</h4>
 
         <h4>What can we gain from our partners?</h4>
 
         <p>
 
         <p>
−
         -Connections to a vast network of organizations and people
+
          
−
        <br>
+
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Connections to a vast network of organizations and people</span></li>
−
        -Expertise in all levels of implementation
+
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Expertise in all levels of implementation</span></li>
−
        <br>
+
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Direct funding, coordinated application to grants</span></li>
−
        -Direct funding, coordinated application to grants
+
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Distribution network</span></li>
−
        <br>
+
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Training material</span></li>
−
        -Distribution networks
+
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the ground support</span></li>
−
        <br>
+
 
−
        -Training material
+
−
        <br>
+
−
        -On the ground support
+
−
 
+
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
<hr>
 
<hr>
 
<div class = "finances" id="finances">
 
<div class = "finances" id="finances">
−
         <h2>Finances</h2>
+
         <h2>FINANCES</h2>
 +
<h4>How can we fund Oviita? </h4>       
 +
<p>
 +
        A majority of our funding will come from sources such as: </p>
 +
       
 +
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation</span></li>
 +
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vitamin Angels</span></li>
 +
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Humanitarian Grand Challenge</span></li>
 +
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Global Affairs Canada</span></li>
 +
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sponsorships from our partners</span></li>
 +
 
 +
<br>
 +
<p>
 +
        These sources will fund most salaries and other large ticket items. In between those capital injections, we will rely on our crowdfunding platform
 +
        </p>
 
         <p>
 
         <p>
−
        A majority of our funding will come from sources such as:
+
            In order for our solution to be sustainable, our microenterprise system needs to balance being profitable and providing the product at a reasonable cost for the users. Given the
−
        <br>
+
            low cost of maintenance, we believe this is easily achievable.
−
        -The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
+
         </p>
−
        <br>
+
         <p>
−
        -Vitamin Angels
+
            If a FAB costs around $50 (USD) and a single serving sold for $0.05, it is estimated that a FAB can produce 80 servings a day therefor, it would take 12.5 days to pay for the FAB.
−
         <br>
+
            After that, the estimated cost of electricity to run the pump is $0.60, therefor would have a small effect on profits.
−
        -Humanitarian Grand Challenge
+
−
         <br>
+
−
        -Global Affairs Canada
+
−
        <br>
+
−
        -Sponsorships from our partners
+
−
        <br>
+
−
        <br>
+
−
        These sources will fund most salaries and other large ticket items. In between those capital injections, we will rely on our crowdfunding platform
+
 
         </p>
 
         </p>
−
         <br>
+
         <p>
−
        <h4>An example of a common expenditure:</h4>
+
            We believe offering our product at this price is reasonable considering that Yogurt Mamas sold a single serving of yogurt for $0.25. In addition, our research found the minimum raw cost
−
         <br>
+
            of a vitamin A pill was $0.10. Making our product the cheapest solution and when paired with our microenterprises as an effective distribution system, the easiest option.
 +
         </p>
 +
 
 +
 
 
         <img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2020/3/30/T--Calgary--field-bioreactor-costs.png">
 
         <img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2020/3/30/T--Calgary--field-bioreactor-costs.png">
 +
<p style="color:grey; font-size: 85%;">Figure 4. An example of a common expenditure sheet.</p>
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
<hr>
 
<hr>
 
<div class = "crowdfunding" id="crowdfunding">
 
<div class = "crowdfunding" id="crowdfunding">
−
         <h2>Crowdfunding</h2>
+
         <h2>CROWDFUNDING</h2>
−
        <p>
+
<h4>Raising funds through collective efforts</h4>      
−
        <br>
+
<p>
−
        <img class="img-fluid"style="width:70%; height:70%" src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2020/7/7e/T--Calgary--crowdfunding-website.png">
+
−
        <p style="color:grey; font-size: 85%;"> Figure# An example homepage for this platform </p>
+
−
        <br>
+
 
         One common complaint with charities is that people don’t know where their money goes,  
 
         One common complaint with charities is that people don’t know where their money goes,  
 
         causing people to be hesitant to donate. To combat this, we will be creating a platform that will  
 
         causing people to be hesitant to donate. To combat this, we will be creating a platform that will  
Line 422: Line 440:
 
         giving people the choice of where their money goes, visually showing what their money is doing, accepting  
 
         giving people the choice of where their money goes, visually showing what their money is doing, accepting  
 
         smaller donations, and allowing public recognition, we hope to improve upon an archaic system.  
 
         smaller donations, and allowing public recognition, we hope to improve upon an archaic system.  
−
         <br>
+
         </p>
−
         <br>
+
         <p>
 
         Anything that requires funding requirements can be added to our organization’s website—things like air pumps,  
 
         Anything that requires funding requirements can be added to our organization’s website—things like air pumps,  
−
         wages, shipping, etc. Then people can then choose how they wish to spend their money.  
+
         wages, shipping, etc. Then people can then choose how they wish to spend their money. Given the small costs and the ease of donation, this platform is perfect for running social media campaigns; this is where we believe we will get the most traffic.  
−
         <br>
+
         </p>
−
         <br>
+
         <p>
 
         Some of our partners have offered to share our website through their social media to increase traffic in exchange for  
 
         Some of our partners have offered to share our website through their social media to increase traffic in exchange for  
 
         adding a product or service of theirs to our platform.
 
         adding a product or service of theirs to our platform.
−
         <br>
+
         </p>
−
         <br>
+
         <p>
 
         In the future, we would like to partner with a mobile game developer where the microtransaction built to enhance  
 
         In the future, we would like to partner with a mobile game developer where the microtransaction built to enhance  
−
         gameplay is attached to the funding of these things.  
+
         the gameplay is attached to the funding of these things.  
  
 
       </p>
 
       </p>
 +
 +
<br>
 +
        <img class="img-fluid"style="width:90%; height:90%" src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2020/7/7e/T--Calgary--crowdfunding-website.png">
 +
        <p style="color:grey; font-size: 85%;text-allign: center;"> Figure 5. An example homepage for a crowdfunding platform. </p>
 +
        <br>
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
<hr>
 
<hr>
 
<div class = "non-profit/charity" id="non-profit/charity">
 
<div class = "non-profit/charity" id="non-profit/charity">
−
         <h2>Non-Profit/Charity</h2>
+
         <h2>NON-PROFIT/CHARITY</h2>
−
        <p>
+
<h4>Registering under new classifications</h4>       
−
        As we searched for different grants, funding opportunities, and partnerships, we found that being a recognized  
+
<p>
−
        organization was a standard requirement. To legally accept money through fundraising, we had to become a charity.
+
As we progressed through the summer, we slowly built up a pool of industry contacts to network and build partnerships with. These partnerships and the intentions they carried pushed forward the truth that if we were going to continue with this project, we would need to form an identity that would outlive our time with the iGEM team. Towards this end, we decided to incorporate Oviita as a non-profit organization. We have filled out the forms and sent them into the mail ether and are currently awaiting the government's reply. We will operate under the trade name Oviita Nutrition for all future business dealings. As we searched for different grants, funding opportunities, and partnerships, we found that being a recognized organization was a standard requirement. We are therefore in the process of registering as a charity in order to be able to legally accept money through fundraising. These non-profit and charity classifications will help us deliver on our promises, and facilitate the journey of propelling Oviita from the lab bench into the communities it can most help.
 
       </p>
 
       </p>
 
</div>
 
</div>
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<hr>
 
<hr>
 
<div class = "references" id="references">
 
<div class = "references" id="references">
−
         <h2>References</h2>
+
         <h2>REFERENCES</h2>
 
         <br>
 
         <br>
 
         <p>
 
         <p>
 
         Reid, G. (2020). J Glob Health. Empowering women through probiotic fermented food in East Africa, 10(1), 1-5.   
 
         Reid, G. (2020). J Glob Health. Empowering women through probiotic fermented food in East Africa, 10(1), 1-5.   
 
         https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7242885/
 
         https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7242885/
−
         <br>
+
         </p>
−
         <br>
+
         <p>
−
         World Health Organization. (2007, January 01). Community health workers: What do we know about them? WHO.  
+
         World Health Organization. (2007, January 01). Community health workers: What do we know about them? WHO. https://www.who.int/hrh/documents/community_health_workers.pdf
−
        https://www.who.int/hrh/documents/community_health_workers.pdf
+
 
       </p>
 
       </p>
 
</div>
 
</div>

Latest revision as of 04:01, 10 December 2020



OVERVIEW




Our business model is simple. Build a robust network of people, provide locals with our idea, and support their vision of implementation.


OBJECTIVES

Achieving the aims of an effective humanitarian organization

Through the advice we received from our HP experts, the core foundations of an effective humanitarian organization have started to emerge into a clear picture. At the center, lies a support network working together with a shared goal.

This is why Oviita bases our business model around people and the community.

We believe this is reflected in our activities, which range from developing social enterprises that enrich a community through support, and forming partnerships with organizations at all levels. We believe that by creating a rich network, we can maximize efficiency by coordinating on projects, reduce overhead costs by sharing resources, and gain opportunities through general networking. This is how we will develop a sustainable organization.

It’s not all warm feelings, though; in conversations with HP such as Dr. Warren Wilson and Robert Gough, we identified three key issues that cause humanitarian initiatives to fail, which we plan to learn from and address.


1. Addressing issues without proper knowledge

Sometimes, the best intentions create the worst problems. While speaking with Dr. Warren Wilson, he strongly stressed how fallible our perceptions can be and how something that seems like a good idea while we sit at our desks can do more harm than good. He mentioned one example about a humanitarian group that decided to build a fish pond for a village in the Amazon. They were unaware that the villagers already used the nearby river as a source of food, and worse, the stagnant water provided a breeding ground for mosquitoes, bringing malaria to the villagers. Sharing his experiences with humanitarian projects taught us that such operations, if done thoughtlessly, could cause far more harm than good. He stated that this can be avoided, however, by listening to the needs of the people you're trying to help, and always involving them in the decision making process.

OUR PLAN: ADDRESSING NEEDS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

Every step of our process is in conjunction with data and the community, especially at the local level. Before going to an area, we will first compile data from our partners and sources like The Demographic Health Survey Program. With our Randle Cell Testing Device, we can then work alongside community health workers and policymakers to determine where Oviita can do the most good. We will ensure strong HP and constant consultation with the help of our local partners like the West Nile Empowerment centre. Only when we have identified all of the facets affecting a community’s health and their individual concerns can we begin work on implementation.


2. Unsustainable aid

A significant hurdle for providing aid to a large number of people is managing the logistics and incentives. As seen with the distribution of vitamin A supplements, if a supply chain experiences a break or funding becomes sporadic, a ripple effect travels until the end-user becomes affected. If the proposed solution requires more effort than the perceived value, there will be no motivation to maintain that solution. This leaves communities reliant for their health on external initiatives that can disappear at any time.

OUR PLAN: SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

Oviita’s entire model has sustainability in mind. Our network of partners alleviates the costs of operation and implementation. Our yeast is recultureable, allowing continuous batches to be produced from the same source with minimal work or monetary input. The FAB bioreactors are very basic and require little maintenance, and the use of self-sustainable microenterprises encourages locals to continue to consume and distribute our product without outside support.


3. Too narrow a solution

Often, a solution isn’t as straightforward as it seems. A group might solve one part of the problem and still fail because it was only one piece of the puzzle. For instance, nutrition deficiency isn’t just about nutrients; sometimes, parasites and other organisms can disrupt the gut microbiome to the point of ineffective micronutrient uptake, or a lack of supplementation in an area may be due to missing nutritional data.

OUR PLAN: A BROAD SOLUTION

Oviita doesn’t just provide a source of vitamin A; it also produces a deworming compound, and a diagnostic device. Its holistic approach tackles VAD from multiple angles to help with as many aspects of deficiency as possible. Additionally, by working with our partner organizations which provide clean drinking water, solar panels, and informational workshops, we can ensure that we address all facets affecting a community's health.

To see our business model put into action, click here.


EMPOWERMENT

Through microenterprises

In many parts of the world, gender inequality remains a pervasive problem. Female oppression can have many detrimental effects on society. An initiative that we found inspiration comes from Western University, called “Western Heads East.” Gregor Reid, one of their founders, had this to say:

“We hypothesized that societal change could occur if women received training on the production of probiotic fermented food as a means to allow them to generate income and financial independence, and provide nutritious, health-promoting food to their family and community.” (Reid, 2020, 2)

With Western Heads East providing the initial training and resources, these women can then use the monetary value of the yeast to start a self-sustainable microenterprise.

Rather than developing a complex distribution network, these microenterprises can act as a means of distribution,which also promoting sustainable development. Considering there is also monetary incentive to sell this yeast, it will also encourage populations to sustain the project.


Figure 1. Yogurt Mama's, a microenterprise initiative by Western Heads East.


BIOREACTOR

Building a sustainable device

It is not economically feasible to provide the resources for a bioreactor to everyone individually. To ensure our product can reach as many people as possible, our bioreactor design must be adaptable such that communities and enterprises can source most of the materials locally and inexpensively making use of whatever is available to them. This is the basis for the Field Adapted Bioreactor, or FAB.

We will present locals with design suggestions and requirements for the bioreactor, and supply them additional resources to acquire some materials if need be. They will then be able to build it in a way they best see fit. This is based on the suggestions of Dr. Charles Mather, who told us that populations in developing regions are extremely capable at working with the materials they have on hand and solving problems in a way that will work for them, even with limited resources.


TRAINING

Teaching locals how to be self-reliant

Dr. Gregor Ried and Robert Gough both emphasized the training required for a project like this. With the help of materials given from CAWST, we hope to develop training programs that can teach locals about:

  • Nutrition and Health
  • How to assemble the FAB bioreactors
  • How to run and maintain the FAB
  • How to run a microenterprise

    • Figure 2. A workshop led by CAWST on good health practices.



    PARTNERSHIP

    An essential part of our project

    In this day and age, partnerships and outsourcing are critical for effective business models since they improve efficiency, reduce overhead costs, allow for better-tailored and specialized service, and more. Given our multifaceted approach to Vitamin A deficiency, it would be easy for resources to be spread too thin and become ineffective.

    Community Health Workers will be a vital part of our business model, as suggested by both Dr. Warren Wilson and Kelly James. They are the face of healthcare on the local level and invaluable in determining FAB placement, as well as bridging the gap between the locals and us. They also often have existing training workshops centred around health and nutrition, and our contacts have confirmed that we will likely be able to implement our training material into their current programs.

    “There is robust evidence that [Community Health Workers] can undertake actions that lead to improved health outcomes, especially, but not exclusively, in the field of child health.” (World Health Organization, 2007)

    We will also be creating partnerships with Universities. There is a strong need for research that covers many disciplines, such as bioreactor effectiveness, development of microenterprises, community impact, and nutrition. Thus, we believe it is only ethical to conduct this research in association with the locals in the areas we wish to bring implementation.


    Current Partners


    CAWST: A global organization with a focus on Water, Sanitation and Health. Capable of bringing clean water to communities, introducing us to an extensive network of partners and clients and an immense amount of resources for training material, workshops, and general education.

    Western Heads East: An established organization that closely resembles Oviita, who have provided 160 000 people with probiotic yogurt in an effort to empower locals through microenterprises.

    West Nile Youth Empowerment Center: A youth-led, community level, non-profit in Uganda, willing to implement our training programs and bioreactor.


    Our potential partners

    Association of African Entrepreneurs: an African wide organization that supports the development and growth of local enterprises.

    Little Sun: a global organization that provides solar panels to communities.


    What can we gain from our partners?

  • Connections to a vast network of organizations and people
  • Expertise in all levels of implementation
  • Direct funding, coordinated application to grants
  • Distribution network
  • Training material
  • On the ground support

    • FINANCES

    How can we fund Oviita?

    A majority of our funding will come from sources such as:

  • The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
  • Vitamin Angels
  • Humanitarian Grand Challenge
  • Global Affairs Canada
  • Sponsorships from our partners

    • These sources will fund most salaries and other large ticket items. In between those capital injections, we will rely on our crowdfunding platform

    In order for our solution to be sustainable, our microenterprise system needs to balance being profitable and providing the product at a reasonable cost for the users. Given the low cost of maintenance, we believe this is easily achievable.

    If a FAB costs around $50 (USD) and a single serving sold for $0.05, it is estimated that a FAB can produce 80 servings a day therefor, it would take 12.5 days to pay for the FAB. After that, the estimated cost of electricity to run the pump is $0.60, therefor would have a small effect on profits.

    We believe offering our product at this price is reasonable considering that Yogurt Mamas sold a single serving of yogurt for $0.25. In addition, our research found the minimum raw cost of a vitamin A pill was $0.10. Making our product the cheapest solution and when paired with our microenterprises as an effective distribution system, the easiest option.

    Figure 4. An example of a common expenditure sheet.


    CROWDFUNDING

    Raising funds through collective efforts

    One common complaint with charities is that people don’t know where their money goes, causing people to be hesitant to donate. To combat this, we will be creating a platform that will allow for complete transparency of funding and allow for microtransactions and targeted donations. By giving people the choice of where their money goes, visually showing what their money is doing, accepting smaller donations, and allowing public recognition, we hope to improve upon an archaic system.

    Anything that requires funding requirements can be added to our organization’s website—things like air pumps, wages, shipping, etc. Then people can then choose how they wish to spend their money. Given the small costs and the ease of donation, this platform is perfect for running social media campaigns; this is where we believe we will get the most traffic.

    Some of our partners have offered to share our website through their social media to increase traffic in exchange for adding a product or service of theirs to our platform.

    In the future, we would like to partner with a mobile game developer where the microtransaction built to enhance the gameplay is attached to the funding of these things.


    Figure 5. An example homepage for a crowdfunding platform.



    NON-PROFIT/CHARITY

    Registering under new classifications

    As we progressed through the summer, we slowly built up a pool of industry contacts to network and build partnerships with. These partnerships and the intentions they carried pushed forward the truth that if we were going to continue with this project, we would need to form an identity that would outlive our time with the iGEM team. Towards this end, we decided to incorporate Oviita as a non-profit organization. We have filled out the forms and sent them into the mail ether and are currently awaiting the government's reply. We will operate under the trade name Oviita Nutrition for all future business dealings. As we searched for different grants, funding opportunities, and partnerships, we found that being a recognized organization was a standard requirement. We are therefore in the process of registering as a charity in order to be able to legally accept money through fundraising. These non-profit and charity classifications will help us deliver on our promises, and facilitate the journey of propelling Oviita from the lab bench into the communities it can most help.


    REFERENCES


    Reid, G. (2020). J Glob Health. Empowering women through probiotic fermented food in East Africa, 10(1), 1-5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7242885/

    World Health Organization. (2007, January 01). Community health workers: What do we know about them? WHO. https://www.who.int/hrh/documents/community_health_workers.pdf