Entrepreneur Dr. JM Martinez NU10

Entrepreneur Jose Ma. "Biboy" Martinez MD

AGSB MBAH

ENTREP HO2

NU10  - Innovative Ideas

NU1: Fresh Salad Greens from Farm to Doorstep

Leading a healthy lifestyle is a growing concern. A primary consideration is eating the right food and knowing how it was grown. Freshness on delivery is likewise a challenge. This is almost impossible to do in a busy supermarket or grocery. Weekend markets may offer a solution but may still be tedious and at times inconsistent.  The need therefore arises for a steady reliable supply of naturally grown food delivered fresh to ones' doorstep.

The solution is linking a natural farm and its products to consumers by means of an online ordering application. This ensures that the food is delivered fresh and the supply meets the demand. The farm can offer its available products at  the appropriate harvest time and fill the orders according to demand. There is no wastage of supply as everything harvested has already been ordered. The food is harvested very early in the morning and delivered directly to consumers via pick-up points wherever convenient. Frequent ordering may eventually lead to a subscription service if so desired by the consumers. The key innovation here is improved access to products and connecting to a distinct customer segment.

NU2: Farm Equipment Rental

Farming techniques in the rural areas are laborious and slow. Cleaning a field for weeds and tilling the soil may take days of labor. Small-scale farmers often do not have the modern equipment to do these tasks easier and faster. Lack of capital to invest in equipment prevents the ordinary farmer from realizing a more abundant harvest. The need to be fulfilled is bringing modern farming equipment and machinery within the reach of the ordinary farmer. 

The solution is investing in small portable farm tractors and equipment that can be rented by farmers to make their processes more efficient. Foremost among the list is a tractor to till the soil (replacing the carabao), grass cutters, chain saws, portable rice mills and dryers. Equipment may be rented together with the operators to ensure proper care and maintenance. This should make our farmers more productive at a minimal cost to them. The innovation is improved access to technology resulting to improved productivity.

NU3: Tanay Mountain Bike Tour and Rental

The town of Tanay in the province of Rizal is a mountain biker's haven. There are many challenging and scenic trails to enjoy.  However most of these trails are uncharted and one can easily get lost in the terrain. There are some guides and suggestions from people who have experienced the ride as well as a few big tour operators (none local to the area). Getting to the trails is likewise challenging if one comes all the way from Manila. Having the right equipment (bikes, helmets, vehicle carriers) and logistics (food, drinks) also matter in a successful ride. The need arises for a local accredited bike tour operator to service the area.

The inspiration here is a tour operator providing services for white-water rafting in Cagayan de Oro. I was there for a business trip and had very limited time on my hands. The tour operator was able to provide the experience for the time window that I had with minimal preparation on my part.

A bike tour operator can provide detailed information on trails (highlights, difficulty levels), equipment (the bike itself, helmets, service) and logistics. One can enjoy a charted route with minimal preparation. It is very convenient for people who want the biking experience but do not have the complete equipment available to them. This may appropriate for novice and beginning riders, local and international tourists, and yes people who do not even own a bike. Bookings can be coordinated thru an online platform. Rental bikes can be secured with GPS trackers. The tour operator also provides employment to locals in the community effectively motivating them to preserve and care for the natural environment. The result is an improved appreciation for the sport and the locality of Tanay.

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