WHEN Ateneo Management of Applied Chemistry students Kathryn Castillo, Bernice Dee, Francesca Ocampo, Pianne Sinfuego, Phobe Vaño and Chase Yao came together to start their business in June 2015, it was for the sole purpose of fulfilling their course requirements.
But in just a few months’ time, they developed a near-impossible-to-create product, won an international entrepreneurship competition and, later, even expanded their product line.
The group, Curodoma Corp., named after the Latin word for “home care,” created its product as a result of encounters with odor. “We all experience different problems with smell. We figured that we could solve it with chemicals that we were familiar with,” said Sinfuego.
The product, Neutro, is an odor-eliminating patch that removes bad smell, absorbs moisture, and gives off a light scent—perfect for small spaces where odor problems are more obvious.
Prototyping challenges
The journey toward creating Neutro wasn’t easy. The team struggled with research and development. “We didn’t have any models to base it on, because it was the first product of its kind in the Philippines. We really had to use our imagination in conceptualizing it,” said Dee.
“We realized while we were doing the research and development that maybe the reason why there were no other products like this is because it’s so difficult to make and test,” added Castillo.
The group had to go through intensive research and development processes, which involved consulting with several experts. The creation of the product, however, was entirely up to the group; after eight months and seven prototypes, it finally came up with Neutro, which was sold in bazaars.
International win
Joining the EO Global Student Entrepreneur Awards was a last-minute decision for the group, as its members were very busy with schoolwork at the time applications were being filed. “But we just decided to go for it,” said Sinfuego.
“We had everything to gain— and nothing to lose,” noted Castillo.
It then came as a surprise to the group when it was short-listed and went on to the national leg of the competition, where it placed second. The honor brought the team to Hong Kong for the international finals, held at the Hong Kong Bankers Club on Feb. 27.
Up against 17 other teams from eight different countries, the group won first place, beating competitors with more elaborate entries.
“It was surprising because some of the financials of the other teams were in the millions, and we just got back our investments,” said Dee.
Apart from its innovative product, the team’s entrepreneurial skills contributed to the victory.
“The competition is not purely based on the business, it’s also about the entrepreneurs behind it. That’s where we did well as a team,” said Yao.
“The judges loved it when they saw how we had research and development problems, yet managed to overcome them,” said Sinfuego.
Expanding the business
The group intends to pursue its business after college.
“For the development of Neutro, we are trying to come up with a more sophisticated design—it’ll be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. For our corporation, we are looking into spray types of Neutro. We are also looking to expand, so we are trying to make other home care products that are safe, innovative and easy to use,” said Sinfuego.
With their first-place finish, expansion plans and strong entrepreneurial spirit, these young individuals have a bright future ahead of them.
Their advice to those who want to start their own business? “Don’t hesitate. It’s so easy to say things, but actually doing it requires a lot of effort. Don’t be afraid to take that first step.”
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