Late last year, 21 year-old Ludwick Marishane of Cape Town, South Africa was named the 2011 Global Student Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2011 GSEA (Global Student Entrepreneur Awards), beating out 1,600 other student nominees from 42 countries. Ludwick won the title for his product Drybath, the only non-water based bath substitute lotion for the whole body.

I had the opportunity to ask this student entrepreneur some questions about his winning product and company, which gives some great insights into his mindset, persistence and innovative spirit.

CR: What is DryBath and what problem does it solve?

LM: DryBath is the world’s first and only bath-substituting skin gel…you apply it to your skin, then you don’t need to bathe.

I invented it to benefit people from the poorest communities in the world, and also for people in the developed world. For people without water, DryBath provides empowerment as an affordable tool to achieve lifesaving personal hygiene without having to be dependent on stagnant community water infrastructure development. For wealthier communities, it offers a convenient way to save time and decrease their unhealthy practice of unnecessary daily bathing (which is proven to cause continuous drying of the skin), while achieving adequate personal hygiene. In both situations, precious water is saved, which can be put to better use.

CR: How did the idea for DryBath come about?

LM: The idea came to me in the 11th grade in 2007. It was a cold winter’s day; I was sunbathing with some friends of mine, when one of my best friends had to go bathe. After we nagged him to hit the shower, he eventually said, “why doesn’t someone invent something you can just put on your skin and avoid the need to bathe?”

A light bulb went on as I realized that I would be willing to pay money out of my pocket to buy such a product. Bear in mind that we were in the middle of the rural Limpopo province, with almost non-existent resources. I went home that day and used my web-enabled basic cellphone to research if such a product existed. My research showed that the product didn’t seem to exist, and there was a huge market of 2.5 billion people in the world without proper access to water who were in dire need of such a product (that number doesn’t include the billion more like my friend, who were lazy to bathe). Coming from a poor background myself, I felt compelled to create the product. It took 6 months and endless time on Google Wikipedia to do it.

CR: Tell us a bit about your background.

LM: I am the only child of Stanford Malatji and the eldest of 2 sons to Lovemore Marishane. My dad achieved financial freedom and has been able to provide me with great schooling and the ethic of always pushing myself to do more; while my mom is lives on the economic margin of society and has provided me with the emotional development necessary to seek improvement for the poor community I spent half my life growing up in.

My dad ignited my entrepreneurial passion in my first year of high school, and my love of science allowed me to indulge my curiosities of coming up with inventions for different opportunities I saw. In 9th grade, I formulated my own biodiesel fuel, invented a healthy cigarette; and in 10th grade I authored a mobile dictionary and attempted to publish a nationwide security magazine.

CR: What is the pricing of the product and how many units have you sold to date?

LM: We’re selling DryBath sachets to corporates at around USD1.5 per sachet (1 sachet contains 25ml and replaces one bathe). For each sachet that corporates purchase, we provide a free sachet to our charity partners for distribution through their humanitarian work. We sell DryBath sachets on the retail market in poor communities for USD 0.50 each, with an aim of lowering this price in half when we reach economies of scale. We have sold 162,000 sachets to date.

CR: How did you decide to participate in the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards?

LM: I heard about the competition in 2009 during my first year of university, I entered and lost the South African regional. In 2010, I entered again and made it to the global finals; and in 2011 I gave it one last shot, and I’m glad to have brought it to African soil.

CR: How much prize money did you win and what will you be using those funds for?

LM: I won USD 10,000 in cash, and more in in-kind prizes. I will be using the funds to finance my global marketing endeavor to secure contracts with armies, airlines (to put DryBath on long-distance flights), hotel groups (to save water), and to other travel industry services. These corporate markets will increase economies of scale to make the product cheaper on the retail market and allow DryBath to be a cheap commodity product democratically consumed by both poor rich. It will save lives, time, and water.

CR: Why do you think you won?

LM: Mine was more than just a business a product…it was a story about the journey of one kid who is in pursuit of changing the world and has committed 4 years to it thus far.

CR: What do you think are the most important factors that will make DryBath a success?

LM: Great marketing, and sharing the common global dream of the impact that DryBath hopes to achieve with society.

CR: What words of advice would you give to other student entrepreneurs?

LM: Find what you love doing, and exert all your effort on pursuing it. Do as much as you can on your own, and always ask for help when you need it.

Embrace failure, because you will only ever experience it if you give up, not if you try fail to succeed. I plan to use the title of Best Student entrepreneur in the World to start the world’s first entrepreneurship league, and to roll this out globally over the next 5 years. I am dedicating my life to enabling the world’s youth to follow their dreams, and I urge other entrepreneurs to do the same…by first following their dreams!

–
For more information on the Global Student Entrepreneurship Awards visit http://www.gsea.org. For more information on DryBath and Ludwick Marishane, visit http://www.headboy.org/.

Follow Carol Roth on Twitter:

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Article source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carol-roth/social-student-entrepreneur_b_1222586.html

ORTONVILLE, Mich., Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a daunting question for most teens, but David Kugler was already thinking “Successful.” As a member of Bits-N-Spurs in Lapeer County, Dave was learning from real-world experience and benefiting from 4-H opportunities.

One of his first projects involved raising Ringneck Pheasants to help replenish the population in Michigan. The challenge involved planning the installation of a suitable pen, raising chicks to maturity, and releasing mature flying birds into a suitable habitat. “The program really helped me understand the importance of project management at a young age,” said Dave Kugler, president of Critter Catchers. “After investing in the pens and putting in all that hard work to raise the pheasants, I developed a deep sense of accomplishment.”

Three decades later, Dave is the owner of Critter Catchers, Inc., a southeast Michigan-based wildlife control firm. Kugler is helping to foster that same sense of accomplishment and positive values to today’s 4-H members with the ‘Critter Catchers Agricultural and Social Entrepreneurship Grant’ for Lapeer County 4-H members. The grant’s objective is to foster an entrepreneurial spirit to benefit the community.

The grant provides funding that enables several 4-H members to purchase and raise livestock for auction at the annual fair. Proceeds from the auction are split between replenishing the grant for future 4-H members, and donating to a worthy charity chosen by the 4-H member. This project empowers 4-H members to make a difference in their community and learn vital business skills in a real world setting.

“My favorite part about operating a business is that it provides a creative outlet. I enjoy teaching others about entrepreneurship and ways that it can be used to benefit others in need. This grant requires the applicants to develop their own business plan where they consider marketing strategies and expenses to bring livestock to market,” said Kugler, president of Critter Catchers. “I believe this grant will help members develop a passion for business and deepen their compassion for others.”

“I am really excited about this project because it involves a former 4-H member who is now a successful businessman in part because of his 4-H experiences, giving back to the community. His grant is creating opportunities for other young people to experience a 4- H project and learn valuable lessons that can help them be successful in life,” says Patricia Waugh, Lapeer County 4-H Educator. “It will be interesting to see what community charities the 4-H member will choose to support and how they will market their project to bring in additional bidders at the 4-H/FFA Livestock Auction on August 9, at the Eastern Michigan Fair in Imlay City.”

The initial grant totaled $1,200, and is currently available to active Lapeer County 4-H members possessing the passion, creativity and aptitude to successfully complete the project. For more information about the ‘Critter Catchers Agricultural and Social Entrepreneurship Grant’, contact Patricia Waugh at Lapeer County Extension Office, 810-667-0343 or waughpat@anr.msu.edu. In Michigan, 4-H is the youth development outreach of Michigan State University and is available through an MSU Extension office in each county. MSU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

About Critter Catchers, Inc.: Founded in 2005, the Ortonville, Mich.-based Critter Catchers, Inc. was formed by David Kugler, an Oakland University graduate holding a Bachelors of Science in Biology, and a Masters Degree in Environmental Engineering from Wayne State University. Critter Catchers provides animal removal services in SE Michigan and specializes in humane bat removal and other attic pests. Visit the Web site at
www.crittercatchersinc.com or call: (248) 432-2712.

About 4-H: 4-H is one of the world’s largest youth development organizations, found in more than 70 countries. In the United States, 4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of 4-H National Headquarters. Learn more about 4-H at
www.4-H.org and on Facebook at Lapeer 4-H or
www.facebook.com/4-H . In Michigan, 4-H is the youth development outreach of Michigan State University and is available through an MSU Extension office in each county. MSU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

SOURCE Critter Catchers, Inc.

Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

Article source: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/fond-4-h-childhood-memories-inspire-innovative-new-grant-2012-01-30

PISCATAWAY, N.J., Jan. 30, 2012 — /PRNewswire-iReach/ – The Center for Management Development at Rutgers University is the recipient of a state grant, which entitles them to offer free training. This training is targeted for unemployed individuals, recently graduated students, and part-time workers who are currently on unemployment in New Jersey on how to start their own businesses. The Entrepreneurial Training Program for the Unemployed (ETPU) is a comprehensive 60-hour course, starting in March, on how to start a business in New Jersey.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120130/CG43596)

The ETPU covers a broad range of topics to help people transition from traditional jobs into entrepreneurship. The training will include discussion of the nuts-and-bolts of setting up a new business and writing a business plan. Applicants will also learn basic bookkeeping and finance skills as well as techniques for on- and off-line marketing and sales. The experienced instructors will also cover how to manage a business as well as how to find capital sources to fund it. Finally, participants will get a sense of what they can expect as entrepreneurs.

This 60-hour program spans a period of five weeks and will be taught in the New Brunswick area. Candidates will also have access to networking activities and to 20 hours of mentoring from successful owners of a small business.

To attend the ETPU, applicants must complete an application by February 10th, be accepted, and be scheduled for a class session. The application is available from the Rutgers Center for Management Development. Interested parties should contact Debbie McDermott via telephone at 848-445-4720 or via email at mcdermott@cmd.rutgers.edu. Since the program has limited space, participants should apply for a slot today.

The Center for Management Development is a division of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Focusing on executive education, the Rutgers CMD offers corporate training programs and mini-MBA Programs in a number of fields, including Leadership and Management, Human Resources, Social Media Marketing and Entrepreneurship.

Media Contact: Debbie McDermott Rutgers University, 848-445-4720, mcdermott@cmd.rutgers.eduNews distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com  

SOURCE Rutgers University

Article source: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/30/4225853/rutgers-university-announces-free.html

The World Youth Peace Summit Office of Peace Projects will host a symposium on Saturday, March 10 at Kingswood Oxford School in West Hartford, from 1 to 5 p.m. This gathering will serve as the next step for participants of the 2011 World Scholar-Athlete Games and World Youth Peace Summit as well as other high school peacebrokers to develop their Pathways to Peace Projects.

“This is the next step in Dan Doyle’s vision to create peace projects by youth around the world, a vision that was started right here in Hartford with the 2011 World Youth Peace Summit,” said Tim Brennan, Chair of the Office and former Deputy Mayor of West Hartford.  “We also want to thank Kingswood Oxford for their great support of this initiative.”

The symposium’s schedule begins with an opening address by State Rep. Andrew Fleischmann.

Participants may then choose to attend any of the following sessions:

• Panel discussion featuring Connecticut candidates for the United States Congress and Senate, Chaired by Congressman John Larson. This panel will focus on each candidate’s view of ways to enhance world peace.
• Panel discussion and presentation on the Role of Women in Peace, Chaired by Senator Beth Bye and featuring Mims Butterworth, renowned peace advocate and lifelong resident of Greater Hartford.
• Panel discussion and presentation on the Role of Sport and the Arts in the Peace Process, Chaired by Dan Doyle, Founder of the World Youth Peace Summit.
• Panel discussion and presentation on helping the participating students formulate their peace projects, Chaired by Paz Magat, Deputy Director, World Youth Peace Summit.

The final gathering will feature a performance by Rob the Drummer, a nationally recognized motivational performer. Rob the Drummer was also the featured act at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2011 World Scholar-Athlete Games.  His performance received high acclaim from participants.

Students will be required to prepare for the symposium by preparing their Pathways to Peace idea and initial project plan. Attendees will include student groups from Hartford, Waterbury, and other cities and towns throughout Connecticut.

Brennan announced that the Center for Social Entrepreneurship would instead retain the name World Youth Peace Summit Office of Peace Projects. Stated Brennan, “With the wonderful new program opening at Wesleyan University bearing the name Center for Social Entrepreneurship, we felt it appropriate to retain our World Youth Peace Summit name to avoid confusion.”

Brennan also noted that Paz Magat has earned a major distinction. Magat was recently accepted and  awarded a full academic scholarship to the Master’s Program in Community Change and Peacebuilding with Future Generations and the United States Institute of Peace. As one of 25 participants from around the world, Magat is the only representative of the U.S. Her studies include four one-month residential programs. She will convene with the distinguished group of students in India, Nepal, Peru, and the United States. The curriculum and degree will be great assets to Magat’s direction of the Office of Peace Projects. 

Brennan noted, “This is a tremendous plus for our efforts in Connecticut. Paz’s studies will be an extraordinary benefit to students from our State and for the development of peace curricula for students of all ages.”

The program on March 10 is open to Connecticut high school students at no charge. Teachers and students interested in attending may register with the World Youth Peace Summit Office of Special Projects at wyps@internationalsport.org. 

This information was provided in a news release from the Institute for International Sport.

Article source: http://windsor.patch.com/articles/peace-education-gathering-attracts-connecticut-students-8d84d7aa

BY LAURA OLENIACZ

loleniacz@heraldsun.com; 419-6636

CHAPEL HILL — A test that can ensure water in developing countries is safe to drink. A musical instrument lending program. A community garden that would provide healthy food for poor families.

Those are some of the ideas that students and professors want to develop through the new Social Innovation Incubator at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a program that will offer free space, financing, legal, communications and other services to grow those ideas into full-fledged nonprofits or businesses.

The incubator is housed on the university’s campus on the third floor of the Campus Y, a social justice organization. The program launched this week as a pilot, starting with four teams initially.

“We’re trying to provide dedicated physical co-working space so that these teams, who are very innovative, have a place to meet and build their businesses and learn from one another,” said Richard Harrill, incubator director and the director of the Campus Y.

This semester, each team will receive around $4,000 to help them launch their ventures, Harrill said. The hope is that once the organization raises enough money, the incubator will be able to offer teams $15,000 and housing for 18 to 24 months.

The incubator is also is offering a range of services to the teams, using expertise of students and faculty in other schools and departments, including the School of Law and Kenan-Flagler Business School. Computer science students will offer help with web applications or other technology needs, he said.

Harrill also said a staff member from the economics department, which offers a minor in entrepreneurship at the university, is also working with the incubator. The incubator is expected to draw students interested in social entrepreneurship from the minor as well, he said.

The program is not the only one offering services to help budding entrepreneurs. There are two other programs that house entrepreneurs on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, he said, and in Durham there’s Bull City Forward, a nonprofit for social entrepreneurs that houses social start-ups in office space downtown.

The idea of social entrepreneurship has existed for 30 or more years, Harrill said, but what he believes is new is that universities are now allocating resources to help them.

“It’s a much longer trend, it’s now crystallizing in American higher education,” he said.

One group of students has joined the social incubator in order to form a musical instrument lending program. They want to provide instruments to children so they can take free lessons from UNC-Chapel Hill students through the existing program, Carolina Music Outreach.

The students, Katie Weinel and Maggie Peng, are co-presidents of Carolina Music Outreach, and they’ve found that there are more students willing to offer lessons than instruments available to teach them with.

The two joined the incubator so they can form as a nonprofit, to get funding to buy instruments, to get legal help with writing a lending contract, and to use the incubator space to store instruments.

Another team is looking to commercialize a test that would detect fecal matter and other harmful materials in water in developing countries.

The idea came from Mark D. Sobsey, a professor of environmental science and engineering at the UNC School of Public Health.

Sobsey said got funding for the project in 2007, and through the work of a former doctoral student, the team now has a prototype test made from a plastic bag that they believe is easy to use, is easy to read, and that is transportable.

Water in developing countries is rarely tested for its microbiological qualities, Sobsey said. The global burden of disease from unsafe water is “enormous,” he added.

There are ways to treat water so ensure that it’s safe even in the home, but he said that very often, residents in developing countries don’t know initially whether it’s safe.

They’re hoping to market the test to organizations such as the U.S. Agency for International Development that do demographic surveys, and can do door-to-door water tests.

Alice Wang, a 23-year-old doctoral student in the School of Public Health, said their team is looking to incorporate their organization as a business through the incubator, and to make their first big sale.

They debated whether to form a nonprofit or to form a business, but she said they decided to commercialize the product because they’ve already gotten interest from potential buyers and “people are willing to pay for this product.”

“We’re very excited about the opportunity to take what’s already been shown (is) a field deployable test (and to) redesign to improve it further, to commercialize it, and manufacture (the test),” Wang said.

Article source: http://www.heraldsun.com/view/full_story/17314599/article-UNC-incubator-launches-to-fuel-growth-of-social-start-ups

BANGALORE:“The greatest asset in India is the sense of hope that prevails despite all the problems, and this hope has to be exported in the next 5-10 years,” opined Indian American entrepreneur and chairman of Sycamore Networks Gururaj Deshpande on Saturday during the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Alumni Club meet in the city.
Delivering a talk on ‘Can Social Innovation and Technological Innovation Leverage off One Another?’, Deshpande, who is fondly called Desh, said,“India certainly has problems, but there is a coexistence of these problems with innovations. Hence, there is a sense of hope. Many here believe ‘I can do it’.
However, these people believe that their children have greater potential,” said Deshpande. Stressing on the importance of social entrepreneurship, Deshpande called upon students to get out of university or campus boundaries for better understanding. “Innovations cannot happen in laboratories or classrooms inside university walls. Students have to go out to get a real feel of what works and what does not,” he said.
He also referred to the work of his Deshpande Foundation’s Centre for Social Entrepreneurship where students from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) visit Hubli to work with local students in solving relevant problems.
Commenting on government policies on innovations, Deshpande said, “Government policies are applicable for most of the people and not everyone.
If you go out there and ask an innovator what you should do, he would ask you to repeat what he did as it worked for him.
Similarly, with government policies, you have to try to optimise for the ‘most’ and not everyone.” Prof Bhaskar Ramamurthi, director, IIT – Madras, was optimistic that innovations in technology could address social issues.
“There can be affordable solutions if one tries to address issues through technology. There is great potential for this approach in education and healthcare,” he said. He added that the Akash tablet was a good thought, but lacked direction. “Innovations in these sectors need in-depth thought for productivity,” he added

Article source: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/indias-greatest-asset-is-hope-gururaj-despande/225455-60-119.html