Mini Accelerator Programme: Travel Tech Edition

23 Jan 2025

5 Min Read

BizPod Editor
IN THIS ARTICLE

The Mini Accelerator Programme, co-organised by Taylor's University's BizPod and Amadeus ,recently concluded its dynamic 7-week journey, marking a significant milestone in empowering participants from diverse educational backgrounds. Designed to fast-track the development of tech-based startups, particularly in the travel tech arena, the programme provided an inclusive platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn, innovate, and transform ideas into viable solutions.

 

The Mini Accelerator Programme launched with a clear vision: to address critical industry challenges as outlined by the seasoned experts at Amadeus. Over the course of seven weeks, the programme tackled pressing issues facing the travel tech sector—identifying opportunities in enhancing traveler experiences, promoting sustainable travel, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to lead the market. Shared with participants at the outset, these problem statements set the stage for a journey of discovery and solution-oriented innovation.

Programme Insights

The curriculum, crafted and curated by BizPod, was meticulously designed to cover crucial aspects of startup development, encompassing tech launchpad essentials, intellectual property navigation, market mastery, and investment dynamics. The sessions were enriched with industry-based sharing and spearheaded by distinguished coaches such as Mr. Nagesh Subramanyan Kartheek and Mr. Phakphum Visetnut from Amadeus, along with Mr. Marcus Teoh and Mr. Shee Tze Jin from Taylor's University . Their combined expertise offered participants a comprehensive understanding of the startup ecosystem, complemented by hands-on experiences through Amadeus's API and tools.

 

The Demo Day, a pivotal event in the programme, featured a distinguished panel of judges who critically evaluated the innovative solutions presented by the participants. The panel included Ms. Ramona Bohwongprasert , Senior Vice-President Southeast Asia, APAC Inside Sales & Startups at Amadeus; Mr. Nagesh Subramanya Kartheek, Head of Research, Innovation & Architecture Office at Amadeus Software Labs, India; Mr. Chew Hong Khor, Senior Vice-President - Supply Chain Partnerships and Operations of Holiday Tours and Ms. Jessie Chong, Country Managing Director of TrueMoney. Their insights and feedback were invaluable in guiding the next steps for the aspiring entrepreneurs.

group photos of graduation day

Innovation at the Forefront

Taylor’s University students engaged in a vibrant array of projects, showcasing innovative solutions tailored to the evolving demands of the travel and tourism sector. 6 teams were formed from this programme;

 

  • 6reen: A platform that champions sustainable travel in East Malaysia, 6reen offers personalised itineraries, virtual tours, and a rewards system for eco-friendly choices.
  • BizzyB: Addressing the tour guide shortage in Malacca, BizzyB enhances solo travel experiences with AR/VR technology, offering interactive tours with historical insights and personalised recommendations.
  • Expedeus: Expedeus is a solution for busy Malaysians seeking quick yet personalised travel itineraries, leveraging AI, augmented reality, and seamless navigation.
  • JomAmigo: Focusing on budget-conscious travelers, JomAmigo offers travel financing, itinerary planning, and personalised services without the need for upfront payment.
  • Vivavoyage: This app reimagines the travel tech space by guiding users to less crowded destinations with the help of virtual reality and geo-unlocking features.
  • Wawasan (TagAlong): TagAlong simplifies trip planning by connecting like-minded travelers. It features curated itineraries and community-driven upvotes to help users find and plan ideal trips.

The programme's Demo Day saw BizzyB, JomAmigo, and 6reen hailed as winners, their success emblematic of the programme's nurturing environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Overcoming Challenges

A significant challenge faced during the Mini Accelerator Programme was the diverse backgrounds of the participants, with many initially unfamiliar with app development or business planning. Despite this, BizPod played a pivotal role in bridging these gaps. Prior to the Demo Day, BizPod and Amadeus provided invaluable assistance, offering preliminary feedback on the participants' pitches and helping refine their presentations. This guidance was instrumental in equipping the participants with the necessary skills to conceptualise their startup ideas and pitch them confidently, showcasing not only their newfound understanding of tech entrepreneurship but also their readiness to step into the competitive market.

Future Prospects

The overwhelming positive feedback has prompted BizPod to plan future iterations of the programme. This initiative aligns with Taylor's University's commitment to offering students not only academic excellence but also practical business skills, preparing them for successful entrepreneurial ventures.

 

The Mini Accelerator Programme exemplifies the power of collaboration, mentorship, and innovation in shaping the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. As we reflect on the success of this journey, we eagerly anticipate the next chapter of this exciting venture, inviting more aspiring innovators to join us in transforming the landscape of tech entrepreneurship.

 

For those interested in participating in future programmes or learning more about BizPod's initiatives, stay tuned for upcoming opportunities that promise to further ignite the entrepreneurial spirit within the Taylor's University community.
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