A dynamic team of Chittagong University, known as INK has turned a late-night inspiration into startup idea. Led by Jannatul Naim (Pritha) and supported by Sahim Salem and Jannatul Naima (Deehan), INK is not just another entrepreneurial venture; it's a story of passion, perseverance, and the power of seizing opportunities. Their startup, Jogar, aims to bridge the gap between university students and freelance opportunities, offering a solution that addresses both educational and professional needs. The journey of INK began under unconventional circumstances. On the eve of the Innovation Hub's deadline, with just four and a half hours remaining, the team hastily assembled their idea for the presentation. Uncertain of their chances, they pushed through the night, driven by a shared vision and a spark of determination. Against the odds, they were selected, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Initially, the team felt like underdogs, but their resilience transformed them into a close-knit unit. They embraced their diverse skills and discovered a collective passion for business in different forms. This synergy gave birth to the "Jogar Family," a team committed to turning their vision into reality. "Our dream is not just to be another jobholder but to create something truly our own, built from our sweat and dedication," says Jannatul Naim (Pritha). INK's journey is rooted in their recognition of the challenges faced by various stakeholders in Bangladesh: Absence of a Centralized Platform for Freelancers: The Bangladeshi market lacked a unified platform tailored specifically to the needs of freelancers. This gap left freelancers scattered across various platforms, unable to connect effectively with local clients. Challenges Faced by New Startups: Emerging businesses struggled to find skilled and budget-friendly freelancers for essential services like web design, content creation, and app development. The absence of a local platform led to issues with security, communication, and affordable transaction methods, all of which are crucial for startups. Varsity Students Struggling with Academic Support: University students in Bangladesh faced difficulties in finding reliable support for their academic and thesis-related tasks. There was a clear need for a platform that could cater to their specific educational needs. Bangladeshi Talent Serving Global Markets: Without a dedicated freelancing platform, Bangladeshi talents were primarily serving foreign clients, leaving local demands unmet. A platform was needed to keep these talents engaged in fulfilling domestic requirements. Unlocking New Earnings for Bangladeshi Students: Most students in Bangladesh relied solely on tutoring for their income, spending hours on tuition without learning or implementing anything new. INK recognized the need to open new doors for these students, providing them with opportunities to earn while gaining valuable skills. Support for Women to Work from Home: Many women in Bangladesh face the challenge of balancing careers and personal lives. While some prioritize family responsibilities, there is a significant demand for remote work and flexible opportunities that INK aims to address. When the moment of triumph arrived, and INK's name was called out as the winner, the team was momentarily stunned. "We were all numb for a minute," Jannatul recalls. The countless hours of hard work, intense preparation, and even working through the night before Eid Ul Fitr had culminated in a moment of overwhelming joy. It was a testament to their belief in their dream and their ability to overcome the odds. This victory, however, was just the beginning. The team acknowledges that while it was a significant milestone, it represents only the first step towards their larger ambitions. With pre-seed funding in hand, INK is ready to take concrete steps toward realizing its vision. Their immediate focus will be on developing their Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and establishing a market presence in Chattogram. They plan to start with two core services: one-to-one tutoring and group classes for university students. "We want to start small, focusing on quality rather than quantity," says Jannatul. By initially targeting a select group of qualified tutors and promoting their services to public and private universities, national curriculum institutions, and technical institutes in Chattogram, INK aims to build a strong foundation. Future expansion will depend on further funding and will include extending their services nationwide. Reflecting on their journey, INK credits the University Innovation Hub Program (UIHP) for its pivotal role. Before joining the program, the team felt that entrepreneurship was reserved for the older generation. However, UIHP opened their eyes to the vast opportunities available to university students. "UIHP made us realize that even the most ambitious ideas are within reach," Jannatul explains. The guidance and support from mentors like Shafayet Sir and Humaira Mam were invaluable. They not only helped INK turn their idea into a viable startup but also provided lessons that went beyond financial rewards. "The basics we learned from the program are priceless," Jannatul adds. INK's story is a powerful reminder that great things can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances. Their journey from a last-minute pitch to becoming an award-winning startup idea is a testament to their dedication, innovation, and the support of a nurturing ecosystem like the University Innovation Hub Program. As they continue to grow and expand their impact, INK stands as a beacon of what can be achieved with passion, resilience, and the right support.INK:Transforming Challenges into Opportunities for a Brighter Future Introduction
The Genesis of INK
The Spark of Innovation
The Triumph of Belief
Next Steps: Building on Success
Support from the University Innovation Hub Program
Conclusion
