Back One-Day Workshop on “Empowering Entrepreneurs: Leveraging Sustainable Household Products in Campus”.
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IEDC), in association with the works department of UCC and the Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP), organized a one-day interactive workshop session titled “Empowering Entrepreneurs: Leveraging Sustainable Household Products in Campus”. The event took place on the 14th of February 2025 at E & CM Computer LAB.
Date: 14/02/2025
Time: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Venue: MB Block E & CM Computer LAB
Organized by: IEDC in association with Works department and Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP)
Introduction
A one-day workshop on Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Household Products was successfully conducted on 14th February 2025 at UC College, Aluva in association with Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP). The workshop aimed to promote small-scale entrepreneurial opportunities among non-teaching staff, voluntary student members, and for Kudumbashree members from Karumalloor Grama Panchayat.
Key Highlights of the Workshop
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Dr. Jibin Jose Mathew emphasized the opportunities provided by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) and IEDC for students and society. He suggested that the sustainable household products initiative can be successfully implemented on campus and that the soaps produced can be sold through Thanalidam Eco Shop.
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Mr. Murlidaran A.P., former president of KSSP, was the chief resource person. He presented the objectives of KSSP and delivered a talk on “Soap: Politics and Business” covering topics such as:
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The soap manufacturing process
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The importance of Total Fatty Matter (TFM) grades
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Differences between household soaps and commercial soaps
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Market pricing strategies and consumer perspectives
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Mrs. Thressiamma Antony and Mr. Shajan A.R. demonstrated the making of sandal-flavored bath soap using a KSSP Soap Kit and coconut oil, followed by a live demonstration of phenol production.
Participation & Engagement
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The workshop was attended by students from the BT & SP, E & CM, and MBA departments, Kudumbashree members from Karumalloor Grama Panchayat, and non-teaching staff of UC College.
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Non-teaching staff expressed interest in making soaps under the guidance of IEDC.
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Department-wise student contributions:
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E & CM students proposed developing an automation machine for the soap-making process.
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BT & SP students suggested testing the TFM and pH quality of the soap.
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MBA students planned to conduct a market study on soap sales, develop marketing strategies, and handle advertisement and promotion.
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Formation of Entrepreneurial Committee
Following the workshop, non-teaching staff members convened their first meeting on 15/02/2025 (Saturday), where they formed a committee and decided to move forward with launching an entrepreneurship project on soap-making within the campus.
Conclusion
The workshop effectively bridged academia and community entrepreneurship, fostering innovation and self-sustainability. The collaborative efforts of faculty, students, and Kudumbashree members will help transform this initiative into a successful entrepreneurial model benefiting both the institution and society.
