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WIST iGEM

ENTREPRENEURSHIP.

The business oriented side of our project

BUSINESS
MODEL

Marketing Target

Professional farmers, Horticulturists, and Orchid enthusiasts
Our intended end-users comprise a diverse group of stakeholders, including professional farmers, horticulturists, and avid orchid enthusiasts engaged in both commercial and domestic cultivation. Through the adoption of our innovative project, these stakeholders stand to optimize the resilience of their orchid crops against the threat of soft rot disease. As a result, they can expect to achieve not only healthier orchid plants but also a substantial increase in overall productivity. This enhanced orchid health directly translates into a range of benefits, including higher yields, improved quality of orchid blooms, and increased market competitiveness. Our project offers a strategic and effective solution designed to the specific needs of orchid growers, enabling them to achieve greater success and profitability in their orchid cultivation endeavors.

Future Expectations

Short term goal: develop and improve our product
In the short term, our primary focus remains on the ongoing development of our product's foundational aspects. We intend to produce it in limited quantities, seeking valuable insights and feedback from orchid farmers and experts in the field. This input will be instrumental in refining our project.
Mid-term phase: engage with potential partners in the industry
Moving into the mid-term phase, once we have undergone thorough verification and our project has reached a significant level of improvement, we plan to engage with potential partners in the industry who can assist with scaling up production. Our goal is to introduce our product to the market, ensuring its accessibility to a broader audience.
Long term goal: strong presence within our target market
Looking ahead to our long-term objectives, our ultimate aim is to establish a strong presence within our target market. The revenue generated from successful market integration will be reinvested to support further research in related areas. We are driven by the aspiration to make a substantial positive impact on the orchid industry by reducing the risks associated with soft rot disease and fostering greater sustainability.

SWOT Analysis

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Strengths

Economic Significance
By focusing on combating soft rot disease in orchids caused by Dickeya fangzhongdai , we aim to protect and enhance orchid yields, which have substantial economic value in the global floral industry.
Innovation
By harnessing the power of genetic engineering and biotechnology, we are pioneering a novel and forward-thinking approach to agricultural challenges. Traditional methods of disease control often rely on chemical treatments or breeding for resistance, but our project takes a different path. We delve into the genetic makeup of orchids and their pathogen, Dickeya fangzhongdai , to create targeted and precise genetic solutions. This innovation not only promises more effective disease control but also aligns with the global shift toward sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Weaknesses

Limited Scope
The project's research scope is confined to addressing soft rot disease caused by Dickeya fangzhongdai . This limited focus may restrict the broader applicability of the findings and potential solutions to a more diverse range of agricultural challenges.
Complexity of Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering techniques can be complex and time-consuming. The project may encounter challenges in the manipulation of genes, potentially leading to delays or unexpected results. The complexity of production also make it less accessible and expensive.

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Opportunities

Application to other soft rot diseases
Our method has the potential for broader application and can be adapted for use in other plants affected by soft rot. Our approach is versatile and may serve as a foundation for combatting similar diseases in the future.
Product Commercialization
Developing soft rot-resistant orchid varieties and other plant products could lead to commercialization opportunities, such as selling seeds, plants, or genetic materials to growers and nurseries.

Threats

Public Perception and Acceptance
The public's perception and acceptance of genetically modified crops and organisms represent another significant threat. Orchids are not only economically valuable but also culturally and aesthetically significant. Genetic modifications, even for disease resistance, can be met with skepticism or opposition from consumers, environmental advocates, and certain segments of the public.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
If the costs of implementing genetic solutions outweigh the expected benefits, it may become challenging to justify further investment or gain support for the project.
Regulations
There may be certain regulations from the government while dealing with manipulating bacterial communication pathways. This is because there may be some safety concerns, but we have always been trying our best to prevent accidents from happening.

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