EasyGreen Hydroponic Pot – a startup by WUT graduates
EasyGreen is a startup founded by a group of WUT graduates. The team has just completed work on a unique project—a hydroponic pot for growing herbs at home. The project was developed as part of the Mentoring Program, run by WUT's Careers Service, in cooperation with mentor Dawid Adach.
Hasn't every WUT student dreamed at least once of having their own startup? The team of mentees, consisting of Kamila Dąbrowska, Mateusz Jaros, Damian Kamiński, and Jakub Zajkowski, turned these dreams into action.
This innovative product, crafted for enthusiasts of fresh herbs, stems from a passion for science and a keen interest in learning about design, management, and marketing.
– Our 3D-printed hydroponic pot not only has a sleek and modern design but also meets all the needs for home herb cultivation. Thanks to its capillary watering system, built-in LED light, water level measurement system, and adjustable light height, we ensure ideal conditions for herb growth year-round – says Kamila Dąbrowska, co-creator of the hydroponic pot.
What makes the pot so unique?
Several elements make the product stand out:
- simple operation: just plant the herbs and water them once every two weeks,
- eco-friendly approach: allows for growing healthy herbs and avoiding plastic packaging,
- compact design: perfect for any kitchen, even those with limited space,
- time and cost savings: the cost of the pot quickly pays for itself, eliminating the need to buy fresh herbs.
– We encourage everyone to share their thoughts on our product and store. Your feedback is incredibly important to us and will help us continue to improve our project – adds Kamila Dąbrowska.
The mentoring program: support for getting started
The Mentoring Program at WUT, organized by WUT's Careers Service, is an initiative aimed at students and graduates from all faculties of the Warsaw University of Technology. WUT graduates who have achieved success in their fields provide guidance to students as they embark on their careers. In 2021, the program was recognized by the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) as the best mentoring program in Poland for higher education institutions, and this year it ranked among the top three. It has garnered significant interest among students, who have achieved great success with the help of their mentors. In the last edition, over 400 students applied to work with 30 mentors.
The team that developed the innovative pot received mentoring support from Dawid Adach, an experienced entrepreneur.
– At first, the team and I seriously considered how to best define my role. On one hand, I could assume the position of project manager and have a direct influence over every aspect of the implementation. In this role, my experience from managing several startups could have reduced mistakes and significantly enhanced the project's chances of success. However, this would also mean that the team wouldn't have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. Therefore, we opted for the second option—a more supportive role, resembling that of a supervisory board member. This approach enabled the team to take charge of the project independently, tackle challenges, and gain valuable insights from their own experiences – says Dawid Adach.
The team gained practical business knowledge and did an excellent job.
– Interestingly, there were several instances where their approach, which initially seemed flawed to me, actually worked! Students have this incredible ability to think outside the box. Their creativity surprised me. They tackle problems in ways I would have never considered, and that’s what makes it so fascinating. When I see the challenges they faced and how they dealt with them, I am confident that they learned a great deal about building a business – adds Adach.
The team's mentor regards the results of their collaboration as exceptional.
– The team not only created a tangible, functional product but also planned and executed the entire ecosystem around it—including the website, marketing, promotional materials, and advertising campaign. his remarkable achievement showcases their ability to think comprehensively and operate effectively - emphasizes Dawid Adach.
For more information, visit the project's website: https://easygreen.store/