EVA, a low cost solution to improve the blueberry harvest
The students of Commercial Engineering, Graphic Design and Industrial Civil Engineering, Josefa Prat, Felipe Álvarez, Constanza Retamal, Joaquín Brant and Cristóbal Ortiz, created EVA (versatile blueberry extractor) thanks to the dLab alternative titration program in Concepción.
EVA is a tool that aims to increase productivity of the export blueberries harvesters and producers, solving the problem of shortage of labor that exists both nationally and internationally.
How was the project born?
It was born thanks to dLab Concepción, where through the methodology 'Desing Thinking' the theme "Agriculture" was handed out, and as a team we decided to go out to the field focusing on the fruit area, to then arrive at the export blueberry, since it is a market in growth and with high profitability.
The big problem we found in export blueberries was the shortage of labor when harvesting, because it is a seasonal job, requires high physical effort and the salary is low, so as a team we put ourselves as aim to increase the seasonal worker's productivity to eliminate the uncertainty of the blueberry producer.
What is the solution you are looking to deliver with EVA?
In addition to increasing productivity, EVA contains a basket that minimizes the contact of blueberries with the hands, which is the main cause of the wear of the fruit bloom (wax that gives durability and exportable character to the blueberry). On the other hand, the amount of blueberries that fall during the harvesting process is minimized.
It is important to mention that the seasonal worker must make a selection of the bunches that he harvests, in order to extract the largest quantity of blueberries that meet the export characteristics, which is very easy to do when the blueberries are inside the recipient. Therefore, EVA increases the benefit of temporary (user) and producer (customer).
Why did they want to join the dLab?
The dLab is a program that gives you unique tools, first of all it allows you to work with people who have different personalities and knowledge. In addition, it introduces you to the world of companies one year before any other professional future. And, finally, it gives you the possibility to develop your own Start Up as a degree, which is great for everyone who likes entrepreneurship and innovation.
What was the most rewarding and most difficult part of this experience?
The most rewarding thing as a team was to find a problem that occurs all over the world (the shortage of labor in the harvest of export blueberries), inserted in a very powerful market, for which we created a disruptive, innovative, simple solution and of high impact for our client and user. All this with an interdisciplinary team, which taught us to work with people with different knowledge and personalities, adapting to this type of work was the most difficult part of the process.
What are you currently with EVA?
We are currently working with an industrial design agency in Concepcion to optimize and refine the design of the product, with the objective of minimizing the cost of production. We also postulate the 'Seed Capital', soon to be the PRAE and FIA fund, to be able to sell 2018 in October, before the beginning of the harvest.
We want to reach the North American market, since it produces more than 60% of blueberries worldwide (Chile is the second largest producer), but we are already in talks with domestic customers that have production in that area.
What changed this experience in you as professionals?
As professionals we feel more complete, with new knowledge in areas different from ours, we are more comprehensive and tolerant when interacting with people who have different visions and points of view. Now we have an open mind to detect problems and innovative solutions.
What message would you give to other students who want to start?
If they want to undertake, make an effort, work hard as a team and are passionate about creating global solutions, the dLab is the best opportunity that the Universidad del Desarrollo gives to its students.
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