The idea arose from personal experiences and accounts from others that identified recurring issues in the market, such as a lack of trust in dog walkers and negligence during walks.
Inspired by international models, they researched the positive impact of similar platforms in other markets. They decided to adapt this solution to Uruguay, focusing on creating a reliable service that would meet these needs.
Although they had not yet taken any specific technical courses that would have enabled them to build the platform, Andrés and Lucas conducted their own research to implement modern frameworks such as Next.js, which allowed them to quickly develop a functional platform.
In addition, they took advantage of support programs such as the one offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), which provided them with initial credits for cloud services.
The platform is incubated at the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Universidad ORT Uruguay, where they receive mentoring and support in key areas such as applying for funding and validating their business model. They also highlight the opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs, which facilitates the exchange of experiences.
A user-centered approach
Initially, interactions between dog walkers and pet owners were handled via WhatsApp, which allowed us to better understand their needs and tailor the platform accordingly.
Currently, Walkito is a web app, but they are already planning to expand into a mobile app to improve accessibility. In addition, they are working to address issues such as the lack of detailed information about pets, which is essential for ensuring high-quality walks.
Key Issues
The founders identified several issues in the market, such as:
- Dog walkers who handle too many dogs at once, compromising the safety and quality of the walk.
- Lack of adequate exercise and socialization for pets.
- Communication issues between pet owners and dog walkers regarding each animal's specific characteristics.
To address these issues, Walkito carefully selects its dog walkers through interviews and evaluations. They also plan to introduce features such as real-time tracking of walks and a rating system to improve transparency.
Future Plans
Walkito is looking to diversify its offerings by including services such as pet sitting and house sitting, which allow pet owners to rely on a caregiver when they are away from home. The company is also working to incorporate pet insurance and form strategic partnerships with veterinary clinics to offer exclusive benefits to its users.
In terms of technology, Walkito aims to automate key processes such as payments and report generation, thereby improving service efficiency.
Tips for other students
"Taking the initiative to learn outside of an academic setting is key," says Lucas. They recommend taking advantage of any opportunity to work on personal projects, contribute to open-source initiatives, or launch your own ventures.
For them, entrepreneurship is an enriching experience that not only allows them to make a difference in society but also to develop multidisciplinary skills.
Marketing and Growth
In addition to technological development, the creators of Walkito emphasize the importance of digital marketing. They create social media content on pet-related topics, launch promotions, and seek to participate in industry events to raise awareness of their platform and validate their business model.
Walkito, led by Andrés Viera and Lucas Tejería, is a prime example of how systems engineering students can apply their knowledge to develop innovative solutions that address real-world problems in the community.
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