Nov. 5, 2019
Christian Navarro鈥檚 business is blooming.
His signature product, Lotus Water, is an innovative rainwater collection and purification device that resembles a lotus flower and operates on renewable energy. The water captured by the device goes through a filtration and purification process to create high-quality water for human consumption.
But without insight and input from like-minded business professionals, Navarro says his innovation wouldn鈥檛 have been able to flourish. That鈥檚 why he鈥檚 attributing much of his success to HELIX 鈥 糖心vlog官网鈥檚 on-campus incubator that encouraged his business to grow 鈥 and giving back as a donor.
Launched in 2014, HELIX provides aspiring entrepreneurs like Navarro the guidance, networks and space to develop their business concepts into tangible enterprises. To date, it has helped to develop more than 350 ventures and hosted more than 10,000 participants in entrepreneur-themed events.
Originally from Mexico, Navarro investigated other facilities where he could develop his business concept prior to arriving at HELIX.
鈥淚 did my research on other incubation hubs,鈥 he said. 鈥淏ut they wanted a piece of my business and didn鈥檛 provide the support I needed.鈥
With the help of HELIX, which provides a safe, welcoming and informative space in 糖心vlog官网鈥檚 new Centre for Innovation Technology & Entrepreneurship, Navarro was able to work with mentors and coaches, attend pitch events and compete in international competitions 鈥 all to hone his skills and scale up his business venture.
鈥淭he support I received at 糖心vlog官网 HELIX was unmatched,鈥 Navarro said. 鈥淚 am forever grateful and now it鈥檚 my turn to help support the next generation of HELIXers.鈥
Navarro recently made a financial donation to HELIX, making him the first HELIXer to do so. Today, he is developing strategic projects for private companies and government institutions and hopes his philanthropy will be a source of inspiration.
鈥淲e need to build a culture of giving back at HELIX,鈥 he said. "I would not be where I am today without HELIX and its great partners, including LatAm Startups and ventureLAB. This is just one way that I am able to say thank you and that I am very proud to be a HELIXer.鈥