From Idea to startup training with PUI

In September 2025, the PU Incubator (PUI) welcomed members of the local community to a new training series, “From Idea to Startup with PUI.” Dr. Khalil Yassin, a faculty member, led the first sessions, which covered Stage 1: Idea and Problem. He took participants through three canvases: the Empathy Map, the Problem Statement Canvas, and the Founder/Team Canvas. Participants also worked through three core exercises. They brainstormed and ranked ideas, wrote a one-sentence problem statement that answers “Who has what problem, and why does it matter?”, and mapped the founders’ skills, gaps and commitment.

Dr. Yassin also guided attendees through the Incubator’s admission and incubation process, giving them a clear roadmap from initial application to structured business development. To extend the support beyond the sessions, he offered ongoing one-on-one consultancy, and 7 students booked individual sessions with him.

In total, 25 students and community members formally joined as new Incubator members, giving them access to PUI’s mentorship, training and facility resources. By equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with practical tools for idea development, problem identification, and business creation, the initiative contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through the promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship. It also supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by strengthening entrepreneurial competencies and encouraging potential business creation and self-employment.