The BYU–Hawaii Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship has a 3D printer, cameras, underwater cameras, podcasting systems, a virtual reality headset, and a green screen that all students can use for free. Students who used the resources shared how they used them to jumpstart their business ideas.
Koa Fowlke, a senior from Wyoming majoring in supply chain, shared he printed a prototype watch with a cartridge for consecrated oil for his business. He said it was helpful for him to visualize his future multipurpose watch.
“I realized there are a lot of things I need to change to make it function. The idea was in my mind for years, but I was not able to visualize it this real. Although it is not an actual working watch, it is exactly the size and the feel. It helped me to get closer to my goal of creating a real watch.”
Dakota Vincent, a senior from California majoring in computer science, is a teaching assistant at the Willes Center. He is in charge of the equipment. He said students have printed a mechanical clock, a watch, hand-cranked air siren, souvenirs, sculptures, door signs, and much more.
“One student printed a lion sculpture for his carving class. He was carving a lion sculpture by wood, and he used it as a model. Another photographer student printed a tripod and other camera equipment for his cameras,” Vincent shared.
Kristan Tiritilli, a senior from California majoring in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in exercise and sports science, said she used the cameras of the Willes Center for her online yoga teaching business. She said she is creating a 21-day yoga challenge.
“I was filming my yoga instruction videos with my iPhone, and it was not [high] quality. Then, in my Enactus class, I found out the Willes Center has many different kinds of cameras. I used regular and underwater cameras, tripods, and microphones. Now my videos are way better quality, and I’m excited about launching my new business.”
Lei Peseta, a senior from Samoa majoring in exercise and sports science, said she is doing her senior research project on energy expenditure (oxygen consumption) while playing virtual reality games. She said she is using the Willes Center’s virtual reality set with a metabolic machine (oxygen measuring mask). She said if her project is successful, she is planning to make a business out of it.
Vincent said if students want to use the 3D printer they need to create their designs on free online websites and get help from him to print it. To use other equipment, students have to contact the administrative assistant, Patiola Thompson, to check them out.
Paul Wilson, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Business & Government, said he purchased the 3D printer four years ago for the entrepreneurship program, but every student can use it. More than 50 students have printed things in the past, but it is not enough, he said. Wilson invited every student to take advantage of the resources the Willes Center provides for them.
Vincent invited students to contact him via Dakota.vincent96@gmail.com, text 949-872-9665 or come over to his office in the HGB during his office hours, which are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.