Leaf.ly
In these Startup Profiles, we talked to the YSI SEA Fellows of the Innovation Programme 2020 and asked them about their startups, challenges and ideas for a more sustainable future.
Leaf.ly wants to help local farmers and agripreneurs make better decisions with data. Their solution is a plant disease classification tool powered by AI, which aims to reduce farm expenses by shortening the waiting time and optimizing fertilizer input. 🌿
Leaf.ly is one of the startups in our Innovation Programme 2020. We talked to the YSI SEA Fellow behind Leaf.ly: Roy Joseph Roberto.
.Watch the video below to see them talk about their startup in greater detail! Scroll down for the rest of the interview.
Roy is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Data Science at the Asian Institute of Management. He has over 6 years of professional experience working with local and international IT organizations, including a Fortune Global 500 company where he assumed a Senior Analyst position.
He believes that data science is not just the hottest career track in the 21st century but also an essential skill in addressing the world’s food security challenges. For him, the dream is to help make farming sexier with AI.
What is your idea in one sentence?
It’s a decision support tool which aims to help farmers classify plant diseases using data science and artificial intelligence.
What made you interested in social impact?
The average age of farmers in the Philippines is 60 years old. This is alarming because the current generation seems to no longer care about taking on farming as an industry. As a data science student, the dream is to make farming sexier and more attractive to young people, through technology and innovation.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in life?
The biggest challenge is to find my life’s purpose. With the skills, talents and experience that I have now, I ask myself: “How do I make an impact in the community?” and “How do I make a difference in other people’s lives?”. Life is short, and I think it’s ultimate purpose is not just to find happiness, but to really be of service to other people.
What is one piece of advice you give to aspiring entreprenuers?
Embrace the culture of learning fast and failing fast. Take risks and go chase that dream even if it scares the hell out of you. Success is not about being perfect and spotless, it’s really an iteration of failures until you come up with the best possible solution to the problems that you are trying to solve.
Catch Roy and the rest of the 23 regional impact entrepreneurs at the YSI SEA Demo Day 2020!
