Client Name

Remote Synergy

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Nasir A. Afghan

SBS Thought Leadership Areas

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

SBS Thought Leadership Area Justification

This project falls under the domain of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation department at IBA because it embodies the core principles of opportunity identification, market experimentation, and value creation through novel business models. From the outset, the team approached product development with an entrepreneurial lens—using AI-powered tools to identify gaps in the U.S. e-commerce market, assessing real-time demand, and designing a sourcing strategy that was lean, adaptive, and scalable. Rather than simply applying textbook knowledge, the team engaged in a startup-style process of product discovery, supplier negotiation, and strategic brand positioning.

Moreover, the project reflects the department’s emphasis on experiential learning and real-world application. The team operated as a functional startup—testing

Our project aligns closely with the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Thought Leadership area at IBA, as it demonstrates the complete lifecycle of identifying, validating, and preparing to launch a commercially viable product using innovative tools and entrepreneurial thinking. This initiative reflects the department’s core mission of nurturing business model innovation, digital disruption, and venture building—both inside and outside traditional organizational structures.

For example, we used platforms like Helium 10 and Jungle Scout to analyze market demand and discover unsaturated product niches within the U.S. e-commerce space. This kind of data-driven exploration is central to entrepreneurial innovation, where insight replaces instinct. By shortlisting products such as vacuum storage bags and cervical pillows based on real consumer trends, we practiced opportunity recognition—the first step in entrepreneurial action.

In addition, we engaged in supplier sourcing and negotiation using global platforms like Alibaba and 1688, treating the project as a lean venture with real capital constraints. We evaluated lead times, customization capabilities, and MOQs, which mirrors the agile mindset of early-stage startups looking to bring a product to market with limited risk and maximum flexibility.

From a strategic standpoint, our application of Resource-Based View (RBV) and Diffusion of Innovations Theory provided a structured innovation roadmap—allowing us to develop a competitive edge through internal capabilities (like research tools and analytical insight), while targeting early adopters via platforms like TikTok Shop and Amazon.

Ultimately, the project contributes to IBA’s vision of developing entrepreneurial leaders who apply innovation not only to create profitable ventures, but also to build sustainable, data-informed, and socially responsible businesses—fully in line with the goals of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Thought Leadership area.

Aligned SDGs

GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Aligned SDGs Justification

We applied innovative tools and digital infrastructure like Helium 10, Jungle Scout, and AI-driven market analysis to identify and launch scalable e-commerce products, contributing to technological progress in business.

NDA

No

Abstract

This report documents the end-to-end journey of a student-led product discovery and sourcing project carried out under Remote Synergy’s Experiential Learning Program (ELP). The initiative aimed to bridge academic learning with real-world business application by identifying viable private label product opportunities for the U.S. e-commerce market. Using tools such as Helium 10, Jungle Scout, Google Trends, and Keepa, the team conducted extensive market research to uncover high-demand, low-competition products with long-term potential. The final shortlist included items reflecting post-pandemic consumer needs such as wellness, home organization, and lifestyle convenience.

Following the product research phase, the team transitioned into strategic supplier sourcing. Platforms like Alibaba and 1688 were used to engage with manufacturers who met criteria related to quality certifications, MOQ flexibility, lead time, and customization options. Through this process, students negotiated pricing, evaluated factory credentials, and explored packaging possibilities to build a cost-effective, ethical supply chain compatible with Amazon FBA.

The project’s foundation was informed by theories including the Resource-Based View and Diffusion of Innovations, which guided decisions around competitive advantage and market timing. Ethical considerations were central to the project, including transparent supplier communication, sustainability through small-batch testing, and responsible use of research tools.

This report not only highlights the team’s ability to synthesize theoretical knowledge with practical execution, but also demonstrates a scalable approach to market entry rooted in innovation, ethics, and adaptability. The insights gained contribute to the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital commerce, offering a replicable framework for future product research, sourcing, and launch.

Document Type

Restricted Access

Document Name for Citation

Experiential Learning Project

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