By Erin Timmerman
Jogi Katende and Duy Nguyen are far from being average college students. While they are committed to the success of their academic studies, they are also the co-founders of an innovative startup venture, Apprese. This commitment to their business partnership, their shared entrepreneurial mindset, and their vision for Apprese's success is why they are 2024's James Ian Gray Scholars in Entrepreneurial Studies.
Katende is a junior within the Broad College of Business, the College of Social Science, and the Honors College, pursuing a dual degree in Finance and Economics, supplemented by minors in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Quantitative Data Analytics. Meanwhile, Nguyen, also a junior, is affiliated with the Broad College of Business and the Honors College, majoring in Supply Chain Management with double minors in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Real Estate. Their collaborative success exemplifies the fusion of academic excellence and entrepreneurial ambition.
Katende grew up on a rural farm in Uganda, East Africa. He attended school in Kampala, Uganda's capital city. Nearly 7,500 miles away from family, Katende has made MSU feel like home, becoming involved in as many campus activities beyond the Burgess Institute.
"In my spare time at MSU, I am a member of the Uganda National Taekwondo Team and the MSU Taekwondo Team. I am also an avid researcher who recently presented at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research in California. Subsequently, I am also a resident assistant," said Katende.
Nguyen has also traveled worldwide from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. At 14, he left his home country to study abroad in the United States, believing it would give him an edge in educational and employment prospects.
"I was raised in a family of five, including my parents and two younger brothers," Nguyen said. "I was born during a time when my parents did not have many resources or opportunities, and seeing my parents work hard to care for the entire family has inspired my hardworking personality."
Instilling The Entrepreneurial Mindset
Katende's entrepreneurial spirit was sparked in his youth, inspired by his grandmother's supermarket ownership. He learned valuable business lessons by watching her manage the store, from interacting with customers to keeping operations smooth. This early exposure laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial mindset, shaping his understanding of what it takes to succeed.
"Although she was in her 70s, she still got up early every morning to ensure the shelves were fully stocked and ready for the day. I spent most of my time working beside her while she spoke with her customers. She learned everyone's names and spoke with an energetic smile, planting the seeds for a happy day in everyone's hearts."
Nguyen's exceptionally creative parents ignited his passion for entrepreneurship. As a child, they consistently shared their innovative ideas with him. His determination to succeed as an entrepreneur stems from the realization that many of his parents' ideas never materialized.
"My parents enjoyed discussing such ideas over dinner, and listening to them increased my exposure to the world of entrepreneurship. However, there is one problem: they did not have time to work on those ideas, which fueled my entrepreneurial desire even more because I knew I had the time to accomplish amazing things to solve problems."
Creating Through Design
Katende and Nguyen identify as entrepreneurs, driven by their shared ethos of embracing innovation and navigating unconventional avenues to address challenges. Their commitment to problem-solving underscores their entrepreneurial spirit as they continually seek novel solutions and opportunities for growth.
Nguyen states, "I firmly believe that everybody can be an entrepreneur. For me, an entrepreneur seeks to understand the difficulties that others have and then develops solutions to those problems. Entrepreneurs must be hungry, open to new experiences, and eager to improve."
A Community of Like-Minded Individuals
For Katende and Nguyen, joining the Burgess Institute represented more than just excelling in a venture or creating one; it was an encounter with like-minded individuals. For them, the Burgess Institute quickly became a community where they no longer felt alone on their entrepreneurial journey but instead found a place where they belonged.
"The Burgess Institute provides a hub where entrepreneurs can gather with each other in a close community of innovators," said Katende. "Furthermore, the Burgess Institute provides experienced, expert advice and support throughout the entrepreneurship journey."
A Scholarship and Dedication
The James Ian Gray Scholarship in Entrepreneurial Studies is profoundly significant to Katende and Nguyen. This prestigious accolade validates their dedicated efforts within the Burgess Institute. It is a powerful motivator propelling them towards their individual and collective business aspirations. They perceive this award as a testament to their unwavering work ethic and substantial contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape.
Nguyen reflects on their selection for the scholarship: "I feel we were both picked for this honor because of our positive work ethic and significant contributions to the Burgess Institute and the community. It means a lot to us since we believe the scholarship will motivate us to work harder and be more active in the entrepreneurial path."
Anticipating the Future
Katende is eager for the entrepreneurial opportunities ahead and anticipates playing a pivotal role in shaping the future. He looks forward to harnessing his knowledge and experiences to contribute to an African entrepreneurial revolution, aiming to be at the forefront of positive change.
"Since childhood, I have been impressed with America's pioneer attitude toward solving problems," shared Katende, reflecting on his aspirations. "I want to fully experience how this entrepreneurial attitude benefits America and then return to Africa to improve the daily lives of my fellow citizens."
Nguyen has always been more focused on the present impact of his work than on predicting the future. His driving force is believing his efforts today will shape a better tomorrow for others.
"All I know is that I wanted to build our business to serve as many people as possible," said Nguyen. "My objective is to create an impact and enhance people's lives wherever I go like I have done since I started my business."
Each year, the MSU Innovation Center awards the James Ian Gray Scholarship in Entrepreneurial Studies to an MSU student exhibiting the exceptional qualities of an entrepreneur. Named after Dr. James Ian Gray, who spearheaded the creation of the Innovation Center and served as vice president for Research and Graduate Studies at MSU for nearly a decade, this scholarship honors Jogi and Duy's determination as young, motivated creators. James Ian Gray Scholars in Entrepreneurial Studies receive $2,000 per semester to help cover tuition or student expenses.
Connect with Jogi and Duy on LinkedIn and Instagram to learn more about their journey.