Quest: Revolutionizing travel management with enterprise software developed by ITE students

There is a tendency towards developing consumer-focused ideas in student-led startups. Students often prefer to solve problems that they encounter in their daily lives and among their friends. This tendency arises naturally. A start-up company run by students from Ateneo de Manila University takes a daring approach that goes against the norm. Despite challenges, they are carving their path and breaking away from the traditional mold.

Quest, a software startup created by students, is a data quality assurance tool tailored for travel agencies and co-founded by Fourth-Year BS Information Technology Entrepreneurship (ITE) students Anna David, Ethan Cheng, Karl Lapitan, Isabela Palarca, and Juan Martin Paz. The software platform venture is a shift towards a business-to-business (B2B) model, challenging the norms of student entrepreneurship.

Quest promises to fix the challenges in the workflow of travel agencies. One problem is verifying clients' group travel documents, such as visa applications. This process typically takes travel agencies 30 minutes, but Quest's data quality tool can bring this down to only one minute. The software users from the travel agency start by pointing the phone camera to the application form. The software then scans the documents, lets artificial intelligence (AI) detect discrepancies, and gives feedback on the mistakes in the form. Due to a drastic cut in processing time, their technology claims to be able to boost sales and net income by 35%. 

The startup has already received USD 5,000 worth of Amazon Web Services (AWS) credits through the AWS Activate Program to get its platform running on the cloud with minimal cost. Quest has also received guidance on developing its backend architecture from Ateneo’s Business Insights Laboratory for Development (BUILD).

Quest's journey began with a shared passion for travel among its co-founders. It initially sought individual travelers with a vision to simplify travel planning. However, realizing existing technologies could meet these consumer needs prompted a significant strategic pivot. This shift from a consumer-focused idea to a specialized B2B tool for travel agencies shows the team's adaptability and willingness to address more complex, industry-specific challenges. 

Quest tackles a significant pain point for travel agencies by streamlining document verification processes. Engaging with travel agencies allowed the startup team to refine its product based on real-world feedback. These collaborations are vital, providing insights that guide the product development process and ensure that the solution effectively addresses the users' needs. 

For the startup under the ITE program, transitioning to a B2B model is a bold statement that students can also play in this space. This pivot to the B2B should inspire aspiring young entrepreneurs to explore the segment's vast innovation and societal impact opportunities. The collaborative development approach improves learning for entrepreneurship students and industry clients while providing more tailored and impactful solutions.