Aggie I-Corps Success Stories

Spotlight: Ayyan Asif Refines Healthcare Venture Through I-Corps

Graduate student Ayyan Asif didn’t know exactly where to begin with his innovative business idea—until he joined the NSF I-Corps IdeaLaunch cohort at NMSU.

With a background in business and a master’s degree in data analytics, Ayyan was developing a concept he calls Mindful Analytics, aimed at helping healthcare organizations improve operations through data-driven insights. But before I-Corps, he wasn’t sure where to focus—or how to identify and reach his ideal customers.

“When I selected this topic, I wasn’t sure which direction to move forward—who my customers were or how to address them,” Ayyan said. “The I-Corps program helped me focus on customer discovery, the questions I needed to ask, and where I should really concentrate my efforts.”

Learning to Listen to Customers

Over the course of the short but intensive program, Ayyan discovered the power of the I-Corps methodology. Tools like the Business Model Canvas, combined with customer interviews and insights from industry mentors, helped him refine both his thinking and his strategy.

One of the biggest lessons came from direct customer engagement. Initially, Ayyan considered a broad target market that included hospitals, research centers, and schools. But through interviews, he learned that healthcare workers and health-focused organizations had the strongest interest in his solution.

“I realized I needed to focus on healthcare personnel,” he said. “That’s where my idea really fit best.”

Moving Forward with Confidence

Even though he’s not yet sure about his next move, Ayyan has made substantial progress and continues developing Mindful Analytics based on what he learned from his IdeaLaunch cohort.

“The industry mentors taught me a lot of things I didn’t know,” he said. “I feel more confident now, and I know what steps to follow to start a business. I’m still working to improve the idea and keep discovering what customers really need.”

Advice for Future Entrepreneurs

When asked what advice he’d give to other NMSU students, faculty, or community members considering I-Corps, Ayyan is clear:

“Every student who’s interested in starting their own business should participate in I-Corps. It’s a great starting point, and it really helps you learn new business techniques.”

As he continues refining Mindful Analytics and seeks future opportunities to grow, Ayyan credits I-Corps with giving him not just tools—but direction and entrepreneurial confidence.