Finding Your Niche: The Art of Innovation and Differentiation in a Crowded Market
We'll explore how to uncover hidden opportunities through user research, use lean validation techniques to test ideas before scaling, and strategically position your business in a way that differentiates it from competitors. You’ll also learn how to break into niche markets effectively whether through emerging technologies like AI and VR, or cultural intelligence—can be your biggest advantage.
This talk will include real-world case studies, actionable frameworks, and lessons from startups that successfully turned niche ideas into thriving businesses. Whether you're an early-stage founder or looking to pivot your existing venture, this session will equip you with the tools to find your niche, innovate with confidence, and scale strategically.
Hello, I am Prerna Choubey, founder of Pramanity Research Group. With a multifaceted background spanning across immersive technology, cognition, and anthropology, I bring over seven years of comprehensive research experience to the forefront. My passion for education and technology converged in my pioneering work as a Virtual Reality (VR) Researcher. Recognizing VR's potential as an educational tool, I spearheaded immersive experiences fostering empathy, understanding, and cultural preservation.
Having spearheaded research teams across government agencies and esteemed universities, my expertise lies in understanding human psychology and cultural intelligence, driving impactful outcomes in diverse projects. I hold double Master's degrees in International Studies and History from the prestigious University of Washington and University of Delhi. My Ph.D. focuses on impact of immersive technologies on the cognitive development of the learners. My multidisciplinary visionary approach with my understanding of the user's psychology and commitment to humanizing the product development process enables me to deliver impactful research outcomes that help businesses excel.
I've taken my side hustle which helps entrepreneurs test their business ideas and create messaging that resonates with customers, to a full-time venture. In this talk, I will talk you through the early stages of developing an idea and how to validate this idea with potential customers, through to building on this by monetising and transitioning away from a side-hustle to a full-time venture.
Taking all about taking the first steps to building, overcoming that fear of starting, how to not overthink and just focusing on doing.
Utilizing the theme of the conference, we will dive into capturing your idea, refining what problem you plan to solve with your idea, defining your customer base, discovering your niche in the market, and then developing simple pricing structures that are fair to you and your customers. All of this will be done by oversimplifying your ideas to then use as a framework for what will become your detailed business plans for investors, partners, or even just yourself! These principles are meant to be a guiding light for you to stay true to your goals, and how you can help the world be a better place to live.
Many creatives struggle with the balance between artistic passion and profitability. But what if your creative side project could become a thriving business? Dava Guthmiller shares her approach to launching A Dash Of, a brand born from a love of food, storytelling, and curation. Discover how to align your expertise into a niche, test market demand, and build something that brings profit to your passion.
