Tell us about yourself!

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My name is Nicholas Varas, and I am the CEO and Co-Founder of Moduleaf! My journey began in my final year of Mechatronics Engineering at Ontario Tech University, where I discovered Brilliant Catalyst. Through an Instagram post, I saw an opportunity to not only create an exciting capstone project but also transform it into a startup with long-term potential. That project evolved into what Moduleaf is today, where we're using cutting-edge technology to revolutionize sustainable farming.

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Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a founder? What inspired or motivated you to start your own business? 

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Coming from a deeply technical engineering background, I knew I lacked the business skills required to navigate the world of entrepreneurship. However, my passion for innovation and problem-solving drove me to explore how technology could address real-world challenges. Brilliant Catalyst helped bridge the gap between my technical expertise and the business acumen I needed to build and lead a company, where I’ve since established a strong foundation for business administration. My motivation ultimately stems from the belief that technology, particularly robotics and AI in my case, can help create an impact on the world for the better, especially in the critical industries like agriculture.

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Can you describe a pivotal moment or experience during your journey as a founder where Brilliant Catalyst significantly guided you through a difficult situation or decision? 

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A pivotal moment for me was definitely during the March Madness pitch competition by Saint Mary’s University (now titled “The Arena”). I was under pressure to constantly refine my pitch with each round, expanding certain sections all while keeping within time limits. During this period, Brilliant Catalyst mentors provided invaluable feedback, helping me fine-tune my message and improve delivery. Their guidance on storytelling, pacing, and focusing on key business aspects was instrumental in shaping the most effective pitch possible, ultimately helping me succeed.

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What were some key lessons or insights you gained from working with Brilliant Catalyst mentors or participating in their programs? 

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One of the most important lessons I learned was how to communicate complex, technical ideas in a way that resonates with investors, partners, and customers. Coming from a technical background, I often view problems differently, but Brilliant Catalyst taught me how to translate my vision into language that connects with a broader audience. Learning how to tell a compelling story and convey the impact of our work was key to building meaningful relationships and support for Moduleaf.

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How has your perception of entrepreneurship evolved since partnering with Brilliant Catalyst and how has that impacted your approach to running your business? 

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My perception of entrepreneurship has evolved significantly. I used to think of it mainly as product development and sales, but after working with Brilliant Catalyst, I realized how much of it is about building networks, learning from others, and connecting diverse ideas. Brilliant Catalyst exposed me to a vast network of entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals from various fields, which has broadened my thinking. I now approach running Moduleaf not just as a product-based company but as part of an innovative ecosystem where collaboration fuels growth.

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Looking back, what advice would you give to an aspiring founder?

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My biggest advice is to embrace failure as part of the process. You’ll go through countless iterations of your pitch, product, and business model, and roadblocks are inevitable. But it’s crucial to learn from mistakes, seek feedback, and keep refining your approach. The most successful entrepreneurs are those who persist through challenges and build stronger products and teams as a result. Surround yourself with people who can offer different perspectives, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.

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Can you share any future goals or plans for your business? 

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A major goal for Moduleaf this year is to get our strawberry-harvesting robot fully operational and deploy it at our farming partners in Vineland and Port Perry. We’ll gather real-time feedback from farmers, measure the robot's efficiency, and refine the product to better cater to their needs. This feedback loop will help us ensure that our robots not only meet farmers’ expectations but also push the boundaries of agricultural automation. After that, we aim to begin working on a prototype for an energy-efficient greenhouse in 2025!

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Reflecting on your journey, how has your relationship with Brilliant Catalyst evolved over time? And what role do you see them playing in your future endeavours? 

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My relationship with Brilliant Catalyst has evolved into a true partnership. From attending events to receiving mentorship, Brilliant Catalyst has been a key pillar of support throughout my journey. Whether I need advice on a specific challenge or just a space to brainstorm ideas, they’ve always been there. Looking ahead, I see Brilliant Catalyst continuing to be a valuable part of Moduleaf’s growth and knowledge network, helping us navigate new challenges and opportunities as we expand.

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