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EcoPods

LAUNCHING AN AWARD WINNING SOLUTION TO MINIMIZING PLASTIC WASTE

EcoPods is a novel solution to minimize plastic use in the world’s largest sector: hospitality.

It is a 3 by 3 inch pre-portioned biodegradable pod containing soap. The pods outer membrane is composed of 90% wood pulp making it completely water soluble. Inside the pod is a water activated 3-in-1 powder soap. Once water reaches the pod, the membrane dissolves and the powder soap formulates bubbles making it grow 5 times larger as a now liquid. The user will then lather the soap in any desired area.

Overview

My main responsibilities included design research and engineering a functioning prototype utilizing sustainable, ESG-approved technology. I handled all of the product design and development which includes strategizing UVP, curating brand identity and industry alignment strategy, as well as customer acquisition. Thus far, we received verbal commitment from Lago Mar Hotel, Regent cruise line, and several small scale hotels to launch a pilot program. In addition, our product was awarded 3rd place globally, out of 763 teams at the Diamond Challenge Global Summit and $2,500 in startup funds. Our team was the closing Keynote speaker for the Innovation Institute and Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE).

Brief

Design a solution that targets solving an aspect of a “Wicked Problem”:

With my team of four, we conceptualized the first ever water soluble, water activated 3-in-1 soap, a novel solution to minimize plastic waste in the hospitality industry, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Tools

Photoshop, Trello, and several physical materials for prototyping

Timeline

October 2022 - March 2023

Location

Fort Lauderdale

Team/Partners

Me + three other social entrepreneurship fellows in my class

Impact

Awarded 3rd place globally, out of 763 teams at the Diamond Challenge Global Summit and $2,500 in startup funds.

Also honored to be closing Keynote speaker for the Innovation Institute and Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE).