V-LUCK: Eco-Friendly Campus Locker System

One point I believe important is to reduce fossil fuel and carbon emissions by universities and campus facilities, for that to happen we need to start by small steps. We live in a century of smart technology—AI, drones, and even robots. So why do we still rely on outdated, waste-generating metal loc...

One point I believe important is to reduce fossil fuel and carbon emissions by universities and campus facilities, for that to happen we need to start by small steps. We live in a century of smart technology—AI, drones, and even robots. So why do we still rely on outdated, waste-generating metal lockers? [Introduction] Introducing V-LUCK—the innovative solution for secure, eco-friendly storage on the go. My name is Valeria Fernandez, and I am the founder of V-LUCK. I am a first-year student at UTRGV I love science and I love business. My team includes my mentor, Elizabeth Davis, the CEO of Nuts and Cows and Cocina by the Hour. [Problem Statement] Regular lockers generate tons of waste metals. We have smart lockers, but indoor smart lockers remain connected to electricity 24/7. Up to 30% of their total energy use is due to inactivity. [Statistics and Market Analysis] This year alone, UTRGV Brownsville campus recorded 32,174 students. Did you know that about 50% of students carry more than one bag to college? That’s approximately 16,000 students and 60 of these students worry about carrying something value. The solution is V-LUCK—an outdoor locker facility fully powered by the sun. It will increase locker accessibility by 40% and promote sustainability, leading to lower long-term costs and fewer disruptions. [Prototype Introduction] Allow me to introduce you to our first prototype of V-LUCK. It features a solar panel, lockers identified by a number, and a POS system for inputting locker codes. Here’s how it works: The solar panel absorbs sunlight, and the generated electricity is stored in batteries. This allows for a continuous power supply even when sunlight isn't available, such as during nighttime or cloudy days. [Customer Needs] Our customers need a 24/7 facility to store their belongings close to their classes. V-LUCK’s solar-powered machine provides this accessibility and operates independently from the grid. In 2024, there was an increase in demand for solar-powered facilities in U.S. universities. Last year, the smart locker market was valued at $2.1 billion. [Competitive Analysis] Our market competition includes ARKA, Package Nexus, and Omnic. These companies focus on being locker delivery facilities powered by the sun, primarily located in Asia and Eastern countries, and they operate as business-to-business companies. We do have a competitive advantage on being one of the unique ventures in being a business to consumer facility focusing on storage AND being located on college campus.   [Marketing Strategy] Our marketing strategy revolves around the 3Ps: Product, Place, and Promotion. Like other companies, we will use social media to promote our content and progress. Our primary marketing source will be on-campus promotions by placing v-luck in strateguc location and relying on word-of-mouth by users. [Pricing Strategy] Now, let's discuss the financial aspect. Each locker reservation will cost around $2 for a 4-hour basis, with an extension option. A 24-hour reservation will cost $7, and a one-week reservation $10. The scalability of V-LUCK is crucial for long-term profit. We aim to expand V-LUCK to high-traffic areas of Texas, such as outlets, tourist attractions like the zoo, and event venues such as concerts. [Funding Request] To bring this vision to life, I am asking for $8,830, which is the estimated cost of V-LUCK, including manufacturing and software installation.