The Pitch #124 ECGO: Turning Trash Into Treasure With AI
Nov 8, 2023
ECGO is an AI-powered app that helps people properly dispose of items by taking a photo. The podcast discusses the potential profits from selling to universities and the challenges of recycling. Other topics include Altitude Beverages, social dynamics of recycling, investor concerns, and scaling a business.
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Nicole's ECO App Story
- Nicole Toole created an AI-powered app, ECO, that helps students recycle properly by identifying recyclability from a photo.
- The app rewards users with points redeemable for discounts and has launched paid pilots at two universities.
Universities Face Contamination Costs
- Universities pay significant contamination fees ranging from $75,000 to $150,000 annually due to improper recycling.
- ECO aims to reduce these costs by educating students to improve recycling quality and volume.
Use Rivalry for Engagement
- Leverage social competition like house vs. house or school rivalries to boost app usage.
- Adding social challenges can significantly increase engagement and recycling activity on campuses.