Coronado Mainstreet
The 4-Point Approach
Below are a few examples of student-led social ventures that emerged from the Global Social Innovation program in recent years. Scroll down to see information about each of these social innovations and what each venture is up to now!
Click on the brand tiles to find out more!
LEATHERHEART is a B-Corp certified company that utilizes textile fabric waste in Venezuela, to create plush toys and dolls for children. The company trains and employs women from underserved areas of the country to sew and embroider the dolls, and in the past two years has sold over 10,000 unique puppets and dolls for children in Venezuela.
BIOMILQ is a woman-owned, science-led, and centered biotech startup developing novel technology to make human milk outside the body. Winning the grand prize and the Women's Innovator Award in 2020, Co-founder and CEO Michelle Egger has since raised $21 million in series A funding, including $3.5 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
HUGS INTL is a web platform that uses the same documentation that students provide to obtain their VISA to make the home search process accessible, enjoyable, and safe for both students living in the United States and landlords.
RECO BOARDS transforms plastic beverage cartons into sustainable and creative furniture and sports equipment. Reco Boards repurposes the equivalent number of food packaging that a Chilean consumes in 25 years by recycling more that 1,500 plastic containers per one of its garden planters.
BRILLIANT BIOME is a precision medicine platform that makes gut health understandable. With an at-home kit, the venture translates complex gut microbiome into actionable suggestions and provides dietary guides for users. Found Dr. Sierra Simpson won 2nd Prize at the 2020 Global Finals.
HOOLA ONE
Hoola One technologies offer solutions to areas affected by microplastic pollution on beaches. These mobile beach cleaners collect micro and nano plastics. Hoola One has repeatedly been recognized as one of the green ideas of the year by La Presse, and they continue to innovate to change the world.
MY STORY
My Story is one of the University of San Diego’s most popular events, which features student storytelling and allows audiences to listen to diverse stories. My Story, now a nationwide social venture, was founded at USD as a student program by Charlotte Vitak('17) during her Sophomore year in 2014. Charlotte explored ways to build a more inclusive community with the My Story program
2050 SMOOTHIE
Imagine if you could make a delicious smoothie, magically remove the water, and save it in your pantry to drink in 2 years. Basically, The 2050 Smoothie is meal prep on steroids. Now you can enjoy a refreshing smoothie any time, and know that you are making the Earth as happy as your taste buds!
JUNTAS
Juntas is a digital space designed for adolescents where you can find professional information on sexual education, solve doubts and share experiences in a safe and fun way.
MOBIEDOCK
MobieDock is the first sustainably powered eDocking solution for the shared micro-mobility market. Sleek stations declutter your city or campus while charging devices all day and night – all while harnessing the sun’s energy with zero emissions.
