Editorial
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Cooperation
This project, funded by Gebert Rüf Stiftung, is supported by the following project partners: HEG-Genève; BFH-IT Bern; HE-Arc, Neuchâtel; MSC INNOKICK, HES-SO; HEIG-VD, Yverdon; VentureKick: Pulse incubator; BoxUp.
Project data
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Project no: GRS-045/18
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Amount of funding: CHF 150'000
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Approved: 02.07.2018
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Duration: 09.2018 - 01.2020
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Area of activity:
First Ventures, seit 2018
Project management
Project description
The objective of the Boxup project is to put in place a solution that promotes sport for all and improves the lives of citizens. In the framework of the BREF First Venture program, we were able to, as a first step, to produce and set up a connected locker allowing the rental of sport and leisure material in the parc des rives of Yverdon-les-bains.
In a second time we wanted to validate our concept with users, find our potential market and the right business model in order to be able to deploy our solution in several cities and places in Switzerland.
BoxUp brings to the population a maximum of relevant activities without having to buy, store or carry the material. With a mobile application, the user can know the places, the activities and the availability of the objects that the lockers propose. He can then rent the items from his phone, use the locker to protect his belongings during his activity, bring back the item and get rewards on his profile. BoxUp aims to offer activities of a social nature, to a large public, in the heart of green spaces close to urban areas.
Following the first pilot version deployed in the city of Yverdon, BoxUp is looking to deploy its solution in 5 different cities for the year 2020, in order to validate its market and be able to offer a replicable solution.
What is special about the project?
BoxUp allows any user with the mobile application to access the boxup renting locker network. Thus users can simply benefit from sports equipment directly at their place of activity without having to buy, transport or store it.
The boxup solution is part of an approach to promote physical and outdoor activity for all, with boxup cities can make equipment directly available to their citizens and promote the use of their infrastructure.
Status/Results
Following the 13-month project with Gebert Ruf, we were able to reach our first milestones.
The first version of our product was developed and deployed during the month of June 2019 in the parc des rives of Yverdon-les-Bains. The BoxUp application available on google play and apple store has enabled about fifty users in the city of Yverdon-les-bains to rent directly from the locker in 3 months.
The implementation of our solution has allowed us to obtain significant feedback on our market, and has allowed us to gain credibility in front of our stakeholders.
Concerning the financing, we won the first 2 rounds of the Venture Kick competition for a sum of 50'000 CHF which will allow us to continue to validate our market and look for new potential customers.
BoxUp has also obtained the support of the Innosuisse agency for initial coaching, and is part of the HES Pulse incubator located in Geneva, in which we benefit from the offices and expertise of various professionals in the world of entrepreneurship.
The next milestones of BoxUp is to deploy a scalable version of the service and product in 5 different cities. The goal is to be able to validate our market as well as to be able to apply a replicable business model as well as to generate enough income to move to exponential growth.
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Last update to this project presentation 31.01.2023