conrad challenge 2024

A Solution to Food Security in Vietnam

Our solution involves implementing vending machines stocked with non-perishable food items, offering 24/7 accessibility through an RFID card system.

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the problem

While Vietnam’s economic progress has brought the poverty rate down, 4.9 million people still live in poverty and face household food insecurity (FI) marked by undernourishment. The problem is exacerbated in ethnic rural areas with FI estimates of over 40%. 

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THE SOLUTION

Vending machines (VMs) stocked with non-perishable food for distribution

We propose vending machines (VMs) stocked with non-perishable food for distribution to the poor. VMs offer wider reach as they can be placed at any location with electricity and access would be available 24/7. They would be cost-efficient to operate. 

  • Long-lasting food

  • Wider reach and distribution

  • Cost-efficient

  • 24/7 availability

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Feature #1
RFID CARD SYSTEM
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FEATURE #2
15" TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY
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FEATURE #3
NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS
BUSINESS MODEL

A quick overview of the concepts behind ECOBITE

Key Metrics

Our success would be measured by the number of vending machines developed under our venture, the volume of food that we distribute, the total number of food partners, and amount of people that we have helped through our non-profit.

Unique Value Proposition

To ensure equal food distribution and proper accounting, our smart VMs would be accessible via a QR code. Recipients would apply to our charity to receive a code weekly. The VMs would remotely notify the charity when restocking is needed. 

Sustainable Advantage

Compared to food banks, VMs reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs. They would also lower waste as each VM would proportion the distribution. By stocking non-perishables like rice, noodles, cooking oil, canned food, etc. there would be no spoilage.

Cost Structure

We expect VM manufacturing to be our highest cost. We must also pay for electricity, maintenance, storage, and restocking. We hope to offset the energy and storage costs by working with the government and getting volunteers to restock the VMs. 

the team

We are a passionate group of high school students from Vietnam

Evie Diep

Project manager

An Hoang

Graphic Designer

Trung Nhan Do

Programmer

Binh Minh Pham

Editor / Designer

Tom Nguyen

Researcher

conrad challenge 2024

EcoBite - Empowering Communities, One Bite at a Time