Innovation. Entrepreneurship. Creativity. These elements are truly part of our DNA at Les Roches; and they’ve become even stronger since the launch of Spark, our global innovation sphere.
This new home of innovation is the place where we aim to inspire our students; ignite their creativity and entrepreneurial instincts; and incubate their disruptive business ideas.
But that’s not all! We are very excited to share that Spark is not only for Les Roches students. In fact, some Les Roches Crans-Montana and Marbella alumni have already joined the pre-incubation program with their ideas and startups!
Let us introduce Crans-Montana alumni Rodrigo Gratianne and Hans Hachfeld who both share some insights into their innovative business concepts.
Recotrak – your cooked food certification process
Food waste has been a great issue around the world for as long as we can remember. It is something that alumnus Rodrigo Gratianne has witnessed frequently, and it has triggered a great concern in him.
“When attempts were made to donate food, charities would specify that they would only accept frozen and/or dry products. I understood that there was skepticism to accept cooked food due to hazards in its handling. This is when my cousin Victor and I began to develop a tool that would build confidence in the safety of excess food.”
So what exactly is Recotrak about?
“Our startup focuses on addressing the issue of cooked food waste within the catering sector. We are attempting to develop technology that will promote the diversion of surplus cooked food from this sector to feed those in need through a certification process.”
To support their food-tech startup, and to boost its development, Rodrigo has made his comeback on Les Roches grounds.
“I find getting the perspective from a diverse array of professionals and their input very valuable. Also having the support from a leading higher-educational institution in the hospitality sector symbolizes hope for a sustainable future.”
And there’s more! Rodrigo and his cousin Victor Reyes are now participating in the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation Innovation Fund by the Kroger CO. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation, feeling that Recotrak addresses the issues the foundation aims to solve.
“Our goal is to build confidence in charities receiving this donation to feed vulnerable populations. We felt our project was suitable to apply to this contest as its end goal is to reduce food waste and recover it to feed those in need.”
The aim of the Hunger Innovation Fund is to support innovators like Rodrigo who wish to develop innovative solutions to reshape the food system, and we are very proud that the two cousins have been selected to participate in a contest focusing on such a great cause.
Let’s now wait to see whether Rodrigo and Victor make the 2021 cohort! If so, they will go through various stages such as an investment readiness program, milestone planning and support sessions, and finally, the Venture Forum Event in November 2021.
Udeal – the solution to get organized with your groceries
Who does not dream of saving time and money on their grocery shopping?
Today, alumnus Hans Hachfeld and his partner, Giampaolo Fabrizio join forces with the objective of creating an app that will help users organize their groceries and save money!
“Our app will help you find the best prices based on your own preferences. The other features of this app are a surprise!”
But how did the alumnus come up with this idea?
For many people around the world, 2020 was not an easy year, especially in the professional world. That was the case for Hans, who, at the time, was working for a hotel which unfortunately had to close during lockdown. That is when the alumnus decided to start comparing the different supermarkets around his home in Geneva to find the best prices.
“It was during my visits to supermarkets that I discovered the discrepancies in prices between one supermarket to another offering the exact same item. The discrepancies would range from a couple of cents to even a couple of francs! Of course, if you want to buy just one item, this might not seem like much. But in the long run, you can save so much just by adapting your choice of supermarket, depending on what item you want to buy and when the discounts are happening!”
After making that realization, Hans turned to his best friend, Giampaolo, with whom he partnered to develop the concept.They did the research together and tested this theory on themselves; and found out that they were able to save up from 30% to even 47% on their groceries!
Today, they are part of the incubation program at Les Roches, where they can gain support from partners and experts, and actually develop their app.
“Les Roches has an incredible network and I am very happy to see they have launched Spark! Being part of the innovation wave is the future and Les Roches knows how to stay on top of these trends. I am sure my business partner and myself can learn a lot from this program. The best part will be the moment where we put all the hard work and planning together to see our idea come to life.”
Stay tuned for more information on Spark, Innovation sphere by Les Roches, the developing stories of our alumni, Rodrigo Gratianne and Hans Hachfeld, and much more!
