Bastian Hauk-Jegen, a graduate student in the Department of Technology, placed third in the Illinois State University’s Means Center for Entrepreneurial Studies Startup Showcase competition on November 13. Useley, Bastian’s business, is an innovative sharing company like Uber or Airbnb.
Bastian and several friends came up with the concept in Germany. The sharing economy is very popular in Germany for cars, bikes and apartments.
Bastian plans to place smart lockers in dorms across college campuses beginning with Illinois State University. Useley will give students access to a pool of items they normally would not be able to afford. One of Useley’s first clients in Germany rented a GoPro camera for his cycling trip through the Alps. He was able to share his experiences with family and friends through his GoPro videos. Using Useley’s smart lockers, students will be able to share equipment for a nominal fee or have packages delivered to the smart lockers.
