Vending

Northeastern University students launch protein powder vending machine

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February 16, 2022

A pair of Northeastern University students have launched a protein powder vending machine that will be installed in the Marino Recreation Center this semester, according to a report in The Huntington News, a campus newspaper.

Hanna Elzaridi, a business administration student with a minor in nutrition and Chloe Welch, a business administration and economics student, received a grant from IDEA, the school's student led venture accelerator, and have been working through the Sherman Center Venture Co-op on the machine, which is currently located in Hayden Hall. The students purchased the machine, which originally dispensed Jelly Belly Jelly Beans through canisters, from an Italian company and modified it to offer five whey protein and vegan flavors.

They plan to enter the machine, called SOAR Vending, in the accelerator's final stage to earn up to $10,000 in grant funds.

The pair will post fliers across campus advertising QR codes students can use to enter a raffle to receive a free serving. They will also offer free servings to on-campus clubs, sports and fraternities.