Global Marketing Management Grad Earns ‘Profoundly Motivating’ BU Innovation Grant for Conscious Dining App

Ghazale Asadi Damavandi (MET‘23), an MS in Global Marketing Management graduate with a penchant for entrepreneurship, has been named a winner of this year’s Sustainability Innovation Seed Grant, awarded by Innovate@BU and BU Sustainability.

Asadi Damavandi won the funding on the strength of her web application, GreenFoodx, which aims to revolutionize conscious dining while reducing food waste. The app provides a directory of eco-friendly restaurants, includes a food donation and distribution system to minimize waste, and uses analytics to track outcomes and reward sustainable behavior.

“The recognition and support that come with this award are profoundly motivating,” she says. “It validates the hard work and dedication that have gone into my project, and it’s exhilarating to know that esteemed professionals in the field see potential in my work.”

It was through the course The Innovation Process: Developing New Products and Services (MET AD 741) that Asadi Damavandi became introduced to the Sustainability Innovation program. Now, it’s helping her bring her dream to life.

“This grant is not just a financial boost; it’s a vote of confidence in my vision and capabilities. What excites me most is the opportunity to bring my ideas to fruition with a level of quality and depth,” Asadi Damavandi says. “The grant will enable me to access resources, technologies, and expertise that are crucial for the sophisticated execution of my project.”

One of seven awardees, Asadi Damavandi’s next move is to work towards acceptance in the BUild Lab’s Innovation Pathway accelerator program, which helps BU students and recent grads get their business off the ground.

“The prospect of pushing boundaries in my field and contributing valuable insights is incredibly thrilling. I also want to take this opportunity to thank my dear husband, who has always supported and encouraged me,” she says.