Millennium Fellow Boss Huang and The Story Behind EcoCoin

Can you share the story behind EcoCoin? What inspired you to create a platform that uses decentralization and open-source systems to drive climate action?

I started volunteering at 4 years old and became actively involved in environmental issues around 8. EcoCoin emerged from my desire as a leader and change-maker to create a platform that not only addresses environmental challenges but also empowers individuals and communities to take meaningful action.

Having participated in and organized beach cleanups since I was 9, I quickly realized that while these efforts were important, they often felt like a temporary fix rather than a solution to the underlying problems. Living in Taiwan, I saw waste collection during cleanups remain consistent, highlighting society’s disconnect between willingness to engage in sustainability and the lack of motivation to sustain efforts.

EcoCoin harnesses decentralization to create a circular economy, allowing users to earn virtual currency for cleanup activities, exchangeable for eco-conscious products and services. This model not only incentivizes individual action but also provides a win-win framework for multiple stakeholders. Providing a sense of community and shared responsibility for our planet, encouraging a collective commitment to sustainability.

‍How has your time at Minerva University influenced the development of EcoCoin? Are there any specific concepts or approaches from Minerva’s active learning model that helped shape your project?

My experience at Minerva has been pivotal in shaping the development of EcoCoin. Having been homeschooled since second grade, Minerva’s active learning model perfectly aligns with my educational values. The emphasis on critical thinking and collaboration has allowed me to transform my previously superficial knowledge into a deeper understanding across various disciplines. 

The diverse range of Cornerstone (first-year) Courses provided me with the opportunity to explore topics in greater depth, enhancing the application and practicality of EcoCoin and my other projects. For instance, courses on study design, business concepts, and complex systems have broadened my perspective, helping me identify challenges I hadn't previously considered. 

Finally, the insights and support from our diverse faculty and peers have significantly deepened my understanding of global environmental issues. Engaging with different perspectives has not only challenged my assumptions but also further charges my curiosity and passion to delve deeper into the complexities of sustainability. This intellectual exploration has been instrumental in supporting my higher education and refining my approach to addressing environmental challenges through EcoCoin.

EcoCoin aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 13 on Climate Action. How do you see your project making a tangible impact in advancing this goal?

EcoCoin aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 13 by incentivizing climate action through environmental cleanups and sustainability initiatives. It collaborates with businesses to enhance corporate social responsibility (CSR) by sponsoring cleanups or promoting eco-conscious products, fostering a circular economy while boosting brand visibility and environmental alignment. As participants witness the tangible results of their contributions, they develop a deeper appreciation for the environment and a stronger commitment to sustainable practices.

In the long term, EcoCoin aims to incorporate data tracking and analysis of user trends and collective community outcomes, enabling us to quantify the positive changes generated by our initiatives. This data will not only illustrate the effectiveness of our efforts but also serve as a powerful advocacy tool, demonstrating the value of grassroots environmental action to stakeholders and policymakers. Additionally, businesses can leverage this information to optimize their CSR strategies, showcasing their impact and commitment to sustainability measurably. Through these efforts, EcoCoin aspires to foster a culture of environmental responsibility and drive meaningful change in communities worldwide.

One of EcoCoin's goals is to bridge the gap between individuals, businesses, and organizations. What are some challenges you’ve faced in bringing these diverse groups together, and how has your education at Minerva prepared you to overcome these challenges?

EcoCoin's foundation lies in bridging diverse stakeholders—individuals, businesses, and organizations like schools and NGOs—into a collaborative framework for a self-sufficient circular economy. The vision is that individuals engage in environmental cleanups to earn tokens, businesses contribute financial or material support to sustain the platform while offering products for purchase with those tokens, and organizations act as force multipliers, encouraging broader participation. 

This model offers multiple benefits: individuals gain rewards and self-actualization, organizations enhance environmental awareness, and businesses improve CSR and visibility. However, coordinating stakeholders with differing priorities poses challenges, as aligning motivations often lacks immediate incentives. Despite the global momentum toward environmental action, it can be difficult to align these groups without guaranteed short-term incentives. Individuals may seek immediate rewards, businesses often look for clear returns on investment, and organizations require measurable outcomes to justify their involvement.

My education at Minerva has equipped me with the skills to navigate these complexities effectively. Minerva's global perspective has helped me appreciate the diverse contexts in which these stakeholders operate. Understanding cultural and economic differences allows me to tailor our approach to each group, making it easier to create win-win scenarios.

Are there any exciting collaborations or partnerships on the horizon for EcoCoin? How do you see your platform scaling globally to influence broader climate action?

I am actively seeking potential partners and stakeholders who are passionate about propelling EcoCoin forward and expanding its reach. Both the Millennium Fellowship and Minerva University have served as invaluable launching pads for these efforts. Through the Millennium Fellowship, I have connected with fellow changemakers from around the globe and received mentorship from experienced alumni and professionals dedicated to advancing the UN SDGs.

Moreover, the diverse professional backgrounds of the faculty at Minerva have provided me with a rich resource for addressing challenges or questions I encounter. Their expertise has fueled my curiosity and equipped me with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of scaling EcoCoin.

As we continue to build and expand EcoCoin globally, I envision opportunities for localized adaptations of the platform to address specific community needs while staying true to our core mission. By leveraging innovative technology and creating strategic partnerships, EcoCoin aims to amplify its impact and inspire a broader movement toward eco-friendly lifestyles. Together, we can create a sustainable future that resonates with communities around the world.

‍What does the Millennium Fellowship mean to you? How do you plan to utilize the opportunities this fellowship will give you?

The Millennium Fellowship represents an opportunity for me to amplify my impact in the realm of sustainability with EcoCoin through invaluable networking, mentorship, and access to resources. This fellowship enables me to connect with a diverse network of passionate changemakers and organizations, fostering collaborations that can enhance EcoCoin’s reach and effectiveness.

I plan to leverage the insights and experiences gained through the fellowship to refine our strategies and share best practices, ultimately driving collective action for sustainability. By engaging with mentors and other fellows, I aim to gather innovative ideas and feedback that will inform the development of EcoCoin, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of communities worldwide.

Additionally, the resources and support provided by the Millennium Fellowship will empower me to scale EcoCoin’s initiatives more effectively, helping to inspire a broader movement toward eco-friendly lifestyles. Overall, this fellowship is not just an opportunity for personal growth; it is a platform through which I can contribute to meaningful change on a global scale.

‍If you were inspired by Boss' story and are seeking a college experience that will teach you valuable pragmatic skills that will enable you to change the world, start your Minerva application today.