Nuvilab to Expand Customer Rewards
with Volunteer Hours and Carbon Credits
Driving Behavior Change Through Technology
Nuvilab (CEO Kim Daehoon)'s AI food scanner is set to be officially linked with the Ministry of Environment's Carbon Neutrality Points program.
On June 12, the Ministry of Environment partially amended the "Regulations on the Operation of the Carbon Neutrality Points Program" (Ministry of Environment Notice No. 2025-107), introducing a new category for point rewards called "Zero Food Waste Practice." Under this system, individuals who leave no food waste in group dining facilities and scan their trays using the AI food scanner will receive carbon neutrality points. Users can earn 100 KRW per meal, with a maximum annual accumulation of 70,000 KRW.
Following the implementation of the revised regulations on July 1, Nuvilab plans to prioritize the application of its carbon neutrality points service, "Ssaksak Money," to high schools and workplace cafeterias for adults where the service is already in operation nationwide. For elementary and middle schools, where students under 14 are not eligible for point rewards, the company is reportedly considering alternatives such as linking the program to volunteer hours or providing carbon credits to schools and institutions that adopt the AI food scanner.
A Nuvilab representative stated, "Since the announcement of the linkage with the Carbon Neutrality Points program, we have seen a surge in inquiries from corporate and local government cafeterias, as well as schools," adding, "Once the integration with the program is complete, we plan to further enhance the service with a focus on reducing the workload of nutrition teachers and dietitians, and improving cafeteria operational efficiency."
Kim Daehoon, CEO of Nuvilab, said, "At a climate tech startup roundtable hosted by the Office for Government Policy Coordination in 2023, I was the first to propose the creation of a 'Zero Food Waste' category within the Carbon Neutrality Points program to the Vice Minister of Environment. Since then, we have worked continuously to improve the system," emphasizing, "While it is true that some institutions saw temporarily low adoption rates, we believe this official linkage will significantly increase practical use on the ground and encourage sustained participation."
Meanwhile, Nuvilab has been recognized for its technological capabilities, ranking first in Korea and 11th globally in the "2024 FoodTech 500." The company is also rapidly expanding its presence in overseas markets, having signed an exclusive contract with a North American hospital system.
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