2ergo has signed a major deal with the University of Salford to offer its 20,000 students a mobile coupon scheme. The mobile loyalty system will be used by the students’ union, other stores and local restaurants to send offers to students through the university’s app.

Students just have to hold their smartphone over the wi-fi-enabled pod attached to the till at the five on-campus stores and more than 50 particpating retailers to redeem an offer. The app will enable stores in the area to better target and track when and where mobile coupons are being used.

“Mobile is easily the most efficient and targeted way to communicate with our student community,” said Helen Robinson marketing manager for University of Salford SU, said. “As well as keeping students up to date with all the Union has to offer them during their time at University, the new app will help them get the best deals – both on and off campus – at a time when they are facing more financial pressure than ever before.

“We’re excited to be the first students’ union to access this technology and anticipate that it will have a major impact for both students and local businesses.”

The Podifi technology being used was tested with O2 last year in Dublin Docklands. Podifi can be incorporated into any mobile app or website.