Hmmm. Here's an ambitious idea...
1.) Generate a process where you can take the full CAD of a given robot and 3D print it with a reasonable amount of effort on a miniature scale -- probably 12:1 scale (2"x3" base, 5" height). Bonus points for movement, but probably not necessary for the first phase of the business.
2.) Generate a business model that incorporates teams who want to simplify an open-source version of their CAD'ed robots for sale, with some sort of revenue-sharing plan (to the 501c3 that supports the team -- e.g. the school, other non-profit). Start with the powerhouse superstars.
3.) Find the right price point and sell the mini-bots (no pun intended) at competitions. World championships would be a particularly good time to do it, but you'd have to build up to it over a few years.
4.) Crowd source the marketing via social media 'Likes' or '+1's' so word of mouth spreads. Build up collections. Make the very first set you create a 'limited edition'. Eventually create a 'legacy line' where old robots are resurrected and printed in limited edition.
A bit ambitious, but it's part of what made NASCAR so popular -- having mementos from a spectacular team keeps the energy and excitement fresh in the mind. The difference is, you could potentially have
many alumni who might want to (and finally be able to) purchase one after college.
I totally shouldn't be laying this out and should do it myself
but I'm too interested in what's going on at my job to do it right now.