HKUST Alumni’s FoodTech Start-Up Crowned Champion at Hong Kong Social Enterprise Challenge 2024-25

Food With Benefits, a start-up founded by HKUST alumni Matey Svetlan Yordanov (right) and Francis So Ka-Hei (left), distinguished itself from over 130 projects and won the championship of the Hong Kong Social Enterprise Challenge 2024-25. [Download Photo]

In a remarkable display of social innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, Food With Benefits, a foodtech start-up founded by two HKUST alumni, was crowned champion of the Hong Kong Social Enterprise Challenge 2024-25.

Founded by Matey Svetlan YORDANOV (MPhil in Integrative Systems and Design; BEng in Chemical Engineering) and Francis SO Ka-Hei (BBA in Marketing) in 2022, Food With Benefits is committed to transforming surplus produce and food manufacturing byproducts into high-value, functional food products. The team is guided by Prof. Marshal LIU, Associate Professor of Engineering Education in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering.

Leveraging advanced freeze-drying technology, Food With Benefits’ smoothies help reduce food waste in the supply chain while extending shelf life. With a well-established distribution network across Hong Kong and Macau, their products are available in retail shops, restaurants, cafés and fitness centers. Additionally, supported by the Hong Kong Housing Authority, they have launched a retail concept store at Domain Mall in Yau Tong, further strengthening community engagement.

Launched in 2007, the Hong Kong Social Enterprise Challenge (HKSEC) is one of the longest-standing competitions of its kind. This year, it attracted more than 580 participants who submitted over 130 proposals, a record number in recent years. The competition is organized by the Center for Entrepreneurship of The Chinese University of Hong Kong and sponsored by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau of the HKSAR Government, with the aim of accelerating the growth of youth-led social enterprises.