UOW Malaysia student founders Cup.A.Chino Ms Shireesha Mahendran and Mr Amaresh Malakar Choudhury together with Mr. Lim Chun Jye (Business Mentor)

First ever protein infused café series, Duckweed Series now available at Cup.A.Chino

By UOW Malaysia 

Innovation often starts in the classroom, but for Cup.A.Cino, it has officially reached the menu. The student-founded brand café from University of Wollongong Malaysia (UOW Malaysia) has achieved a notable milestone through a strategic collaboration with plant-based nutrition leader, Zanadu. This partnership introduces the “Duckweed Series,” a first-of-its-kind protein-infused beverage line that is setting a new standard for functional nutrition in Malaysia’s café scene.

Innovation in Every Sip: The Duckweed Series

The Duckweed Series leverages Zanadu’s breakthrough protein powder derived from duckweed—a nutrient-dense, highly sustainable plant source. This functional beverage line blends traditional café favourites with high-performance nutrition. The flagship offerings include:

• Mocha Duckweed
• Strawberry Duckweed Matcha
• Raspberry Chocolate Duckweed

Built on the concept of “every drink, every sip, protein in everything,” the series offers a convenient, plant-powered energy boost. Early feedback from the campus community has been overwhelmingly positive, with many students adopting the drinks as a practical, focus-enhancing meal replacement.

Fostering Student Entrepreneurship through the EAP

The journey of Cup.A.Cino from a classroom concept to a market-ready brand was fuelled by the Entrepreneurial Acceleration Program (EAP) at the UOW School of Business.

Student founders Shireesha Mahendran and Amaresh Malakar Choudhury developed the brand under the mentorship of Professor Dr. Sotheeswari (Head of School of Business, Glenmarie Campus) and Mr. Lim Chun Jye (Business Mentor). The EAP provided the essential framework for:

• Strategic Business Modelling: Refining the brand’s market position.
• Industry Networking: Facilitating the pivotal introduction to Zanadu.
• Real-World Execution: Bridging the gap between academic theory and commercial application.

The Future of Sustainable F&B at UOW Malaysia

As a student-led venture, Cup.A.Cino exemplifies the spirit of innovation at UOW Malaysia. This collaboration not only highlights a shift toward sustainable, functional nutrition in the food and beverage industry but also showcases the efficacy of university-led incubation programs in launching viable businesses.

With the Duckweed Series now available, Cup.A.Cino continues to redefine the student café experience, proving that the next generation of entrepreneurs is ready to lead the way in sustainability and health-conscious innovation.