Life took an unexpected turn for Umang Uliana in 2019 when he arriving in Australia as an international student from India. The COVID-19 pandemic struck, adding an additional layer of challenges on top of adjusting to his new life in another country. On the flip side, "more time to reflect and fewer distractions" meant that Uliana could embrace his entrepreneurial side, which is what led him to create Cookventory – an all-in-one kitchen management platform.
Uliana recently pitched the idea at the UNSW Founders Liverpool Innovation Precinct (LIP) Entrepreneurship Pitch Night. Here, our Founder Alicia Vrajlal hears from Uliana about the intersection of food and AI in creating this app, his pitching advice, and the power of creating impact through entrepreneurship.
A personal kitchen assistant sounds very handy! Could you share a bit about how the idea of Cookventory came about and what the vision is? What is the problem that it’s trying to solve or address?
The idea for Cookventory stemmed from my personal frustrations with managing daily kitchen tasks. After long days at work, I found it challenging to keep track of what was in my pantry, decide on meals, and make shopping lists. I often ended up with duplicated items or missing ingredients during grocery runs. When I looked for existing solutions, I found that they addressed only parts of these issues – none offered a comprehensive approach.
This led me to develop Cookventory, an all-in-one kitchen management platform. My vision is to transform kitchen management into a seamless, enjoyable experience that empowers households to embrace the joys of cooking while reducing the hassle and contributing to sustainability by minimising food waste.
How would you describe your personal connection with food and the kitchen? Food and culture often play a big role in identity and belonging, and I’d love to know if this is the case for you and if it played a role in forming your idea for this business?
Food has always been central to my life, deeply tied to my identity and culture. Growing up, the kitchen was the heart of our home, where my mother taught me cherished family recipes and the importance of maintaining an organised space so anyone could cook with ease. These experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for the role of the kitchen in bringing people together. This personal connection inspired me to create a tool that helps others make cooking a more accessible and enjoyable part of their daily lives.
Are you able to share a bit about your career history to date, and how have previous roles or work experience shaped your journey until Cookventory?
My career has always been at the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship. I started as a data scientist, working in fintech and academic settings where I honed my skills in AI and data analysis.
Alongside these roles, I engaged in side projects that allowed me to experiment with AI applications in various domains. The transition to full-time entrepreneurship was a natural progression, enabling me to merge my technical expertise with my passion for problem-solving and innovation. Each position I held contributed to the foundation upon which Cookventory was built, teaching me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and customer focus – key elements in successfully launching and growing a startup.
I read here that the pandemic was a particularly difficult time for many international students, including yourself. Are you able to share when you came to Australia, what the experience of moving from India was like, and how the past few years have been?
I moved to Australia in 2019 as an international student. The transition came with its set of challenges, from adapting to a new culture to navigating life far from home. The onset of the pandemic shortly after my move added another layer of difficulty, but it also provided an unexpected opportunity.
With more time to reflect and fewer distractions, I focused on researching and developing ideas that could make a meaningful impact. These past few years have been transformative, offering both personal growth and the chance to lay the groundwork for Cookventory.
What sparked your interest in pitching at the UNSW Founders South West pitch night?
The UNSW Founders South West pitch night presented a unique opportunity to introduce Cookventory to a diverse and growing community in Western Sydney. This region is not only culturally rich but also home to a rising population of millennials who are tech-savvy and open to innovative solutions. The supportive atmosphere and the quality of feedback I received during the event made it a valuable experience.
I’d like to express my gratitude to UNSW Founders and the Liverpool Innovation Precinct (LIP) for their ongoing support. The platform they provided has been instrumental in bringing Cookventory to life. As we continue to grow, I look forward to their continued support in helping us navigate the challenges ahead and achieve our vision for a smarter, more sustainable kitchen experience for all.
What advice would you have for other young people who have an idea and aren’t sure whether to pitch it or not?
My advice to anyone considering pitching their idea is to take the plunge, even if you feel uncertain.
Pitching is not just about seeking investment; it's an invaluable learning experience that exposes you to new perspectives and ideas that you might not have considered. Every pitch is an opportunity to refine your message, build confidence, and connect with potential collaborators, customers, or investors.
As a startup founder, you're always selling – whether it's your product, your vision, or yourself – so take advantage of these events to showcase your solution and expand your network.
Where is Cookventory in its journey so far? What are the next steps required to make it a success?
Cookventory is still in its infancy, but we’ve already made significant strides with our MVP. Our immediate focus is on gathering and analysing user feedback to refine the product and ensure it meets the needs of our early adopters.
Following this, we plan to launch the product to a broader audience in October, with the goal of building a strong, engaged user base. We are committed to continuous innovation, driven by the feedback and evolving needs of our users, to ensure Cookventory remains a relevant and valuable tool in their kitchens.
Where would you like to see the app in 5 and 10 years’ time?
In the next five years, I envision Cookventory becoming the go-to app for home cooks around the world. I want it to be a trusted companion in the kitchen, helping millions of users plan meals, manage their pantry, and reduce food waste effortlessly.
In 10 years, I envision Cookventory as a comprehensive kitchen management platform that seamlessly connects with smart kitchen appliances, integrates advanced AI for personalised meal planning and dietary tracking, and supports seamless grocery delivery and collaboration tools for households. For businesses, Cookventory will optimise inventory management, provide personalised food recommendations, and help them serve exactly what their customers need, making it the ultimate tool for managing the entire kitchen ecosystem.