In a challenging economic climate where many traditional industries are struggling just to survive, new opportunities still emerge for those who can spot unmet needs. In 2023, then‑19‑year‑old Nikita Kuwadekar identified a gap in the market for convenient plant‑based coffee and founded Busy Brew, a canned plant‑based coffee brand. While still studying at university in 2023, she had already embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, managing to juggle the dual roles of CEO and student. Recently, Nikita has been awarded the The Spirit of Youth Award at The 13th “Spirit of Hong Kong Spirit Award”
A bold leap into entrepreneurship
Nikita’s entrepreneurial journey began with a near‑death experience. Born with a congenital heart condition, she underwent open‑heart surgery at 16. After the high‑risk operation, she decided to cut out dairy and sugar to help her weakened body recover and return to school as soon as possible. Later, while studying at HKUST and relying on coffee to get through her days, she realised how few convenient dairy‑free options were available in Hong Kong, and how expensive dairy‑free lattes were at coffee shops.
As around 90% of Asians and nearly 68% of the global population are lactose intolerant, I wanted to create an option that is more affordable, convenient, and better suited to modern lifestyles – something that brings plant‑based coffee beyond the confines of cafés
Fuelled by her love of coffee and determination to fill this market gap, Nikita used savings from part‑time jobs she had taken on since the age of 13, together with university scholarships, as her seed capital. In 2023, she successfully launched Busy Brew. As one of the few young female founders in Hong Kong’s beverage scene, she hopes her story will inspire more young people to chase their dreams.
Brand vision and what sets it apart
Busy Brew is Hong Kong’s first homegrown canned coffee brand focused on plant‑based milk, created to give busy urban consumers a convenient option without sacrificing quality or taste.
Premium ingredients: Partnering with leading Asian brand Oatside, Busy Brew uses its high‑quality oat milk to ensure a rich, silky mouthfeel.
Professional production: The R&D team and production line are based in Hanoi, Vietnam, with strict quality control for every can of coffee.
Local spirit: The brand embodies Hong Kong’s passion, creativity and resilience. Rather than blindly rushing into supermarkets, Busy Brew prioritises community‑driven channels and genuine connections.
Sales channels: Products are currently available via the official website, pop‑up stores, co‑working spaces and corporate offices, proving especially popular among office workers and creative communities.
Funding journey
- To date, Busy Brew has not raised any external equity funding. Its initial capital came from the HKSTP x HKUST Co‑ideation Program.
- Nikita has largely bootstrapped the business with savings from small ventures she started as a teenager.
- The company is now actively seeking angel investors.
- Busy Brew was recently accepted into the HKSTP Incubation Programme, which offers up to HKD 1.3 million in conditional funding support, including access to facilities and amenities.
Looking ahead
Despite her young age, Nikita already serves as CEO and openly admits that entrepreneurship comes with a heavy load: product development, marketing, production, HR planning and building partnerships. Fortunately, her strong interest in food science allows her to take charge of product R&D herself. On the production side, she has partnered with a manufacturer in Vietnam, using quality Vietnamese coffee as the base. Looking to the future, she plans to expand beyond Hong Kong and gradually enter other Asian markets.
- Busy Brew is preparing to launch two new products, including a lighter coffee option.
- The brand aims to move step by step into other markets across Asia.
The takeaway
Amid economic uncertainty, 19‑year‑old Nikita refused to be discouraged by the outlook. Instead, she turned her personal health struggles and everyday frustrations into insight, spotting the lack of accessible, affordable plant‑based coffee. By transforming her post‑surgery lifestyle changes, passion for coffee and awareness of lactose intolerance into a concrete product, she used years of savings and scholarship funds to build Busy Brew – all while still a university student and first‑time CEO.
Her story reminds us that adversity can be the starting point for innovation. When we respond honestly to our own needs and the pain points we see around us, limitations in age or resources do not have to be obstacles – they can become the very forces that drive meaningful change.
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