Evolving from a student-led initiative to a thriving startup, JAP JAP leverages bioconversion technology to transform food waste into sustainable solutions

What if your leftovers could help save the planet? In a world grappling with food waste, innovative solutions are emerging. Meet JAP JAP, a groundbreaking self-service recycling system developed by Rosie Chan, a PolyU alumna from the School of Design, using black soldier fly larvae to bioconvert waste into valuable resources. 

Food waste is a major part of Hong Kong’s municipal solid waste, accounting for about 30% in 2023. However, only a small fraction, around 5%, is recycled, with over 3,190 tonnes sent to landfills daily—equivalent to the weight of seven fully-loaded Boeing 747s! Despite government efforts since 2021 to collect food waste, centralised methods alone are insufficient for the city’s dense urban environment. Additional community-driven strategies are essential, which is where JAP JAP comes in. 

Driving carbon reduction with localised waste solutions

JAP JAP transforms food waste management by combining advanced bioconversion technology with sustainable practices. A standout feature is the use of Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) to bioconvert food waste into valuable biomass rich in protein, lipids, and chitin, effectively reducing landfill-bound waste. The larvae consume various organic substrates—the food waste materials—and turn them into nutrient-dense biomass used for animal feed, oil production, and nutrient-rich fertilisers. The process also enhances composting, promoting the regeneration of nutrients. 

The system adopts a decentralised approach, processing organic waste at the source using a stackable, modular design that ensures efficiency and adaptability—key drivers of the circular economy. Made from upcycled plastic pallets, this innovative solution supports versatile spatial configurations. It integrates AIoT technology—combining Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and machine learning—to monitor temperature, humidity, and weight, ensuring optimal waste conversion into compost that enriches plant growth.

By processing food waste locally, JAP JAP reduces transportation emissions and reliance on landfills, markedly lowering the environmental footprint of waste management while fostering a sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

The JAP JAP system features various stackable, upcycled plastic pallets that can be configured into different sizes to fit different needs and environments.

JAP JAP is more than a food waste solution—it’s an educational platform promoting sustainable living. Partnering with STEAM-based institutions, it encourages students to adopt eco-friendly habits. Since launching its first recycling station in 2023, JAP JAP has expanded to seven additional schools and delivered tailored workshops in over ten others. These initiatives empower students to transform food waste into valuable resources while raising awareness of waste reduction.

Fuelled by PolyU’s entrepreneurial ecosystem

The idea of JAP JAP dawned upon Roise when she once worked in a Japanese farm before she became an undergraduate studying Environmental and Interior Design at PolyU.  There she learnt that nothing is truly waste—natural resources can be reused and returned to the soil. Inspired by the experience, she formulated a capstone project for her final year study and subsequently launched the green technology startup in 2023, bringing the idea to fruition.  

Rosie advanced her vision  with funding from PolyU’s MicroFund  and Angel Fund , and support of the University’s Industrial Centre, where she gained vital resources—from technical guidance to prototyping facilities—that accelerated JAP JAP’s development and market presence. Now pursuing an MPhil in Building Environment and Energy Engineering at PolyU, she credits the University’s ecosystem as instrumental to JAP JAP’s growth. 

With a strong foundation, the venture is poised to scale across commercial and residential sectors. Anchored by Rosie’s commitment to sustainability, JAP JAP continues to innovate in education, waste management, and carbon neutrality—driving meaningful change for a greener future.

Major awards received by Jap Jap:

2025

•    1st Place (Winner), JCIHK Creative Young Entrepreneur (Asia-Pacific Selection)
•    1st Place (Winner), JCIHK Creative Young Entrepreneur (Hong Kong Selection) •    2025 Champion, HK Social Enterprise Challenge 
•    Social Ambassador IP Award, HKSEC 

•    Gold Award (Sustainability & ESG), HK Techathon+ 2025 
•    2nd Place, Hong Kong Challenge Plus 2025

2024

•    Patent Application Grant by Hong Kong Productivity Council 
•    HKFYG Youth Business Hong Kong 
•    Winner of HKFYG Young Techpreneur 
•    Grand-Prize Asia Social Innovation Award 
•    HKSTP Incubation Programme 
•    Recycling Fund ESP Programme 
•    PolyU Angel Fund 

2023

•    Upcycling Innovator, Reborn! Upcycling Design Award
•    HKSTP Ideation
•    PolyU Micro Fund (2022-2023 Cohort)