From AUS to entrepreneurship: An alumnus' journey of bridging health and convenience

Choosing what to eat can be a daily dilemma for busy professionals aiming for a healthy lifestyle. This common struggle sparked an idea in Yedhu Gopan, a 2019 chemical and biological engineering alumnus from American University of Sharjah (AUS), to start Hunch, a holistic wellness company in the UAE offering customized meal plans.

Gopan’s journey at AUS was marked by leadership and achievement, as he served as President of the Photography Club and won the Sharjah Sustainability Award for the Academic Year 2018–2019. After graduating from AUS, he worked in the corporate world, with stints at Aramex, Kitopi and Dalma Ventures in Abu Dhabi.  

“The inspiration for Hunch came from my experiences as a corporate employee. I struggled to keep track of my health, find nutritious food and get the right advice. Conversations with colleagues, friends and family revealed a shared struggle: difficulty finding the right food, decision fatigue from online ordering, lunchtime exhaustion and even skipping meals due to lack of access or the hassle of ordering," he said.

Now fully dedicated to Hunch, Gopan started the company at the end of last year. After two months of market testing and validation, Hunch is now fully functional.

Hunch provides private nutritionists and chefs to keep clients accountable for their health goals and tackle issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes and more. 

"We offer customized meal plans delivered hot to wherever you are, relieving you of the stress and hassle of meal planning and preparation. Our objective is to ensure that everyone has access to healthy, personalized meals, enabling them to lead healthier lives effortlessly," he said.

Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) has played a crucial role in Gopan’s entrepreneurial journey. 

"Sheraa has been an invaluable support system for a new founder like me. They provided comprehensive assistance with the business setup, ensuring every foundational aspect was covered. Their mentorship connected me with experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts who guided me through the early stages of building my company,” said Gopan.

Gopan is also partnering with major corporations in the region to enhance employee wellness and productivity. 

“These strategic partnerships, offering personalized nutritious meals crafted by skilled chefs, will expand our reach, enhance employee satisfaction and foster a culture of health and wellness within the corporate landscape," he said.

"AUS instilled in me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new challenges. I am grateful to all my professors, especially Dr. Sameer Al-Asheh, Dr. Amani Al-Othman and Dr. Paul Nancarrow, for their support and encouragement. Their guidance and openness to new ideas have been invaluable on my journey," said Gopan.

Currently available in Abu Dhabi, Hunch expects to expand to Dubai and Sharjah by the end of the year.