Universidad del Pacífico reaffirms its presence in the country's entrepreneurial ecosystem through its students and alumni. In the 12G edition of Startup Perú, a program of ProInnóvate under the Ministry of Production, Paulo Vargas, an International Business student at UP and COO of Fresh It, and Pedro Ramos, an Economics graduate from UP and Head of Growth & Partnerships, were honored for Fresh It, a startup that provides fresh, nutritious, and affordable food through smart vending machines.

The project addresses a growing challenge in university and work environments: accessing healthy food that is also fast and affordable. With a proposal that combines convenience, technology, and a strong commitment to well-being, Fresh It has built active communities on the campuses where it operates, achieving recurring sales and daily sold-outs.

An Award That Drives and Validates a Purpose

Being recognized at Startup Perú 12G not only validates Fresh It's business model but also strengthens its projection for the future. For Vargas, the award represents key support for the work they have been developing:

“This achievement motivates us to move forward with greater confidence. It confirms that what we are building addresses a real problem and can transform access to healthy food."

The clarity of their purpose —making healthy and fairly priced meals accessible to students and workers— along with the project's early results, was decisive in standing out during the competition. Ramos summarizes it this way:

“Our proposal is based on an innovative model that already shows concrete results, such as high purchase recurrence and the backing of active communities."

Lessons Along the Way

Fresh It's growth has been built on constant listening to its users. Every piece of feedback has driven improvements and adjustments that have strengthened the service experience. As Vargas explains:

“Entrepreneurship means testing, making mistakes, adjusting, and trying again as a team. Our customers have guided us to perfect our bowls, refills, and service efficiency."

That adaptability has turned the startup into a project not only dreamed of but also successfully executed.

“Today we have evidence that we can make it real. Our nine locations, daily sold-outs, and the trust of over 1,400 students prove it," adds Ramos.

From the Classroom to New Horizons

After starting in nearby universities, Fresh It is now designing its expansion with more strategic criteria, prioritizing factors such as student flow, location, and opportunities for partnerships with institutions and companies.

“We no longer choose only by proximity, but by variables that ensure impact from day one," explains Vargas.

The growth plan includes new universities in Lima and the expansion into corporate offices with high employee concentrations. Ramos adds:

“Our goal is to end 2025 with 14 machines and strengthen our loyalty app to offer a simpler, more personalized, and closer experience."

An Ecosystem That Lets You Dream

Fresh It's success would not have been possible without the support ecosystem of Universidad del Pacífico and its incubator, Emprende UP, which accompanied the team from its first steps.

“Fresh It wouldn't exist without the space, mentorship, and trust we received at UP," acknowledges Vargas.

This support also reinforces their desire to inspire more young people to pursue entrepreneurship. Ramos puts it clearly:

“Taking the first step is essential, even if you don't have everything figured out. Ideas evolve through action and with a community that validates and supports them."

The recognition obtained at Startup Perú 12G confirms Fresh It's potential to continue growing and expanding its social impact. At the same time, it highlights the role of Universidad del Pacífico and its incubator, Emprende UP, as an ecosystem that not only trains highly qualified professionals but also empowers and supports those who innovate and undertake with purpose.​