Smart cooking, less waste: software students develop innovative virtual pantry app

The idea came from their own experiences as international students. 

“We were all faced with unfamiliar foods when we first moved here and we didn't really know what to make with them, so we took the easy option and wasted money on ordering takeout,” according to Elga from India. “We realised this app could help solve our problems and it also addresses a sustainability issue,” she added. 

The app allows users to scan receipts, and then uses the food items to create a digital pantry. Based on available ingredients, Stockd recommends recipes — helping users make the most of what goods they already have.

As team lead and Scrum Master, Harjappan oversaw development, while Elga led backend and database systems to ensure fast and smooth performance. The app uses multiple recommendation methods, including ingredient matching and collaborative filtering, as well as recipe suggestions based on what users have previously liked to personalise suggestions.

Front-end development and user experience were also key priorities. Yee Chean focused on creating an intuitive interface inspired by popular apps, while Jianfeng Han worked on UI/UX and integration, ensuring the system functioned seamlessly.

Regular user testing helped refine the app, though the team faced challenges — including issues with incomplete datasets.

“We realised some data wasn’t properly structured,” said Mila, the team’s AI developer. “Instead of manually cleaning it, we sourced and merged a better dataset to improve accuracy.”

Despite only beginning the project in September 2025, the team moved quickly through development phases, delivering a fully functional product in time for the DkIT Computing Expo in May. Their efforts paid off. Stockd was named overall winner in the Software Development category, and the team also reached the top 50 in the Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards.

Beyond development, the students also handled branding and promotion, creating marketing materials and even baking recipes from the app to demonstrate exactly what it can do. 

As they prepare to graduate, team Stockd reflect on the wide range of skills gained throughout their studies, from web development to cybersecurity.

While career opportunities and travel plans lie ahead — with roles secured at companies including IBM, Mastercard, and Dun & Bradstreet — the team isn’t finished with Stockd just yet.

“The summer gives us time to work on our skills and keep improving the app,” they said. “We want to see how far it can go.”