PepsiCo launches MENA edition of Greenhouse Accelerator programme

PepsiCo has partnered with the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) to launch the former’s first greenhouse accelerator programme in the MENA region.

As part of the partnership, MOCCAE will offer technical and strategic mentors to applicants participating in the programme and amplified outreach into local and regional networks, increasing the number of innovators applying to the programme.

The Greenhouse Accelerator programme will run as a six-month initiative, seeking to enhance innovation and sustainability through collaboration with brands from the MENA startup ecosystem that focus on sustainable food systems.

The theme for the upcoming ‘2021- 2022 PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator: MENA Sustainability Edition’ will be sustainable packaging and circular economy solutions, followed by other priorities in later programmes to help achieve sustainable food systems.

PepsiCo will choose and support ten companies from the MENA region that are working on accelerating environmental sustainability in the food and beverage industry through disruptive technologies focused on nurturing innovation in the areas of environmentally sustainable packaging alternatives, packaging reduction and recycling options, and sustainable recycling behavior modification.

Small startups and businesses with a product, service, or system in early growth stages meeting any of the edition’s specified themes can apply online for the programme before the deadline of January 10, 2022.

Those chosen for the six-month programme, will be challenged to demonstrate collaboration and measurable progress, based on a mutually developed action plan.

Participants will receive support in the form of a $20,000 cash grant, one-on-one mentorship via access to PepsiCo’s experts, market activation advice, and business opportunities.

At the end of the programme, one winning company will be selected and awarded an additional $100,000 in funding to continue its expansion, and an opportunity to extend its partnership with PepsiCo to expedite its growth.

The PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator is a global mentor-led accelerator programme launched in Europe in 2017 and North America in 2019 and has already delivered five successful editions, supporting several startups around the globe.

“We are delighted to support the PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator: MENA Sustainability Edition that leverages innovation to optimise resource utilisation, reduce waste, cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, and promote environment-friendly and sustainable production,” said Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment.