MENA – American multinational beverage company PepsiCo has partnered with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) to launch its green tech accelerator programme in the MENA region.
According to a statement by the beverage maker, the program is designed to reach sustainable design innovators across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
PepsiCo’s Greenhouse Accelerator was launched in Europe in 2017, with the North American version following in 2019.
The mentor-led programme is finally coming to the MENA region and will focus on nurturing the growth of entrepreneurs and startups with ideas that promote sustainable living.
The program will mainly be focusing on startups innovating in the areas of sustainable packaging alternatives, packaging reduction, and recycling options, along with sustainable recycling behavior modification.
The theme for the 2021-2022 MENA edition is sustainability and circular economy solutions, followed by other priorities in later programmes to achieve a wholly sustainable food system.
“We are proud to bring this collaborative programme to the MENA region in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment,” said Eugene Willemsen, CEO, Africa, Middle East and South Asia, PepsiCo.
“At PepsiCo, we believe great solutions can be built and launched through open innovation and collaboration with changemakers and we look forward to supporting, mentoring and connecting small startups that have big ideas, to the resources they need to help create a more sustainable tomorrow.”
PepsiCo which targets net-zero emissions across its operations actively leads efforts to drive a circular economy approach to address the issue of plastic waste.
The company champions aggressive collection and recycling targets across key markets, active stakeholder engagement, and consumer awareness programs to promote circular economies.
It has also recently doubled down investment in more environmentally friendly packaging such as the recently launched Sunbites compostable packaging to cut its reliance on plastics.
The global snack giant will enlist 10 forward-thinkers who have a similar mission to be stewards of environmental sustainability for both the MENA region and the planet.
Startups and established businesses with a product, service or system in early growth stages that meet the specified criteria are invited to apply online before the deadline of 10 January 2022.
At the end of the programme, one winner will be selected and awarded an additional US$100,000 in funding to continue its expansion, and an opportunity to partner with PepsiCo to expedite growth.
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