PepsiCo has announced the return of its Greenhouse Accelerator (GHAC) programme in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region for the third consecutive year, continuing its commitment to fostering sustainable innovation.

The GHAC programme, designed to support early-stage startups, provides expert business advisory, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities with PepsiCo. Focusing on sustainability, the programme helps startups develop innovations that reduce environmental impact, advance renewable energy, and promote sustainable agriculture.

Ashley Brown, VP of Supply Chain A/NZ and Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo APAC, stated, "PepsiCo's Greenhouse Accelerator Program is dedicated to empowering startups with the tools, resources, and mentorship required to drive meaningful change and scale innovations across our food systems." Over the past two years, the programme has successfully launched 15 startup pilots across the region, engaging with 95 venture capital firms and institutions.

The 2024 GHAC will offer US$20,000 grants to each of the 10 finalists, with an additional US$100,000 granted to the winning startup. Finalists will also receive mentorship from PepsiCo executives and business accelerator experts. For the first time, GHAC has partnered with GC Ventures and Circulate Capital to provide tailored guidance to participants.

The programme has a proven track record of successful collaborations, with 2024 winner Alterno standing out for its pioneering thermal energy storage solution for renewable energy. The sand battery technology offers a promising alternative to traditional snack drying methods, helping PepsiCo reduce energy costs and emissions.

Brown concluded, "As sustainability grows in importance for investors, consumers, and employees, accelerator programmes like GHAC play a crucial role in helping entrepreneurs meet these expectations and remain competitive."