PepsiCo is rekindling its commitment to sustainable innovation in the Asia Pacific region through the relaunch of its Greenhouse Accelerator (GHAC) program. This mentorship-driven initiative supports startups focused on reducing environmental impact, advancing renewable energy, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. With 15 pilots across seven markets since 2023, GHAC aims to foster meaningful change in circular economy and climate action. The program also aligns with rising government ESG requirements, particularly for SMEs involved in supply chains.

The GHAC provides substantial support to early-stage startups, including financial grants and mentorship from PepsiCo executives. Collaborations with entities like GC Ventures and Circulate Capital enhance the program's effectiveness. Notable successes include innovative projects such as soil-testing instruments and carbon dioxide capture technologies. PepsiCo’s VP Supply Chain A/NZ emphasizes the importance of this program in driving competitive sustainability solutions.

Empowering Startups for Sustainable Growth

The Greenhouse Accelerator program offers a unique platform for startups to develop and scale innovations aimed at environmental sustainability. By providing expert guidance and collaboration opportunities, it nurtures startups that are addressing critical issues like renewable energy and sustainable farming. This year, GHAC has expanded its reach, initiating new partnerships and increasing its financial support to participants. The program’s success in launching impactful pilots highlights its role in fostering a robust sustainability ecosystem.

In-depth mentorship and financial assistance are pivotal components of GHAC. Each finalist receives $20,000 USD in grants, with an additional $100,000 USD awarded to the winning startup. Mentorship from PepsiCo executives and business accelerator experts helps startups overcome challenges and catalyze growth. Since its inception, GHAC has established a track record of successful first-of-a-kind pilots leading to further collaborations. For instance, X-Centric in Australia is developing high-performance soil-testing instruments, while Captivate Technologies in New Zealand is pioneering advanced carbon dioxide capture methods. These innovations exemplify the transformative potential of GHAC.

Aligning with Global Sustainability Trends

As sustainability gains prominence among investors, consumers, and employees, programs like GHAC play a crucial role in helping entrepreneurs meet these expectations. GHAC not only provides mentorship from seasoned professionals but also facilitates direct collaboration with PepsiCo, a global industry leader. This partnership offers startups access to decades of industry expertise, a strong partner network, and valuable insights to refine their solutions and shape pilot opportunities. The program underscores PepsiCo’s commitment to driving meaningful change in the food systems.

The program’s alignment with government ESG requirements further enhances its significance. In Australia, SMEs preparing for rising ESG standards can leverage GHAC to engage in climate reporting and reduce emissions. GHAC’s collaborative approach ensures that startups receive tailored feedback and guidance throughout the program. Partnerships with entities like GC Ventures and Circulate Capital bolster the program’s impact. Ashley Brown, PepsiCo’s VP Supply Chain A/NZ and chief sustainability officer, emphasized that GHAC empowers startups to remain competitive by meeting growing sustainability demands. Through this initiative, PepsiCo is setting a benchmark for sustainable innovation in the APAC region.