Key Takeaways
- Mega Green Accelerator Program: PepsiCo, SABIC, AstroLabs, and partners announced the selection of eight MENA-based startups for their Mega Green Accelerator program.
- Food and Agriculture Focus: The selected startups work on innovative solutions to advance food production, water use, and sustainable agricultural practices.
- Support and Funding: Over the next six months, the startups will receive funding, mentorship, and market access to help scale their solutions.
- Final Prize: One winning startup will receive $30,000 to support further expansion.
- Notable Partners: The program is supported by strategic investment partners and multinational companies like Schneider Electric.
PepsiCo, SABIC, and AstroLabs Announce Selected Startups for Mega Green Accelerator Program
PepsiCo, SABIC, AstroLabs, and their partners have announced the selection of eight startups from the MENA region to participate in the Mega Green Accelerator program. This initiative aims to support startups working on innovative solutions in food production, water use, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Focus on Food and Agriculture Innovation
The Mega Green Accelerator program received 363 submissions from regional startups, all proposing sustainable solutions. The selected startups include:
- Mrüna (UAE): A consulting and distribution company developing urban solutions.
- The Surpluss (UAE): A climate technology startup helping SMEs reduce greenhouse gas emissions through resource sharing via a digital sustainability exchange.
- Mirai Solar (Saudi Arabia): Specializes in expanding solar energy use beyond conventional applications, enhancing energy efficiency in food production and smart buildings.
- Ahya Technologies (Saudi Arabia): Develops a climate software and AI platform to scale climate action across the MENA and Pakistan.
- YY ReGen (Lebanon): Provides solutions in renewable energy, sustainable water management, and regenerative farming.
- Viridia Tech (Egypt): Offers a platform for crop analytics, improving yield and sustainability for industrial agricultural companies.
- P-VITA (Egypt): Produces natural raw materials for cosmetics and food industries, using AI and IoT to reduce carbon footprints.
- Kumulus (Tunisia): Develops atmospheric water generation machines to turn air into fresh drinking water, aiming to make water more accessible and sustainable.
Program Support and Development
Over the next six months, these startups will receive financial support, mentorship from industry experts, and market access to help them scale their innovative solutions. At the end of the program, one company will be awarded $30,000 to continue its expansion efforts.
Eugene Willemsen, CEO of PepsiCo Africa, Middle East, and South Asia, commented on the program’s potential impact: “With solutions spanning agriculture, water, and energy, this initiative aims to accelerate the development of practical climate technologies crucial for the MENA region and strengthen our role in climate innovation globally.”
Strategic Partnerships and Industry Support
Roland Daher, CEO of AstroLabs, highlighted the significance of the program: “The selection of these eight companies underscores their readiness for scale and marks a pivotal time in the sector’s development. This program provides the necessary mentorship, funding, and market access to help these startups thrive.”
Investment partners such as Dubai Future District Fund, VentureSouq, and Shurooq Partners will provide platforms for investment opportunities, mentorship in raising capital, and networking throughout the program. Schneider Electric will also support the program as a prize partner and participate in the final selection of the winner.
Image provided by AstroLabs