• PepsiCo’s Greenhouse Accelerator Program aims to collaborate with startups working to advance breakthrough innovations across the circular economy, climate action, and sustainable agriculture.
• The Greenhouse Accelerator Program in the Asia Pacific offers finalists non-dilutive grants of $20,000 USD and an opportunity for a potential pilot with PepsiCo. Finalists also have the opportunity to collaborate directly with PepsiCo executives through a customized learning module.
• At the final event, finalists can pitch their innovations to PepsiCo executives, venture capitalists, and investors for a chance to secure an additional $100,000 USD grant.
• Applications open on January 9, 2025.

PepsiCo, a global leader in convenient foods and beverages, proudly announces the return of its Greenhouse Accelerator (GHAC) program in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region for the third consecutive year. The GHAC is a pilot-oriented, mentorship-based program in the region dedicated to fostering sustainable innovation in agriculture, circular economy and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, supporting startups by providing expert business advisory and collaboration opportunities with PepsiCo.

As a leading sustainability incubator in APAC, GHAC reinforces PepsiCo’s commitment to finding solutions that contribute to progress in circular economy, sustainable agriculture, and climate action. With 15 pilots initiated in seven markets through the 2023 and 2024 cohorts, the program focuses on supporting early-stage startups developing innovations aimed at reducing environmental impact, advancing renewable energy, and promoting sustainable farming practices. GHAC continues to explore new ideas and test solutions that can drive meaningful change over time.

Statistically, 39 percent of SMEs in APAC are unable to align environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) efforts with internal business growth goals. In response, PepsiCo is providing targeted guidance to help these SMEs achieve sustainable growth through GHAC. 

“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 program has successfully launched 15 startup pilots across APAC with PepsiCo and partners, and engaged with 95 venture capital firms and institutions, reinforcing our focus on fostering a robust sustainability ecosystem,” said Ashley Brown, VP Supply Chain ANZ & Chief Sustainability Officer, PepsiCo APAC. 

GHAC will award $20,000 USD grants to each of the 10 finalists, with an additional $100,000 USD granted to the winning startup. Finalists will also receive wrap-around mentorship from PepsiCo executives and business accelerator experts to help overcome challenges and catalyze growth. This year, GHAC has teamed up with GC Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of PTT Global Chemical (PTTGC) and long-term collaborator Circulate Capital to provide tailored feedback and guidance to participants throughout the program. PepsiCo’s bottling partners, Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) and Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Beverage (SPVB) will continue their partnership in 2025 across Thailand and Vietnam.

Since its launch, the program has established a track record of successful first-of-a-kind pilots leading to further collaboration with PepsiCo and partners, with 2024 winner Alterno being among the standouts. As the winner of last year’s program, Alterno is pioneering Asia’s first low-cost thermal energy storage solution for renewable energy. Alterno’s sand battery technology offers a promising, lower-emission alternative to traditional snack drying methods, with the potential to help PepsiCo reduce energy costs and emissions while demonstrating real-world applications.

“As sustainability rightly grows in importance for investors, consumers, and employees, accelerator programs like GHAC play a crucial role in helping entrepreneurs meet these expectations and remain competitive. Applicants benefit not only from mentorship with seasoned professionals but also from direct collaboration with PepsiCo, a global industry leader that drives the program and acts as the end user of their innovations. This provides access to decades of industry expertise, a strong partner network, and valuable insights to refine solutions and shape pilot opportunities,” Ashley added. 

To apply for the PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator 2025 APAC Sustainability Edition, visit the website at greenhouseaccelerator.com/apac/ or PepsiCo’s LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/pepsico