PepsiCo has announced the launch of its first edition of the Greenhouse Accelerator program in MENA. The program was launched in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) at a ceremony that drew the participation of high-ranking government officials, including HE Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment.

As part of the partnership, MOCCAE will offer technical and strategic mentors to applicants participating in the program and amplified outreach into trusted local and regional networks, further increasing the number of innovators applying to the program.

“We are delighted to support the PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator: MENA Sustainability Edition that leverages innovation to optimize resource utilization, reduce waste, cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, and promote environment-friendly and sustainable production. This way, it helps to address the key priorities in our fight against climate change, one of the most pressing challenges facing the world. The initiative aligns with our Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, which aims to diversify the national economy, and foster sustainable innovation based on science and technology. We wish participating startups success in unlocking new opportunities that will help us secure long-term economic and environmental sustainability,” said HE Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri.

The Greenhouse Accelerator program will run as a six-month initiative, seeking to enhance innovation and sustainability through collaboration with purpose-driven brands from the MENA start up ecosystem that share PepsiCo’s vision for a more sustainable food system.

“We are proud to bring this collaborative program to the MENA region in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. 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. As the region’s largest food and beverage company, we have a critical role to play to advance this agenda and bring our pep+ strategy to life in key MENA countries. I look forward to engaging with the startups and our stakeholders to help build a circular and inclusive value chain and inspire people to make choices that create more smiles for them and the planet,” said Eugene Willemsen, CEO, Africa, Middle East and South Asia, PepsiCo.