Three start-ups from the ANZ region were chosen as among the 10 finalists of the inaugural APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program Sustainability Edition organised by PepsiCo.
The announcement comes as a culmination of the search which began in March when PepsiCo made an open call to start-ups across the Asia-Pacific region that offer innovative solutions for sustainable packaging and climate reduction. The finalists were then selected by a committee of leaders within PepsiCo based on their ability to deliver innovative solutions that effectively mitigate climate impact.
The ANZ finalists are:
- Adiona (Australia) – which has developed a technology that allows transporters to adopt electric vehicles (EV)s faster by identifying opportunities for electrification and creating simulations and network designs for more sustainable delivery methods,
- Turn Systems Corporation (New Zealand) – which uses smart technology to rid the planet of single-use plastics, and;
- Aspiring Materials (New Zealand) – which plans to shift the packaging, construction, and agriculture industries to use carbon-free rocks.
“We are proud to see both Australia and New Zealand represented in the finalists of the Greenhouse Accelerator Program, representing a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability in the ANZ region,” Brent Gapes, National EHS & Sustainability Manager for Australia and New Zealand at PepsiCo, said.
“Their innovative ideas and commitment to sustainability align with our pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) vision of creating a more resilient and environmentally conscious future for all,” Grapes added. “PepsiCo is committed to collaborating with Turn Systems Corporation, Aspiring Materials and Adiona to drive sustainable outcomes in the region by fostering solutions that create real change in their industries.”
The start-ups will receive valuable support during the four-month business optimisation program designed to accelerate their growth including USD$20,000 in grants, personalised mentorship from experts across different functions areas within PepsiCo and access to their expertise. At the end of the program, one standout start-up will be awarded an additional USD$100,000 and the opportunity to continue partnering with PepsiCo on future projects.
“We’re delighted to have been selected as a finalist in the PepsiCo APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program Sustainability Edition,” Richard Savoie, CEO of Adiona, said. “The support that PepsiCo will provide financially, through mentorship and via their business optimisation support will undoubtedly assist us in accelerating our growth to support our mission of fueling faster EV adoption across global supply chains.”
Wern Yuen Tan, CEO of PepsiCo APAC, said the company’s collaboration with the ten start-up finalists in the APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program marks “a pivotal moment in our journey toward responsible growth and environmental stewardship”.
