Key takeaways

Choose accelerator programmes with care, making sure they align with your values.

The PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator Programme has given sustainable startups help in marketing, finance, product development and access to end users.

Enterprising startups in the sustainability space have opportunities from time to time to apply for grants or incubator programmes offered by large organisations trying to do better in the world.

The question is, is it worth all the form filling late at night for that deadline?

The PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator Programme(GHAC) in APAC is in its third year, and invites startups in the APAC region working to advance breakthroughs in the circular economy, climate action and sustainable agriculture, to apply for grants of up to $210,000.

GHAC alumni who have been involved in the programme over the past two years, say the value in the initiative wasn’t about the money, though equity-free grants of US$20,000 were useful. It was more about the business advisory and collaboration opportunities that the programme offered.

Aspiring Materials' take on the Greenhouse Accelerator Programme

Katherine Izumi, Chief Operating Officer of Christchurch based-Aspiring Materials, which uses globally abundant magnesium-rich rocks like olivine to capture CO2 and produce low emission, clean materials for the water treatment, energy and cement industries. The company went through GHAC in 2023.

“The amount of validation and credibility Aspiring Materials gained from being associated with a global brand like PepsiCo can’t be overstated,” she says.

‘Our participation in the programme opened doors for discussions with end users, investors, and follow-on engagement with global markets,” Katherine adds.

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Aspiring Materials applies for accelerator type programmes a couple of times a year, as an early stage company, says the COO. To others considering applying for the PepsiCo programme, Izumi says: “It’s about choosing initiatives that align with our values and can truly make a difference for communities and the planet.”

Aspiring Materials used the equity-free GHAC grant to support the refinement of its innovation and technology, Izumi says.

But the biggest value Aspiring Materials took away from the programme was the deep mentorship and guidance the company received, she says.

“The access to PepsiCo expertise across a range of fields and the (ability) to engage with other cleantech startups was incredibly motivational and inspiring,” she says.

Meanwhile the mentoring in marketing and finance was an unexpected highlight.

“Marketing and brand development insights came at exactly the time we needed them, allowing us to refine our company story and product offering to make them more compelling and accessible to investors,” says Katherine.

The Aspiring Materials team also learned from PepsiCo how large organisations evaluate new technologies and their economic feasibility, which led the startup to think more strategically about how to position the company to potential end users, she says.

Captivate Technology grew during its time on the PepsiCo accelerator programme

Captivate Technology grew during its time on the PepsiCo GHAC

Palmerston-North-based Captivate Technology was one of the standouts in the GHAC programme last year. The startup has developed a game-changing solid-state adsorbent that sieves carbon dioxide from emissions.

“The programme provided an opportunity to show the benefit of the technology to PepsiCo and also grew Captivate by increasing its experience and developing the tech further,” says Nigel Campbell, Chief Commercial Officer at the startup.

“The greatest help to us were the introductions and connections. It’s opened the door to collaborations, investment and business growth which have been extremely valuable,” he adds.

The company pitched its innovation to Pepsi executives, VCs and investors to win a larger grant.

“We have been active nationally and internationally, raising money and participating in grants and prizes,” says Nigel.

Why PepsiCo is running an accelerator programme for cleantech

Michelle Cassettari, General Manager of PepsiCo Foods New Zealand says the GHAC Programme is all about driving impactful change.

“This initiative empowers startups to address critical challenges in sustainable agriculture, the circular economy and climate action through tailored mentorship and collaboration," she says.

“By nurturing innovation and offering opportunities to pilot their solutions, we are enabling these entrepreneurs to scale their impact and deliver tangible results,” says Michelle.

For the full article in Stuff go here.

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Greenhouse accelerator programme opens doors for clean tech startups