- Innovative companies from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia will join PepsiCo’s accelerator program that aims to identify and scale up groundbreaking sustainable agricultural practices
- A start-up from Egypt specializing in renewable energy is one of the six companies selected for the second MENA edition of the Greenhouse Accelerator program
· This year, the program expanded to start-ups based in Egypt
By ; Amir TAHA
Today, PepsiCo announced that Egyptian start-up NoorNation has been chosen among the six shortlisted to join the second cohort of its Greenhouse Accelerator Program: MENA Sustainability Edition. Following a rigorous multi-stage selection process, this year’s cohort brought forward innovative ideas across five key criteria: alignment to PepsiCo’s sustainability strategy – PepsiCo Positive (pep+) – strategic synergy with PepsiCo, scalability, relevance to MENA, and breakthrough potential.
The six shortlisted companies, NoorNation, Dooda Solutions, RoboCare, SmartWTI, Smart Green, and YY ReGen, were selected from over 180 applications across 18 countries. Each of the companies bring a unique level of expertise and innovative solution to the table from all aspects of the agriculture value chain from water preservation to soil cultivation.
NoorNation, is a renewable energy startup from Egypt that aims to provide tech-enabled decentralized energy and water infrastructure solutions to the off-grid sector across Egypt and Sub-Saharan Africa. Their product, LifeBox, is a solar-powered, self-contained mobile unit that delivers clean energy and safe water to rural communities, farming, and tourism businesses at a reasonable price. This startup has the potential to disrupt the sustainable agriculture industry and make a positive, lasting impact on society.
As part of the program, the six selected companies will receive an initial grant of $20,000 to support the business and help scale up its innovation, along with guided mentorship from regional subject matter professionals, as well as PepsiCo and Food Tech Valley experts. At the end of the six-month program, one winning company will be awarded an additional $100,000 in funding to continue its expansion and have an opportunity to extend its collaboration with PepsiCo to further expedite its growth.
“I am immensely proud to witness an Egyptian startup like NoorNation being shortlisted in the esteemed Greenhouse Accelerator Program. This significant achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication and visionary approach of Egyptian entrepreneurs who strive to create a more sustainable future for the agriculture sector while driving positive transformation in the food industry at large. At PepsiCo Egypt, we are committed to supporting Egyptian entrepreneurs, while utilizing their power to foster a sustainable and resilient agricultural landscape. By joining forces with these forward-thinking startups, we aim to cultivate an environment that propels the growth of sustainable practices, ensuring a brighter future not only for Egypt but also for the global community," said Mohamed Shelbaya, CEO of PepsiCo North Africa.
In recent years, the global food system has encountered numerous challenges that have significantly impacted Egypt. These challenges include the disruptive impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, extreme weather events, and global supply chain disruptions. The adoption of unsustainable farming practices has heightened ecosystem vulnerability and intensified competition for essential land and water resources, further jeopardizing agricultural growth and food security. By embracing innovation, Egypt is working towards addressing these challenges and building a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector with the help of Egyptian start-ups that aim to promote sustainable practices in the agriculture sector.
For more information on the initiative and the six shortlisted startups, please visit the Greenhouse Accelerator program website or the PepsiCo Positive (pep+) Middle East LinkedIn page.
