Viridia Tech announced as winner of the 2024 Mega Green Accelerator
INTRODUCING
The Mega Green Accelerator Program
The Mega Green Accelerator program is a new initiative to nurture the next generation of innovators in MENA as they aim to develop solutions to both regional and global sustainability challenges.
In recent years, the Middle East has witnessed a significant increase in temperatures, presenting a unique opportunity for proactive initiatives in sustainable innovation. Despite the region's accelerated warming, the current support and investment in the sustainability innovation ecosystem have not fully embraced the potential for growth and positive change. The program aims to bridge this gap and catalyze a surge in climate technology startups within the MENA region, fostering
a collaborative environment that nurtures innovation and addresses the urgent sustainability challenges specific to the region, through the creation of diverse and scalable solutions.
PepsiCo and SABIC, alongside 12 strategic partners are launching the Mega Green Accelerator with the aim of combatting those issues. The priority focus areas for the first round of the Mega Green Accelerator program include circular economy, clean energy transitions, and food security with a focus on water and agriculture. In addition to seed funding and mentorship, the partners will provide participating entrepreneurs access to some of the most prominent business leaders in the region.
Accelerator Tracks
Food Security, Water & Agriculture
Circular Economy
Energy Transition
Founding Partners
PepsiCo is one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies. Guided by its strategic end-to-end transformation strategy, pep+ (PepsiCo Positive), PepsiCo has taken significant strides in building a sustainable food system, acknowledging the need for innovation in climate action. Over the years, through flagship initiatives such as the PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator: MENA Sustainability Edition, launched in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Food Tech Valley, PepsiCo has previously empowered entrepreneurs across MENA, to scale disruptive solutions to pressing sustainability challenges cutting across packaging and agriculture. The new Mega Green Accelerator, launched at COP28, sees PepsiCo working closely with a broader pool of industry players to unlock innovative solutions in a bid to make the region more food secure. This includes nurturing start-ups focused on circular economy solutions, clean energy transition and climate mitigation technologies in the areas of water and agriculture.
SABIC is a global diversified chemicals company, headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It has more than 31,000 employees worldwide and operates in around 50 countries. It manufactures on a global scale in the Middle East, Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific, making distinctly different kinds of products: chemicals, commodity and high-performance plastics, agri-nutrients and metals. Fostering innovation and a spirit of ingenuity, SABIC has 9948 patents and pending applications and has significant research resources with innovation hubs in key geographies around the world. SABIC supports its customers by identifying and developing opportunities in key end-use applications such as construction, medical devices, packaging, agri-nutrients, electrical and electronics, transportation, and clean energy.
Operating Partner
AstroLabs is the leading business expansion platform in the Gulf, propelling high-growth companies across strategic industries. With a decade of supporting economic development in emerging markets, AstroLabs is the partner of choice for over 1,500 companies that have expanded across the region, engaging a vibrant community of 10,000+ market leaders in the UAE and KSA. Bridging key gaps in fundamental industries in the Gulf, AstroLabs designs sector-focused and outcome-driven programs in partnership with government entities and the private sector. AstroLabs is committed to building the future of key sectors, driving market access, and contributing to regional visions like Saudi Vision 2030.
SPONSORSHIP PARTNER
INVESTMENT PARTNERS
ECOSYSTEM PARTNERS
Why join the program?
The program provides a high level of support and investment and equips forward-looking businesses to build towards a greener tomorrow.
EXPAND YOUR NETWORK
Startups selected to join the program will have the opportunity to expand their network, gain exposure, and pitch their proposals to our founding partners, as well as their relevant industry and ecosystem partners.
ACCESS FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES
Dubai Future District Fund, Venture Souq and Shurooq Partners will provide platforms for investment opportunities, mentorship in raising capital, and the chance to forge potential strategic partnerships.
LEARN FROM TOP-TIER INSTRUCTORS AND MENTORS
The 12-week online Mega Green Accelerator Program will focus on actionable and targeted topics to help you bring your startup to the next level.
ONE STARTUP WILL RECEIVE UP TO 30,000 USD IN CASH FUNDING
Thanks to a prize partner, Schneider Electric, the most impressive proposals could potentially have the opportunity to access cash funding of up to 30,000 USD.
Who can apply?
