AI-Powered Crop Efficiency Innovation Takes Top Prize
In a milestone for sustainable innovation, Egypt-based Viridia Tech has emerged as the grand prize winner of the 2024 Mega Green Accelerator held in Riyadh. The company, recognized for its cutting-edge AI-driven platform that enhances crop efficiency and improves yield forecasting, took home a USD 100,000 prize. The accelerator, a collaborative initiative launched by PepsiCo, SABIC, and AstroLabs, aims to drive breakthroughs in sustainability across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Recognizing Innovation: Mirai Solar Secures Second Place
While Viridia Tech celebrated its victory, Mirai Solar, a Saudi-based startup specializing in solar-powered shade systems, earned the USD 30,000 second-place prize. Their innovative approach to harnessing sustainable energy through solar technology was lauded for its potential impact on energy transitions in the region.
Mega Green Accelerator: A Platform for Sustainability
Launched in 2023, the Mega Green Accelerator attracted over 350 submissions from startups across MENA, all proposing innovative solutions for key sustainability challenges. The initiative, led by PepsiCo, SABIC, AstroLabs, and 11 other strategic partners, focused on tackling critical areas such as food security, clean energy transitions, and the circular economy. Out of hundreds of submissions, eight startups were selected to participate in a rigorous six-month program designed to help scale their innovations.
Comprehensive Support for Startups
The program provided participants with access to industry mentorship, training sessions, and invaluable networking opportunities with potential investors. It created a robust platform to support the growth and scalability of startups dedicated to solving some of the region's most pressing sustainability challenges.
Wael Ismail, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at PepsiCo, shared, “PepsiCo has been a key partner in the region for 70 years, and we remain committed to supporting progress and empowering the next generation. Through MENA Innovates, we are focused on driving meaningful change by backing startups and advancing broader initiatives that promote innovation across the region. We look forward to seeing how these startups will contribute to a more sustainable future."
Empowering Sustainable Growth in MENA
The accelerator program is part of PepsiCo’s broader MENA Innovates initiative, which is dedicated to championing entrepreneurship and sustainability. By aligning strategic industry leaders with budding startups, the program aims to unlock opportunities and drive large-scale adoption of sustainable solutions.
Roland Daher, CEO of AstroLabs, emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, "The success of this year’s Mega Green Accelerator program has created a blueprint for accelerating the growth of the sustainability sector in the region, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Our collaboration with PepsiCo, SABIC, and other strategic partners has given participants unparalleled access to industry leaders. We’re excited to see how Viridia Tech and the other innovators in the program will address critical sustainability gaps and help push the region towards a greener, more sustainable future.”
Shaping the Future of Sustainability in MENA
The success of this year’s accelerator sets a promising precedent for the region’s green economy. By fostering collaboration between startups and industry giants, the Mega Green Accelerator has become a launchpad for pioneering ideas that will shape the future of sustainability in MENA. The commitment of companies like PepsiCo, SABIC, and AstroLabs to innovation ensures that the region continues to nurture initiatives that align with global sustainability goals, including reducing environmental footprints and enhancing food and energy security.
