PepsiCo Backs 10 APAC Startups Driving Sustainability

PepsiCo has unveiled 10 early-stage startup finalists for its 2025 Greenhouse Accelerator APAC program, spotlighting scalable innovations in climate action, circular economy, and sustainable agriculture across the Asia-Pacific region.

Now in its third year, the Greenhouse Accelerator has become a key platform for identifying transformative ideas that strengthen resilience and environmental sustainability in the food and beverage value chain.

“This year’s cohort showcases bold thinking that is both locally grounded and globally relevant,” said Anne Tse, Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo Asia Pacific. “From climate resilience to circular packaging and smarter agriculture, we’re excited to back these early-stage innovators and learn from them.”

The 10 finalists, chosen from across five countries, include: Calyx.eco and Endua from Australia; five startups from China including AIForce Technology and Phabuilder Biotechnology; Bali Waste Cycle from Indonesia; Circular Unite from Singapore; and DEEGOLABs from South Korea.

Each startup will receive a USD20,000 grant, mentorship from PepsiCo executives, access to go-to-market resources, and the chance to pilot their solutions in real-world conditions.

At the end of the program, one winner will be awarded an additional USD100,000 to further scale their innovation.

Calyx.eco CEO Lauren Branson said, “We’re thrilled to be a finalist—it’s a powerful validation of the work we’re doing to transform food systems through sustainability intelligence. This platform gives us the chance to accelerate our regional expansion and show how high-definition impact data can unlock measurable improvements.”

Endua, a clean energy startup developing on-site green hydrogen systems, aims to pilot their solution within PepsiCo’s supply chain.

“We are looking forward to understanding the Pepsi business better and seeing where hydrogen can add value as a zero-emission alternative to fossil fuels,” said CEO Paul Sernia.

China’s AIForce Technology is leading efforts in AI-powered farm automation with its zero-emission VOLTOR electric tractor, which CEO Dr. Han Wei said can help establish a “Zero-Carbon Smart Farm” benchmark in the region.

Circular economy frontrunner Phabuilder Biotechnology hopes to replace conventional plastics with biodegradable PHA through fermentation technology.

“This partnership could build a pioneer trial for the market that PHA will contribute value to brand owners globally,” said CEO Ouyang Pengfei.

Bali Waste Cycle founder Olivia Anastasia Padang said the program will help them scale their low-value plastic regeneration hub while strengthening transparency and social impact in waste management.

Other solutions include AI-powered waste sorting (Databeyond, China), rapid organic waste transformation (SCAD, China), molten salt energy storage (Shanghai Electric), smart PET recycling (DEEGOLABs), and waste-to-resource optimization platforms (Circular Unite).

Each startup brings market-ready solutions addressing urgent regional challenges like climate change, soil degradation, plastic waste, and energy transition.

Since its launch, the Greenhouse Accelerator has supported 112 startups globally, disbursed over USD1 million in grants, and helped 80 percent of participants secure additional funding.

It has also launched 16 pilot projects across APAC and fostered long-term innovation partnerships with companies like Alternō, Powered Carbon, and Enwise.

“Our program thrives on collaboration,” Tse added. “Each edition strengthens our ecosystem of changemakers, and we look forward to what this year’s finalists will unlock—not just during the program but well beyond it.”

PepsiCo’s broader sustainability strategy, known as pep+ (PepsiCo Positive), integrates environmental and social responsibility across its global operations, from regenerative farming to circular packaging and climate-resilient manufacturing.

The APAC accelerator is supported by partners including Suntory PepsiCo Beverages Thailand and Vietnam, GC Ventures, Circulate Capital, CM Venture Capital, and Plug and Play.

For more information, visit greenhouseaccelerator.com.