Riyadh – Viridia Tech, an Egypt-based startup, clinched the grand prize of USD 100,000 at the 2024 Mega Green Accelerator for its AI-driven platform that boosts crop efficiency and yield forecasting. The award was announced during the Demo Day event which showcased innovations from eight startups from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Mirai Solar, from Saudi Arabia, secured the second place with a $30,000 prize for its pioneering solar-powered shade system, promoting sustainable energy solutions.
Launched in 2023 by PepsiCo, SABIC, AstroLabs, and other strategic partners, the Mega Green Accelerator program selected the top eight startups from over 350 submissions. The initiative aims to foster innovations in food security, clean energy transitions, and the circular economy.
Throughout a comprehensive six-month program, the participating startups received training, mentorship from industry leaders, and networking opportunities to scale their ventures and attract potential investors.
Wael Ismail, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at PepsiCo, highlighted PepsiCo’s commitment to fostering innovation in the region: “For 70 years, PepsiCo has been a dedicated partner in the MENA region. Through our MENA Innovates initiatives, we are driving significant changes by supporting startups and broader projects that enhance innovation across the region.”
Roland Daher, CEO of AstroLabs, reflected on the program’s success: “This year’s Mega Green Accelerator has provided a model for boosting the sustainability sector, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Our collaboration with PepsiCo, SABIC, and our partners offers these startups unparalleled access to major industry leaders, integrating them into the sustainability value chain and helping them scale effectively.”
The Mega Green Accelerator is part of PepsiCo’s broader MENA Innovates efforts, which aim to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability through various events and programs that nurture groundbreaking ideas and inspire future leaders.
