The startup accelerator program focuses on startups that champion sustainability through their businesses. 

PepsiCo has announced that Alternō, a startup from Vietnam, has won its 2024 Greenhouse Accelerator Program – APAC edition. The 2024 Greenhouse Accelerator Program, the company’s startup accelerator, aims to be a launchpad for startups that are reimagining the future of business through sustainability.

An agritech startup from the Philippines, Takachar, has been named as one of the ten finalists of the program. Aside from the Philippines, finalists have been chosen from countries such as Australia, China, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Participants of the program have received personalized mentorship from PepsiCo executives, as well as a $20,000 (approximately PHP 1.12 million) grant. Participants have likewise received access to PepsiCo’s extensive industry network. 

What is Alternō?

Alternō’s mission is to deliver not just sustainable, but also efficient energy storage and heating solutions with the goal of a zero-emission future. In order to achieve this goal, Alternō is pioneering thermal battery technology. 

“Winning PepsiCo’s APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program 2024 is a pivotal moment for our startup,” said Hai Ho, Co-Founder and COO of Alternō. “PepsiCo’s mentorship and resources have helped us sharpen our strategy and accelerate our growth.” 

“We look forward to further collaborating with PepsiCo to expand the reach of our solution and contribute to a more sustainable future,” the Alternō Co-Founder and COO added. 

In addition to the mentorship and grant received by all participants of the program, Alternō also receives an additional $100,000 (approximately PHP 5.6 million) grant to further develop its thermal battery technology. 

What is Takachar?

One of the finalists of the program, Takachar takes crop and forest residues from rural communities and turns them into carbon-negative bioproducts. These products include biofuels, fertilizers, and even chemicals. 

In order to achieve this, Takachar has developed small, low-cost, portable systems that can be attached to tractors and pick-up trucks. This way, these portable systems can be easily deployed to remote rural areas. 

While victory may have been elusive, Takachar showcases the potential and innovativeness of Philippine agritech startups with its selection as a finalist for the program. Their selection can help inspire other startups to champion sustainability in their businesses.