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PepsiCo has introduced Lebanon-based start-up Dooda Solutions because the winner of the second iteration of its Greenhouse Accelerator Program: MENA Sustainability Edition, in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Food Tech Valley (FTV). Dooda Solutions was chosen from over 180 candidates, following a rigorous multi-stage choice course of and six-months of mentorship, and can obtain a $100,000 grant, together with a bunch of different advantages, to scale their sustainable agricultural answer and develop their enterprise.
Dooda Solutions, a woman-led earthworm farm, makes a speciality of producing premium-grade vermicompost (natural fertilizers) at industrial scale. Its nutrient-rich vermicompost restores soil well being by bettering its construction, rising nutrient availability, and enhancing microbial exercise. In this system’s last phases, the workforce demonstrated a really modern and scalable answer with a dedication to pushing the boundaries of sustainable agriculture improvements.
The winner was introduced on the closing ceremony held at Museum of the Future, following pitches and a product showcase by every start-up. The occasion drew participation from His Excellency Eng. Mohammed Mousa Alameeri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector on the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and Lāth Carlson, Executive Director of Museum of the Future. The skilled judging panel comprised His Royal Highness Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, Founder and CEO of KBW Ventures; Sheikh Dr. Majid Al Qassimi, Founder & Partner of Soma Mater Management Consultancies; Wael Ismail, Vice President for Corporate Affairs at PepsiCo Africa, Middle East and South Asia; Alanoud Al Hashmi, CEO of SDG GLOBAL & Futurist; and George Shenouda, Africa Lead, Development and Investment at Masdar.
The program this yr centered on sustainable agriculture in keeping with PepsiCo’s sustainability technique, pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). The AgriTech trade in MENA has attracted round $250 million in funding in 2022, instilling confidence in regional start-ups and their innovation potential for sustainable agriculture. The Greenhouse Accelerator Program has created new development alternatives on this area, serving to the startup ecosystem flourish.
“At the center of our nation’s priorities lies the dedication to meals safety and sustainable agriculture. As we put together to host the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, Conference of the Parties (COP28), later this month, we acknowledge the importance of addressing international challenges by innovation and collaboration. We are prioritizing the acceleration of efforts to realize the targets of the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051 by partnerships and options that convey a paradigm shift within the agricultural sector and meals programs. One such initiative is the Greenhouse Accelerator Program because it gives a stage for entrepreneurs and startups to make clear their pioneering options, driving the reason for sustainability, whereas fostering innovation. I commend all contributors for bringing forth their modern options, and PepsiCo, Food Tech Valley, and all companions concerned for his or her dedication to this initiative. I’m assured that collectively, we’ll improve the resilience and sustainability of the meals sector – paving the best way for a extra sustainable future for all,” mentioned His Excellency Eng. Mohammed Mousa Alameeri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector – Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
“Building on the success of the primary version of our MENA Greenhouse Accelerator, this yr marked a major step in the direction of accelerating progress in sustainable agriculture within the area. As a part of our commitments to realize net-zero emissions by 2040 and develop into web water constructive by 2030, we’re actively facilitating innovation to drive tangible change at scale. At PepsiCo, we’re devoted to supporting innovators and entrepreneurs who’re on the forefront of sustainable options. By offering them with a wealth of sources and providing them a platform to showcase their options on international phases, akin to at COP28, we need to assist them thrive. We’re enthusiastic about Dooda Solution’s potential to rework the regional agriculture sector and stay up for creating extra alternatives for different promising startups that can have a long-lasting constructive influence on society,” mentioned Aamer Sheikh, CEO at PepsiCo Middle East.
“It is a big honour to be acknowledged by PepsiCo’s Greenhouse Accelerator Program: MENA Sustainability Edition. This journey has been transformative, offering our enterprise with invaluable insights, mentorship, and instruments to refine and scale our sustainable agriculture answer. The program’s intensive attain and community have helped us join with like-minded entrepreneurs, potential companions, and traders who share our imaginative and prescient for sustainable agriculture, not solely accelerating our development but additionally reinforcing our dedication to driving sustainable change within the MENA area. We are excited in regards to the journey forward and stay dedicated to scaling our operations successfully to offer sustainable options to all,” mentioned Nada Ghanem, Founder and Managing Director at Dooda Solutions.
All start-ups that participated in this system acquired an preliminary grant of $20,000 and one-on-one mentorship from PepsiCo and exterior companions over a six month span, who guided them on every thing from analysis and growth to enterprise fashions, advertising and marketing, and fundraising. In addition, six corporations chosen from each cohorts of the Greenhouse Accelerator Program: MENA Sustainability Edition might be featured in a devoted showcase at COP28 in Dubai. The transfer will broaden the rising companies alternatives for development and strengthen this system’s legacy.
For extra info on the Greenhouse Accelerator Program, please go to Greenhouse Accelerator Program and comply with PepsiCo Middle East on LinkedIn.
The submit MENA START-UP DOODA SOLUTIONS RECEIVES $100,000 GRANT FROM PepsiCo TO SCALE SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL SOLUTION appeared first on Hotel News ME.
