Launched in June of this year, the PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator APAC Program – Sustainability Edition is the company’s first initiative in the APAC area. The winner of the USD100,000 prize was revealed in October. The carbon capture, utilization, and storage technology (CCUS) company Powered Carbon had defeated nine other competitors from China, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.

PepsiCo industry professionals mentored the finalists for four months and awarded a USD 20,000 grant to help them hone their business models, fortify their market strategy, and optimize their potential impact.

“I am thrilled to share that Powered Carbon has won the inaugural PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator APAC Program – Sustainability Edition. Powered Carbon has developed a groundbreaking technology that utilizes CO2 to cultivate fungi for eco-friendly fertilizers. This innovative approach significantly reduces GHG emissions compared to traditional fertilizers.,” Wern-Yuen Tan, CEO of PepsiCo APAC, mentioned.

A major component of PepsiCo’s food supply chain – potatoes – are used to make a large portion of the company’s Lay’s brand of potato chips. So much so that over the past few decades, it has made large investments in technology and knowledge to enhance potato output in important producing markets like India.

Powered Carbon has big plans for the USD100,000 grant with a focus on further improving the final product.

“Throughout the program, we witnessed diverse solutions from all participants, many seamlessly aligned with PepsiCo’s transformative pep+ strategy. This collective movement towards sustainable growth is a testament to our shared commitment to a net-zero future. We’ll continue to pave the way for a more sustainable world through innovation, aligned priorities, and mutual goals. Celebrating today’s milestones reminds me of our overarching mission: to inspire change, drive sustainable growth, and leave an enduring impact on future generations. A heartfelt thank you to all participants, judges, mentors, and everyone who supported and believed in the vision of this program,” he concluded.