PepsiCo has announced Beijing AIForce Technology as the winner of its 2025 Greenhouse Accelerator (GHAC) programme in Asia Pacific, recognising the startup for its autonomous, low-carbon electric tractors designed to improve sustainable farming. The award was presented at the final event in Shanghai, where 10 startups from across the region showcased their solutions.
Now in its third year, the accelerator is PepsiCo’s flagship initiative in Asia Pacific to support innovation in sustainable agriculture, circular economy, and climate resilience. Each finalist received US$20,000 in non-dilutive funding, mentorship from PepsiCo executives, and access to the company’s global network of partners. The winner, Beijing AIForce Technology, also secured US$100,000 to scale its operations.
Driving innovation in sustainable farming
Beijing AIForce Technology impressed the judging panel with its use of robotics and data in developing electric tractors capable of operating continuously, day and night. The company’s approach combines automation, affordability, and sustainability, addressing key issues such as labour shortages, high farm costs, and carbon emissions. Early tests on PepsiCo farms showed promising results, with reduced operating costs and measurable emissions savings.
Dr Han Wei, Founder and CEO of Beijing AIForce Technology, said, “We are incredibly honoured to be named the winner of this year’s PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator in Asia Pacific. Participating in this programme has been a game-changer for us. The mentorship, connections, and insights we’ve gained have sharpened our strategy and opened doors to new opportunities. We’re grateful to PepsiCo for believing in our potential, and look forward to what’s ahead.”
Anne Tse, Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo Asia Pacific, added, “After three editions, the APAC Greenhouse Accelerator has shown that the real test of sustainability innovation is not the idea itself, but whether it works where it matters—in the field, on the line, and in the market. Each year, we’re building a stronger pipeline of solutions across circular economy, regenerative agriculture, and climate resilience that can support the long-term transformation of our industry.”
A platform for scaling sustainability
This year’s accelerator cohort featured startups from Australia, China, Indonesia, Singapore, and South Korea. Participants received tailored mentorship, guidance from past programme winners, and access to experts across sustainability, business strategy, supply chain, and fundraising. Several finalists piloted their solutions with PepsiCo, including projects on bioplastic film development, organic waste transformation, and plastic regeneration.
The programme has created a track record of impact in Asia Pacific. Past finalists such as Enwise and X-Centric have gone on to secure funding, refine their business models, and scale operations through collaborations with PepsiCo. Globally, GHAC has supported more than 100 startups since 2017, helping generate over US$15 million in revenue growth. In the last three years, the Asia Pacific edition has awarded over US$1 million in grants and pilot funding while advancing more than 20 pilots.
Ashley Brown, Chief Sustainability Officer for APAC and India at PepsiCo, said, “The Greenhouse Accelerator Programme is driving how we advance pep+ in APAC. By giving early-stage innovators direct access to our business, we test and scale solutions that promote packaging circularity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build climate-resilient agriculture. Many congratulations to Beijing AIForce Technology on their achievement in developing and testing low-carbon autonomous e-tractors for sustainable farming.”
PepsiCo confirmed that applications for the 2026 Greenhouse Accelerator Programme will open soon, encouraging startups across the region to apply.
