Disclaimer: The list of the finalists was updated on November 15, 2016 due to the withdrawal of one of the startups.

PepsiCo and Wamda are pleased to announce the finalists of the PepsiCo Social Impact Competition. The contest aims to reward and celebrate startups that created and implemented innovative solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges in the MENA region.

Ten ventures have been selected from more than 100 submissions to advance into final stage of the competition. This selection was decided by a jury of experts ranging from social entrepreneurship specialists to venture capitalists, PepsiCo executives, and Wamda team members. It was based on four assessment criteria: business potential, social impact, scalability, and the quality of the team and the deliverables.

After an intense review process, the ten startups that have reached PepsiCo Social Impact Competition’s finals are:

• Bilforon: A mobile application for ordering home-cooked food from home-based businesses

• BuildMENA (BuildPalestine): A crowdfunding platform for social impact projects that aims to empower grassroots problem-solving

• GREEN ALAFCO (Aluminum African Company): Recycler of aluminum UBC (Used Beverage Cans) with the help of the waste pickers network

• JunkBot Inc: DIY robotic kits that enable everyone build robots using unwanted junk like plastic cups, old cds, or used water bottles

• Make them aware - Protect them: A startup aiming to abolish sexual abuse and bullying of Egyptian children through training, media, education and support programs.

• Nafham: A crowd-sourced educational video platform for school students

• Napata: Manufacturer of handmade and traditional products from palm waste

• Pathfinders: A fully automated visual aid and navigation system to serve the visually impaired

• SEP Jordan: Manufacturer and seller of hand-embroidered fashion and home accessories made by refugees

• Shamsina: Provider of sustainable energy solutions to serve those most in need

The selected startups will participate in the last round of judging taking place at the Amwaj 2016 Forum on November 28-29, 2016 in Amman. They will pitch their businesses to a panel of distinguished judges and will compete to win prizes of up to $20,000. Winners will be announced and celebrated during a gala dinner on November 29, 2016.

PepsiCo and Wamda congratulate all PepsiCo Social Impact Competition’s finalists and wish them good luck for its final round!