This is a call for creative minds and culture champions from KSA, UAE, Lebanon, and Jordan to join PepsiCo’s Youth Impact Studio (YIS), a program designed to empower young people to drive positive social impact through innovation and storytelling. Participants will engage in local hackathons centered around PepsiCo brands, culminating in a regional summit in Riyadh.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Creative Competition & Local Hackathons
- For: University Students, Recent Graduates, and Early Professionals (up to 3 years’ experience) from KSA, UAE, Lebanon, and Jordan
- Key Benefits: Fully-funded creative trips, exclusive mentorship, brand exposure, and network building.
- Application Deadline: December 20, 2025
Creative Competition Overview
The Youth Impact Studio (YIS), led by PepsiCo and partnered with parachute16, is a regional initiative focused on channeling youth creativity and purpose into social impact. Teams will respond to a brand-centered challenge specific to their country, focusing on authentic social and cultural themes. The program includes national hackathons and mentorship to co-create ideas and content that spark positive change.
Key Benefits
Winners and selected participants will receive:
- Fully-Funded Creative Trips: Immersive trips to visit HQs, innovation hubs, and R&D centers, and meet with global teams.
- Experience Packages: Exclusive mentorship, brand exposure opportunities, and feature placements.
- Network Building: Access to industry experts, mentors, and leading creative professionals.
- Skill Development: Enhanced skills in design thinking, strategy, marketing, communication, and storytelling.
- Recognition: Certificates of participation and recognition from PepsiCo and parachute16.
Eligibility Criteria
- Experience: Open to university students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals (up to 3 years of work experience).
- Team Requirement: Applications must be submitted in teams of 2–3 people.
- Nationality/Residency: Must be a citizen or resident of one of the 4 participating countries: KSA, UAE, Lebanon, or Jordan.
- Language: Must be proficient in English.
- Availability: Must be available to attend the local hackathon in their country and the 2-day regional summit in Riyadh.
Key Dates and Schedule
| Market | Local Hackathon Dates | Riyadh Summit |
| Lebanon | January 10–11, 2026 | February 13–14, 2026 |
| Jordan | January 16–17, 2026 | February 13–14, 2026 |
| UAE | January 24–25, 2026 | February 13–14, 2026 |
| KSA | January 30–31, 2026 | February 13–14, 2026 |
- Regional Summit Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Submission Requirements
Each team must submit one creative piece related to their country’s theme in one of the following formats:
- Short video (max 60 seconds, vertical)
- Poster / Visual design (1080×1350 px)
- Audio / Voice piece (max 60 seconds)
Note: Fully AI-generated content is not allowed; AI can only be used to support the creative process. Disclosure of AI use is mandatory.
How to Apply
Form your team of 2-3 members, select the challenge corresponding to your country of residence, and prepare your creative submission.
The Deadline for applications is December 20, 2025.
- Apply Here
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo is a leading company in the Food and Beverage sector, committed to enhancing the sustainability space in the region. This is closely aligned with PepsiCo’s end-to-end transformation strategy, pep+ (PepsiCo Positive), which centers sustainability and human capital in its efforts to create value and inspire positive change for the planet and people.
About parachute16
Parachute16 is a regional impact-driven innovation agency that designs and implements programs to empower entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers across the Middle East. As a MENA startup ecosystem builder, they work across 16+ countries to accelerate startups, foster social impact, and connect entrepreneurs and experts.
Learn More: Pepsico
