Innovation Challenge:
PepsiCo 2022 Challenge
This Challenge is
CLOSED

Key Dates
Registration Opens
September 19, 2022
Challenge Begins
October 3, 2022
Challenge Closes
all submissions due
October 21, 2022
Virtual Pitch
Week of November 14, 2022
Winners Announced
December 2 or December 5, 2022
Create the Unexpected
PepsiCo is looking for talented Undergraduate and Graduate students to become a part of their summer 2022 intern team! One challenge winner will have the opportunity to join PepsiCo in the summer of 2022 as an R&D Intern in one of the U.S. headquarter locations: Plano, TX, Valhalla, NY. (Location preferences will be discussed with the selected interns.) Now is your chance to help PepsiCo create the unexpected!
The Challenge
In this challenge, solvers will use an analytics software of their choosing (including but not limited to R, Python, MatLab) to create a solution based on available data. The solver will need to submit the code used to build the solution and indicate which software was used to write the code.
How It Works
Challenge Teaser
Prior to the start of the challenge, participants will receive a teaser question via email aligned to the challenge topic. These additional questions are designed as a “knowledge check” to prepare participants for the challenge and will be accessible from Microsoft Forms.
Challenge Dataset
On October 3, 2022, participants will receive an exclusive link to gain access to the sample dataset. Solvers will work independently to develop a solution based on the available dataset within the given timeframe.
Virtual Pitch
After reviewing all solutions, PepsiCo team will invite qualified applicants to a virtual pitch session with the Challenge Judges as well as members of the Academy’s challenge design team. The virtual pitch will take place the week of November 15. Individuals chosen to present will be given two weeks to prepare. Upon completion of the virtual pitch, Challenge Judges will select at least one winner who will have the opportunity to participate in an internship at PepsiCo in the summer of 2022.
Key Dates
Registration Opens
September 19, 2022
Challenge Begins
October 3, 2022
Challenge Closes
all submissions due
October 21, 2022
Virtual Pitch
Week of November 14, 2022
Winners Announced
December 2 or December 5, 2022
Grand Prize
- The winner will receive a PepsiCo R&D internship for the summer of 2023.
- The winner will receive a complimentary one-year membership to The New York Academy of Sciences and a digital badge that can be shared on LinkedIn and other social media.
About the Internship
- In order to be eligible for the internship, participants must be enrolled in undergraduate/graduate studies and must have an expected graduation date of 2024. Proof of enrollment will be required before internship offers are made. Additionally, intern candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.
- This internship is a paid opportunity and will include a sign-on bonus (which may be used for summer housing and relocation costs).
- PepsiCo will place R&D Interns in one of the U.S. headquarter locations: Plano, TX, Valhalla, NY. (Location preferences will be discussed during the interview process)
- Internships are project-based, and the intern would be working on a few projects related to one of PepsiCo’s 2023 business priorities.
- In addition, there are several PepsiCo-wide intern events throughout the summer that will make the summer more than just work!
Key Dates
Registration Opens
September 19, 2022
Challenge Begins
October 3, 2022
Challenge Closes
all submissions due
October 21, 2022
Virtual Pitch
Week of November 14, 2022
Winners Announced
December 2 or December 5, 2022
Challenge Rules
The official challenge rules can be found here. Individuals must acknowledge that they have read the challenge rules before completing the signup process.
- The Challenge is open to current undergraduates/graduates studying in the United States or the District of Columbia. Participants must have an expected graduation date of 2024. Proof of enrollment will be required before internship offers are made. Additionally, intern candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without needing sponsorship.
- All finalists will be asked to complete a PepsiCo internship application prior to being offered the internship.
- Participants must be at least 18 years old as of August 4, 2022.
- The challenge commences on October 3rd, 2022 at 12:00:01 AM ET and ends on October 21st, 2022 at 11:59:59 PM ET (“The Challenge Period"). The Challenge Period is 21 days.
- The challenge statement containing the detailed question and judging criteria will be released and sent to registered participants on October 2nd, 2022.