Amazon opens applications for 2024 UK, Europe Sustainability Accelerator

Digital giant Amazon is again on the hunt for startups with unicorn potential “to help solve the world's most challenging sustainability problems.”

Now in its third year, the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator has opened applications “from Europe’s leading startups,” and the expanded format is now run in partnership with EIT Climate-KIC, the European climate innovation agency, and consultants of innovation strategy Founders Intelligence.

Climate tech startup applicants should focus on building businesses in one of four categories: consumer products, circular economy, energy in buildings and packaging, “a reflection of the growing ecosystem of sustainable startups.”

Startups in this year's Accelerator will work with experts on Amazon's Sustainability, Climate Pledge Fund, and Climate Pledge Friendly teams, attend workshops, receive mentoring, and benefit from a customized program designed to help founders navigate the challenges. challenges of starting and scaling a sustainable economy. business.

Amazon and EIT Climate-KIC will work collaboratively to guide Accelerator participants through a Climate Impact Assessment where they will learn how to self-assess the climate impact of their business and develop strategies to improve their environmental footprint. Participants will also receive a grant and Amazon Web Services (AWS) credits.

Also new for 2024, the ClimateTech Pilot Challenge will welcome startups that have gone beyond prototype testing and are working to generate startup revenue and growing operations (Tech Readiness Level 6 and above). These companies will participate in a shorter, more intense four-week version of the Accelerator and will seek the opportunity to work on a pilot project directly with parts of Amazon's business. A typical pilot for emerging technologies could generate between $50,000 and $2 million, depending on duration and scope.

The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is open to the following: Consumer Products: Early-stage startups developing sustainable and innovative physical consumer products that have recently launched or are about to hit the market; Circular Economy: Startups that are creating solutions that extend the life of products through reverse logistics, accessible repair capabilities for end users, and more; Energy in Buildings: Startups focused on helping buildings decarbonize through AI and next-generation materials; and Packaging: Startups creating innovative packaging materials, reusable closed-loop system technology, and more.

The application deadline for the first cohort focusing on the Circular Economy, Energy in Buildings and Packaging is April 5 and successful applicants will be announced in the spring. The deadline for the second cohort focused on consumer products is July 31, and successful applicants will be announced in the fall.

Zak Watts, Director of Sustainability at Amazon in Europe, said: “Our goal is… to be the best place in the world for entrepreneurs to create cutting-edge sustainable products and technologies, and we want to help them achieve their dream of building a business. with unicorn potential.”