It is all systems go for the 2024 Amazon Sustainability Accelerator which opened for applications at the start of this week, and includes an additional climate technology pilot programme for more mature start-ups.
Available to Europe’s leading start-ups, the accelerator is looking for companies building businesses in consumer products, circular economy, energy in buildings, and packaging.
Now in its third year, the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is once again running in partnership with EIT Climate-KIC, a climate innovation agency with a Europe-wide scope. Innovation strategy consultants Founders Intelligence, part of Accenture, is also involved.
The expanded accelerator is also – for the first time – seeking applications from climate tech companies that have moved beyond prototype testing and are working towards generating initial revenue and growing operations. Amazon describes companies applying for this ClimateTech Pilot Challenge as having a “tech readiness level 6 and above”.
Instead of getting involved in the broader 12-week programme, which aims to equip business owners with the skills and opportunities to grow their company and positively impact the environment, the pilot for more established start-ups last just four weeks. Interested parties can pitch for the chance to work on a pilot project directly with parts of Amazon’s business.
Zak Watts, director of sustainability in Europe at Amazon, said: “Our aim is for the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator to be the best place in the world for entrepreneurs to create cutting-edge sustainable products and technologies, and we want to help them reach their dream of building a business with unicorn potential.
“I’m so excited we’re able to expand this year’s accelerator into new categories and verticals, welcoming later stage start-ups into the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator programme, to help supercharge their growth, and realise the potential of a more sustainable economy.”
Kirsten Dunlop, CEO of EIT Climate-KIC, added: “This year’s accelerator broadens its scope to encompass startups dedicated to decarbonisation, circularity, and resilient value chains. This expansion reflects the need to accelerate a fundamental shift in sustainable business practices and in lifestyles that use less energy, resources and materials, reaffirming our commitment to fostering impact-driven entrepreneurship for a just, climate-resilient, beautiful future for all.”
Success stories from the accelerator to date include Suri, a UK-based toothbrush company, which is aiming to tackle plastic pollution with over four billion toothbrushes thrown away each year. The start-up was still in the concept stage when joining the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator in 2022, but co-founder Mark Rushmore said the scheme has helped the business grow gross revenue to over £10 million in the last 12 months.
Meanwhile, Grub Club, a company selling high protein insect-based pet food in the UK, has seen year-on-year growth of 290% since joining the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator in 2022.
Companies enrolled on the programme this year will attend workshops, receive mentorship, and benefit from a bespoke programme, designed to help them navigate the challenges of starting and scaling a sustainable business. Amazon and EIT Climate-KIC will work in collaboration to guide participants through a climate impact assessment where they will learn how to self-assess their own environmental footprint.
Participants will also receive a grant and Amazon Web Services (AWS) credits.
Amazon, EIT Climate-KIC, and Founders Intelligence have brought together a team of leading experts to serve on the selection committee, who include:
- Ben Honan, investment lead, EIT Climate KIC
- Sandra Steving Villegas, partner & head of sustainability, Founders Intelligence
- Mark Rushmore, founder of Suri, and previous accelerator participant
- Kirsty Macdonald, investment principal, JamJar
- Phoebe Wang, investment partner, Climate Pledge Fund
- Zak Watts, director of sustainability in Europe, Amazon
- Chris Atkins, director of worldwide operations, Amazon
- Thais Blumer, head of EU packaging, Amazon
- Sebastian Pashaei, head of EU customer fulfilment sustainability, Amazon
- Ishna Berry, head of EU marketplace sustainability, Amazon
- Janeva Morfaw, head of product sustainable selection, Amazon
The deadline for applications for the first cohort focused on the circular economy, energy in buildings, and packaging categories is 5 April 2024, with successful applicants set to be announced in the spring. The deadline for the second cohort focused on consumer products is 31 July 2024, with successful applicants announced in the autumn.
[Image credit: Green Retail World]
