Are you building a sustainability startup and want to maximise your impact?
We want to support you! We are looking for startups developing sustainability-focused products or recycling technologies that help to keep materials circulating.
Applications for this year's round are closed. You can register your interest for next year
Applications for this year's round are closed. You can register your interest for next year
Designed for early-stage startups
The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is a three-month, equity-free programme that supports early-stage startups that are building consumer products or recycling technologies that have a positive impact on the environment! To maximise start-up learning, there will be separate tracks tailored to the two cohorts.
Expertise from sustainability innovators
We are collaborating with EIT Climate-KIC, Europe's leading climate innovation hub as well as WRAP, a leading recycling NGO. Together, we have designed the programme to ensure startups receive relevant support at the intersection of holistic business growth and climate impact
What does the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator involve?
Monetary Grants
€12K cash grant
€/£500 worth of Sponsored Amazon Advertising Credit
USD$25K AWS Activate Credits
Specialised Mentorship
The accelerator brings together experts with a focus on startup growth, climate innovation and sustainability, e-commerce and recycling.
Tailored
Curriculum
Workshops, bootcamps and expert speakers, covering a variety of topics ranging from fundamentals for early-stage startups to ecommerce and recycling specific sessions.
Applications for this year's round are closed. You can register your interest for next year
What additional benefits are available?
Office space
Office space for three months in the Amazon HQ in Shoreditch, London or in Berlin.
Climate Impact Assessment
Understand the climate impact of your product/tech, develop strategies to optimise it and receive external validation.
Community
Peer learning and exchange with a community of like-minded founders driven by sustainability.
Flexibility
Weeks 1, 6 and 12 must be attended in person. The rest of the accelerator will be hybrid: Startups can join online or in person. This is subject to applicable Covid-19 restrictions.
Amazon Launchpad — 1 year free access
Dedicated support and free access to Amazon Launchpad for one year to benefit from Amazon’s customer reach. Amazon Launchpad is a one-stop shop for unique and unexpected finds from outstanding startups.
Key application criteria
Stage: Early-stage startups.
Location: European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland or UK based.
Themes:
(1) Product: Startups working on physical products that are better for the environment. Companies should be beyond prototyping stage, having (some) production capacity.
(2) Recycling technology: Startups tackling recycling industry challenges and creating a more circular economy. Examples of solutions we would like to see are advanced sortation tools, waste management data systems and innovative recycling capabilities. Companies should be beyond prototyping stage.
(1) Product: Startups working on physical products that are better for the environment. Companies should be beyond prototyping stage, having (some) production capacity.
(2) Recycling technology: Startups tackling recycling industry challenges and creating a more circular economy. Examples of solutions we would like to see are advanced sortation tools, waste management data systems and innovative recycling capabilities. Companies should be beyond prototyping stage.
Hear from other sustainability startups
We learnt about how to scale to the next level. We are so happy to be part of this amazing journeyChristina Antonie RehBaybies
All the pitches were amazing. It was great to see the 12 companies performing so strongly on demo day.Alessandro Di TrapaniGrub Club
It was a decisive turning point not only for me personally, but also for our company.Mark RushmoreSURI
The process
Applications for this year's round are closed. You can register your interest for next year
Startup selection committee:
FAQs
What is the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator?
The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is a three-month programme that is designed to support entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of building sustainability-focused companies. We offer expert-led workshops, mentorship, office space and access to networks to help navigate the challenges of starting a company within sustainability. The accelerator will have two distinct areas — firstly, sustainability-focused products and secondly, recycling technologies. Both cohorts will run at the same time, but with separate support for their specific needs.
How do I apply for the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator?
You can apply via amazon.co.uk/launchpad/AmazonLaunchpadSustainabilityAccelerator. Entries must be submitted in English and by 17 March 2023. Applicants must be prepared to commit to a three-month programme commencing on 2 May 2023, and finishing with a demo day on 20 July.
How do I know if the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is suited to me?
Typically, the accelerator is suited to companies in the early stages of their operation, either pre-GTM (go-to-market) or within two years of launching their first product offering. The sustainability-focused products track would be best suited to entrepreneurs who want to use ecommerce to fuel the growth of their product.
For the recycling tech track, we're looking for startups who are targeting recycling industry challenges by providing solutions such as advanced sortation tools, waste management data systems and innovative recycling capabilities. We are looking for companies that may still be small today, but have big, ambitious goals. Since you're probably at the beginning of your development, we don't expect a steep growth curve yet, but we're looking for clear ways to scale.
For the recycling tech track, we're looking for startups who are targeting recycling industry challenges by providing solutions such as advanced sortation tools, waste management data systems and innovative recycling capabilities. We are looking for companies that may still be small today, but have big, ambitious goals. Since you're probably at the beginning of your development, we don't expect a steep growth curve yet, but we're looking for clear ways to scale.
What type of companies are suitable?
The programme is best suited to startups that are committed to building and growing their company with an environmental impact in mind.
Does Amazon charge fees for startups to join the programme?
The programme is free and Amazon does not take equity.
Do I have to move?
No, the accelerator will be operated in a hybrid manner (mixing online and in-person support), allowing you to benefit from face-to-face support when you need it most, while having the flexibility and ease of online activities. However, please note that weeks 1 (2/5/2023 — 5/5/2023), 6 (5/6/2023 — 9/6/2023) and 12 (17/7/2023 — 21/7/2023) must be attended in person.
What are the benefits of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator?
Attend a three-month accelerator programme including workshops, mentorship and access to Amazon’s network.
Free office space in Berlin or London (subject to latest government COVID guidelines)
€12,000 cash grant
$25,000 AWS credits
€500 Amazon advertising credits
Free access to Amazon Launchpad for a year
Free office space in Berlin or London (subject to latest government COVID guidelines)
€12,000 cash grant
$25,000 AWS credits
€500 Amazon advertising credits
Free access to Amazon Launchpad for a year
How many companies will participate in the accelerator?
Each accelerator cohort will comprise 12–15 companies.
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