Amazon Sustainability Accelerator

Are you a startup that values sustainability and wants to expand your impact?

We want to support you. We are looking for startups that are developing innovative solutions to the world's most challenging sustainability issues.

Registration deadline:
Consumer Products — 7 March 2025
Climate Tech — 25 July 2025
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What is the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator?

Designed for startups that are tackling sustainability issues

The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is an equity-free programme supporting startups who are dedicated to sustainable innovation. We help companies to grow their skills and expand their business so they can maximise their contribution to fighting climate change.

We create accelerators that address the different areas of sustainability, such as circular economy, recycling technology and more sustainable consumer products.
Our aim
We develop impactful programmes for companies (or startups) to promote sustainable products, services and technology. To achieve this, we support startups with the expertise of the Amazon and AWS (Amazon Web Services) network.

In this way, the accelerator can also act as a facilitator for Amazon to work with the world's leading startups in the UK and Europe in the field of sustainability innovation.
Our programmes for 2025
Consumer Products
Amazon Climate Tech
Pilot Challenge
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Founders Intelligence logo
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Backed by expertise
We designed our accelerator programme together with Europe's leading climate innovation agency, EIT Climate-KIC, and innovation strategy consultants, Founders Intelligence.

What are the benefits?

Financial grants
Use cash and Amazon credit benefits to boost business growth.
Specialised mentorship
Network with professionals in startup growth, climate innovation and industry-specific sectors.
Tailored learning
Access workshops, boot camps and lectures on various topics, from business basics to industry-specific challenges.
Flexibility
Access the programme from anywhere in the European Economic Area, the UK or Switzerland with remote options and several in-person sessions.
Climate impact assessment
Understand your company’s climate impact potential, develop strategies to maximise it and receive external validation for the consumer product programme.
Events and community
Connect with and learn from leading innovators at events like Mentor Day and Demo Day during the Accelerator programme and at alumni and networking events after graduation.

Alumni

Consumer Products alumni
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ClimateTech Alumni
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Consumer product programme

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Key details
What are we looking for?
We are interested in supporting early-stage start-ups developing sustainable and innovative physical consumer products that have recently launched or are on the cusp of go-to-market.
How does it work and what are the benefits?
Selected startups will benefit from a 10-week accelerator, a £10,000 grant (€12,000), $10,000 in AWS Activate credits, mentoring and more. The program is run in hybrid format, comprising of both virtual sessions and face-to-face events, with three key in-person weeks at the sustainability hubs in Berlin, Amsterdam and London.

The process

Startup selection committee

Kirsty Macdonald
Kirsty Macdonald
Investment Principal, JamJar
Ben Honan
Ben Honan
Investment Lead, EIT Climate-KIC
Janeva Morfaw
Janeva Morfaw
Head of Product Sustainable Selection, Amazon
Paul Finch
Paul Finch
Co-Founder, Growth Studios
Mark Rushmore
Mark Rushmore
Co-Founder, SURI and Amazon Sustainability Accelerator Alumni
Yvonne Lanciano
Yvonne Lanciano
Senior Sustainability Manager, Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator?
The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is a growth programme for driving sustainable innovation. Each year, we create accelerators for various sustainability sectors such as circular economy, recycling technology and sustainable consumer products. The Product Accelerator is a 10-week program that supports entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of building sustainability-focused companies and products. We offer expert-led workshops, mentoring and access to our networks to help you set up a business in the sustainability sector.
How do I know if the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is right for me?
The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is looking for bold, ambitious companies with smart and effective solutions to today's sustainability challenges. For the consumer product programme, companies in the early stages of operations who have launched their first product offering within the last two years are the best suited. It may also be a good fit for companies that want to use e-commerce to boost their product growth. The accelerator is open to companies registered in the European Economic Area, the UK or Switzerland.
Will Amazon charge startups to participate in the programme?
The programme is free and Amazon does not take equity.
Do I have to move?
No, the accelerator programme will be operated in a hybrid manner (mixing online and in-person support) allowing you to benefit from face-to-face support when you most need it, while having the flexibility and ease to participate in activities online. However, please note that weeks 1 (28/04/25 – 02/05/25), 6 (02/06/25 - 06/06/25) and 10 (30/06/25 – 04/07/25) must be attended in person, in London, Amsterdam and London respectively.
What are the benefits of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator?
Participation in a ten-week accelerator programme with exclusive workshops, mentoring and access to the Amazon network

• £10,000 cash grant

• $10,000 in AWS credits

• £1,500 travel grant

• An impact assessment to help measure and improve your climate impact

• A demo day in London to pitch your company to investors

• Support with getting started and succeeding on Amazon
How many companies will participate in the accelerator?
The Consumer Accelerator will involve eight to ten companies

The ClimateTech Pilot Challenge

Key details
What are we looking for?
The Amazon Pilot Challenge is looking for innovative European climate technology startups to pilot their technology with Amazon as it works to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and to improve its packaging solutions, circularity and buildings. Startups should be in a position where they have moved beyond prototype testing and should be working towards generating initial sales and expanding operations (Tech Readiness Level 6 and above). See the FAQs under “Which companies should apply?” for more details.
How does it work and what are the benefits?
Selected startups will be part of an intensive four-week accelerator with Amazon and will be given the opportunity to launch a pilot project. The successful startups will work alongside Amazon to develop a pilot proposal. A typical pilot project for new technology ranges between $50,000 and $2 million, depending on its duration and scope. This range is for illustrative purposes and actual funding offers are at Amazon's sole discretion. Selected startups will also receive a £1,500 travel grant, $10,000 in AWS Activate Credits, business coaching and more.
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This is for startups that provide

Building solutions
We are looking for solutions that optimise energy-intensive processes, reduce emissions and move towards sustainable practices.
Circular economy solutions
We are looking for solutions that extend the lifespan of products. These range from reverse logistics optimisation to repair options for the end consumer.
Packaging solutions
Amazon is looking for solutions that can support reusable e-commerce packaging systems. This includes innovative packaging materials and closed-loop reusable systems technology.

What you’ll get

Pilot your technology with Amazon
The opportunity to pilot your technology or solution with Amazon to pave the way for future partnerships and growth opportunities.
Introduction to the Climate Pledge Fund
The Climate Pledge Fund is a $2 billion corporate venture program that invests in companies who support Amazon's journey to fulfil the Climate Pledge.
Amazon Sustainability Accelerator benefits
Receive cash grants, AWS credits, one years’ free Amazon Business Prime membership, mentorship connections, industry networking opportunities, Climate Impact support and more.

The process

Startup selection committee

Pheobe Wang
Phoebe Wang
Investment Partner, Climate Pledge Fund
Zak Watts
Zak Watts
Director, EU Sustainability, Amazon
Ben Honan
Ben Honan
Investment Lead, EIT Climate-KIC
Sebastian Pashaei
Sebastian Pashaei
Head of EU Customer Fulfilment Sustainability, Amazon
Thais Blumer
Thais Blumer
Head of EU Sustainable Packaging, Amazon
Chris Atkins
Chris Atkins
Director, WW Operations Sustainability, Amazon
Sandra Steving Villegas
Sandra Steving Villegas
Partner, Founders Intelligence
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator?
The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is a growth programme for driving sustainable innovation. Each year, we create accelerators for various sustainability sectors such as circular economy, recycling technology and sustainable consumer products. The Pilot Challenge is an intensive four-week program that helps startups to partner with companies, in particular with Amazon. The three main themes for 2024 are: Circular economy, packaging and buildings.
What types of building solutions is Amazon looking for?
We are looking for solutions that optimise energy-intensive processes, reduce emissions and move towards sustainable practices. We are exploring technology such as AI, geothermal/HVAC, building materials and DC microgrids.
What types of packaging solutions is Amazon looking for?
Amazon is looking for solutions that can support reusable e-commerce delivery packaging systems. This includes innovative packaging materials and reusable closed-loop reusable systems technology that can be adapted to Amazon's size and scale.
What types of circular economy solutions is Amazon looking for?
We are exploring technologies including (but not limited to): AI, repair solutions, material circularity for batteries, repairability and durability of products and reverse logistics optimisation.
Which companies should apply?
Startups should:

• have moved beyond prototype testing and be working towards generating initial sales and expanding operations (TRL 6 and above).

• be registered in the European Economic Area, the UK or Switzerland.

• have technology that is relevant to the subject areas.

• have scalable technology. Amazon will only fund technology that has the potential to significantly reduce CO2 emissions and/or reduce impacts beyond CO2 emissions and reduce operating costs.

• have technology that has the potential to make a global impact. Amazon explicitly favours projects that apply to all markets, regions, offer types, etc.

• be registered in the European Economic Area, the UK or Switzerland, and be available to attend in-person sessions in London, UK, as well as participate in online remote sessions.

• accept and comply with the official Terms and Conditions and other guidelines of the Pilot Challenge programme.

Amazon is not looking for project developers who sell third-party products, companies without a functional prototype, consulting firms, marketing or PR agencies, or acquired startups.
How do I apply?
Apply for the Pilot Challenge by registering your interest and completing the application form. To allow for resource planning for the Pilot Challenge, applications will open on 25 June 2025. Applications will be reviewed internally from June to July. Successful applicants will be invited to provide further information. Applications will close on 29 July.
How long will the Pilot Challenge last?
Selected startups will take part in an intensive four-week accelerator. During this time, startups will learn about Amazon's internal processes and requirements. After four weeks, startups will have the chance to launch a pilot project with Amazon. Successful startups, alongside internal Amazon teams, will then embark on a longer validation phase to fine-tune the details of their pilot project.
Do I have to move?
No, the accelerator is run in hybrid format (both online and face-to-face support), so you can access in-person support when you urgently need it, while taking advantage of the flexibility and simplicity of online activities. However, please note that week 1 (08/09/25- 12/09/25) and 03/10/25 must be attended in person in London.
How many startups will take part in the challenge?
Around 15 startups will take part in the 4-week challenge, split equally across the three programme sectors: building (5), packaging (5), circular economy (5). Each startup will pitch its solution to get the chance to pilot with Amazon — we will select 1–2 startups from each sector.
Will Amazon charge startups to participate in the programme?
The programme is free and Amazon does not take equity.
Is a pilot project with Amazon guaranteed?
A pilot project with Amazon is not guaranteed. A typical pilot budget for new technologies can range from $50,000 to $2 million, depending on the duration and scope (e.g. feasibility studies, prototype testing) needed to determine key performance indicators. This range is for illustrative purposes and actual funding offers are at Amazon's sole discretion.

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