Amazon has launched its sustainability accelerator programme for 2024, looking for input from ‘Europe’s leading start-ups’ with a focus on those in climate tech.
For the first time, the programme is also welcoming start-ups that have moved beyond prototype testing and are nearing revenue generation through Amazon’s Climate Tech Pilot Challenge.
The retail giant wants to hear from climate start-ups that are building businesses in consumer products, circular economy, energy in buildings, and packaging – a reflection of the growing sustainable start-up ecosystem.
Businesses in the Climate Tech Pilot Challenge will take part in a condensed version of the accelerator, and have the chance to work on a pilot project directly with Amazon.
Since its inception in 2022, the programme has supported more than 25 start-ups across the UK and Europe, provided over $1 million in grants and credits, and helped those businesses increase sales by 700% and raise over £16 million to date, said the company.
The 2023 cohort consisted of 10 product companies and six recycling technology companies.
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Start-ups who have previously been part of the programme include Suri, the UK-based sustainable toothbrush company.
The start-up was still in the concept stage when joining the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator. It allowed the company to “increase our gross revenue to over £10 million in the last 12 months and provided us with unparalleled access to resources and expertise” according to Mark Rushmore, co-founder.
Grub Club, a start-up 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.
Co-founder Alessandro di Trapani said: “We currently still share office space with four other start-ups from our cohort too, which is testament to the amazing network that we’ve gained from the accelerator.”
Zak Watts, Amazon‘s director of sustainability in Europe, 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 program, to help supercharge their growth, and realise the potential of a more sustainable economy.”
Other green Amazon initiatives include this year Amazon adding 473MW of clean energy from an offshore wind farm in Scotland after singing a corporate power purchase agreement with French utility giant Engie.
Also this year Amazon’s fashion teamed up with pre-loved platform Hardly Ever Worn It in a bid to keep luxury fashion items in circulation for longer.
