Amazon’s Sustainability Accelerator Drives Climate Success

The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is shaping the next wave of climate tech innovation by empowering startups with leading-edge mindsets with the aspiration of making meaningful change.

This comes at a time where climate tech is undoubtedly at the forefront of the global push towards a sustainable future. With that being said, many — including Amazon — believe startups are pivotal in driving this transformation.

Amazon believes that there is an  increasing demand for innovative solutions that address issues like waste reduction, decarbonization, and sustainable consumer products, which is why it now supports climate tech start-ups through its Sustainability Accelerator

What is the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator?

The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator, now in its third year, is a powerful platform that empowers entrepreneurs to scale their businesses while making a significant positive impact on the environment.

The 2024 iteration of the programme is run in partnership with EIT Climate-KIC — Europe’s leading climate innovation agency — and innovation strategy consultants Founders Intelligence, part of Accenture.

“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,” said Zak Watts, Amazon’s Director of Sustainability in Europe. “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.”

A new addition for 2024 was the ClimateTech Pilot Challenge, which targets start-ups that have moved beyond the prototype phase and are ready to scale. These later-stage companies will participate in a condensed, four-week version of the Accelerator, culminating in a pitch for the opportunity to work directly with Amazon on pilot projects. 

This initiative offers a unique chance for start-ups to demonstrate their technologies in a real-world setting and potentially secure significant contracts.

Since its launch, the Amazon Accelerator has supported more than 25 start-ups across the UK and Europe, has provided more than £1m (US$1.3m) in grants and credits and helped participating businesses increase total sales on average by 700% and raise more than £15m (US$19.1m).

Giving a boost to climate tech start-ups

And Amazon doesn’t just want to make a difference — it already is.

As stated above, the Accelerator programme has given exposure and financial support to climate techs worldwide. The programme’s impact is already evident through the success stories of past participants. For instance, Suri — a UK-based startup tackling plastic pollution with sustainable toothbrushes — experienced exponential growth after joining the Accelerator. 

Co-Founder Mark Rushmore credits the programme with helping sustainable toothbrush company SURI, which is aiming to tackle plastic pollution, increase its gross revenue to over £10 million (US$13.2bn) within a year. 

“It has provided us with unparalleled access to resources and expertise,” he said.

Similarly, FUNQ’ — a manufacturer of natural superfruit syrup — leveraged the Accelerator last year to expand its market presence. Thanks to its participation, it is now available in 1,600 stores across Germany.

Founder Michael Schwarz said: “The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator 2023 has transformed FUNQ’ and fueled our growth by bringing us together with other founders and coaches who are committed to developing more sustainable products.”

It’s not just the start-ups themselves that are shouting about this scheme, but those behind it, too.

Kirsten Dunlop, CEO of EIT Climate-KIC, added: “This year’s Accelerator broadens its scope to encompass start-ups 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.”

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