If you’re planning to enter your brand for the 2024 Amazon Sustainability Accelerator programmes, it’s time to get your skates on because applications close on April 4th!
Why we love the Accelerator
Designed to give a big boost to start-ups driving sustainable innovations, the Accelerator is an equity-free programme that gives entrepreneurs specialist tools and training to help them develop their skills and scale their businesses.
This year, Amazon has partnered with Europe’s leading climate hub, EIT Climate-KIC, and innovation strategy consultants Founders Intelligence to provide workshops, mentorships and bespoke programmes for the initiative, which in previous years has helped the likes of eco-toothbrush company Suri and insect-based pet food pioneers Grub Club to thrive.
And for 2024, it’s not just about consumer products – there’s a new cohort, the Amazon Pilot Challenge, which is for post-prototype European climate-tech start-ups in waste management, circularity and buildings efficiencies who can pilot their technology with Amazon as it works to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
How does it help participants?
We’ll let Suri and Grub Club’s results do the talking…
According to Suri Co-Founder Mark Rushmore, participation when their start-up was still at concept stage helped them increase their gross revenues to over £10 million in the last 12 months, as well as “providing unparalleled access to resources and expertise”.
And Grub Club cites a massive year-on-year growth of 290% after participation in 2022, with co-founder Alessandro di Trapani adding that they still share office space with 4 startups from their cohort – a testament to the “amazing network” they’ve gained access to.
The benefits in full
- Monetary grants in the form of cash and Amazon credits
- Specialised Mentorship from relevant experts
- Tailored curriculum including workshops, bootcamps and expert speakers
- Flexible access across the UK, EEA and Switzerland, featuring with virtual events alongside in-person attendance
- Climate Impact Assessment that includes management strategies and external validation
- Events and community, both while participating and through alumni and network events post-graduation