Amazon puts spotlight on 15 innovative startups as retailer launches third edition of its Sustainability Accelerator

Startups tackling sustainability challenges have the chance to pilot their technology with Amazon, as part of the third edition of the online retail giant’s Sustainability Accelerator.

This is a partnership with EIT Climate-KIC, a Europeans climate innovation agency, and innovation strategy consultants Founders Intelligence, part of Accenture.

The 15 startups from across Europe will benefit from a four-week programme featuring expert led workshops, specialised mentorship, a tailored curriculum and access to a network of entrepreneurs in the sustainability sector.

This year, for the first time, they also have the opportunity to pitch their technology for a trial in Amazon’s European operations, opening doors to future partnerships and Europe wide implementation, earning them up to £2 million each.

The companies span a range of geographies and demographics, headquartered across 10 countries and together employing more than 600 people.

From tackling issues arising from fast fashion, to reusable packaging and AI, they are focused on scaling their business in one of three categories: circular economy, energy in buildings, and packaging.

In a LinkedIn post, John Boumphrey, VP, UK & Ireland Country Manager, Amazon, said: “From pre-loved fashion hubs to fast-charging electric vehicle batteries, this year’s impressive group were handpicked from hundreds of applications in the circular economy, energy and packaging categories.”

“I’m particularly excited about the three UK startups joining us… ACS (Advanced Clothing Solutions), Cheesecake Energy, and Breathe Battery Technologies. Representing Glasgow, Nottingham, and London respectively, they are bringing some very cool ideas to table.”

“The accelerator has already made a phenomenal impact. Since launching in 2022 we have supported 25+ world class sustainability focused startups across Europe, provided $1 million in grants and credits, and helped businesses increase their total sales by an average of 700% + raise over £15 million.”

By way of example, Boumphrey flagged up accelerator alumni SURI, a UK-based sustainable toothbrush company which has now increased gross revenue £10 million+ in the last 12 months.

He concluded: “We want the 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.”

“Congratulations and the best of luck to all of participants this year. I can’t wait to see what you achieve!”

“As pioneers of circular fashion fulfilment for over 25 years, we are driven by a mission to reshape the fashion industry from the traditional take-make-dispose model, towards a circular model that extends the life of materials and diverts clothing away from landfill,” said Andrew Rough, CEO at ACS Clothing.

“We have already helped several leading fashion brands join the circular economy and strengthen their sustainability achievements. Joining the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator will equip us with the resources we need to scale-up and push on with transforming the global fashion economy."

Ezra Konvitz, Director & Head of Accelerators, Founders Intelligence, said: “We love finding the ways major companies can work with leading startups creating the future.”

“The incredible startups and technologies that are part of the Pilot Challenge cohort give cause for hope - if we can help them find the best ways to work with Amazon’s scale we’ll achieve a game-changing impact.”