Amazon Sustainability Accelerator
Are you a sustainable start-up looking to maximise your impact?
We want to support you! We are looking for start-ups that are developing innovative solutions to the world's most challenging sustainability issues.
Application deadlines:
Consumer Product: 7 March 2025
Climate Tech: 29 July 2025
Application deadlines:
Consumer Product: 7 March 2025
Climate Tech: 29 July 2025








What is the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator?


Designed for start-ups tackling sustainability challenges
The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is an equity-free programme supporting start-ups who are driving sustainable innovation. We're here to help entrepreneurs to grow their skills and scale their businesses so they can maximise their climate impact.
We create accelerators focused on various sustainability verticals, such as circular economy, recycling technology and more sustainable consumer products.
We create accelerators focused on various sustainability verticals, such as circular economy, recycling technology and more sustainable consumer products.

What we aim to achieve
We create impactful programmes for entrepreneurs to launch sustainable products, services and technologies. We do this by accelerating start-ups with Amazon and AWS's expertise and network.
In doing so, the accelerator can also act as a facilitator for Amazon to work with the world's leading sustainability innovations pioneered by start-ups across the UK and Europe.
In doing so, the accelerator can also act as a facilitator for Amazon to work with the world's leading sustainability innovations pioneered by start-ups across the UK and Europe.
Our programmes for 2025

Consumer Product

Amazon ClimateTech Pilot Challenge




Backed by expertise
We work with leading industry experts to collaborate on designing bespoke accelerators. This includes Europe's leading climate innovation agency, EIT Climate-KIC, and innovation strategy consultations, Founders Intelligence (ClimateTech) and Growth Studio (Consumer Product).
What are the benefits?

Monetary grants
Access cash and Amazon credit benefits to boost your business growth.

Specialised mentorship
Connect with experts in start-up growth, climate innovation and industry-specific verticals.

Tailored curriculum
Experience workshops, bootcamps and hear from expert speakers, covering a range of topics from business fundamentals to industry-specific challenges.

Flexibility
Access this programme from across the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom or Switzerland, with virtual accessible options alongside several weeks requiring in-person attendance.

Climate impact assessment
Understand the climate impact potential of your product/technology, develop strategies to optimise 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, as well as alumni and network events after graduation.
Alumni

Consumer Product Programme
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 start-ups will benefit from a 10-week accelerator, a £10,000/€12,000 cash grant, $10,000 in AWS Activate credits, mentoring and much more. The programme is hybrid and includes virtual sessions and in-person events, with three key face-to-face weeks in key European sustainable development hubs: London and Amsterdam.

Process


Start-up selection committee

Kirsty Macdonald
Investment Principal, JamJar
Investment Principal, JamJar

Ben Honan
Investment Lead, EIT Climate-KIC
Investment Lead, EIT Climate-KIC

Janeva Morfaw
Head of Product Sustainable Selection, Amazon
Head of Product Sustainable Selection, Amazon

Yvonne Lanciano
Senior Sustainability Manager, Amazon
Senior Sustainability Manager, Amazon

Mark Rushmore
Head of Product Sustainable Selection, Amazon
Head of Product Sustainable Selection, Amazon

Paul Finch
Co-Founder, Growth Studios
Co-Founder, Growth Studios
FAQ
What is the Amazon Launchpad Sustainability Accelerator?
The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is a growth programme for driving sustainable innovation. Each year, we build accelerators around different sustainability verticals, such as circular economy, recycling technology and sustainable consumer products. The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is a 10-month programme that is designed to support entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of building sustainability-focused businesses. We offer expert-led workshops, mentorship, office space and access to networks to help you navigate the challenges of starting a business within sustainability.
How do I know if the Amazon Launchpad Sustainability Accelerator is suitable for me?
The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is looking for bold and ambitious entrepreneurs with smart and effective solutions to today's sustainability challenges. For the consumer products programme, companies in the early stages of operations, either pre-GTM (go-to-market) or <2 years of launching their first product offering are most relevant. It may also be suitable for entrepreneurs who have ambitions to use e-commerce to drive their product growth. The accelerator is open to companies registered in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom or Switzerland.
Will Amazon be charging for start-ups to join the programme?
The programme is free and Amazon does not take equity.
Do I need to relocate myself?
No, the Accelerator will be operated in a hybrid manner (mixing online and in-person support), allowing you to benefit from face-to-face support when you need it most, 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 Launchpad Sustainability Accelerator?
• Attend a 10-week accelerator programme that includes exclusive workshops, mentorship and access to Amazon's network
• £10,000 cash grant
•$10,000 AWS credits
• £1500 travel grant
• Impact assessment to help measure and improve your climate impact
• A Demo Day in London to pitch your business to investors
• Support launching and succeeding on Amazon
• £10,000 cash grant
•$10,000 AWS credits
• £1500 travel grant
• Impact assessment to help measure and improve your climate impact
• A Demo Day in London to pitch your business to investors
• Support launching and succeeding on Amazon
How many businesses will participate in the accelerator?
The accelerator will comprise between 8–10 businesses.

The ClimateTech Pilot Challenge
Key details
What are we looking for?
The Amazon Pilot Challenge is looking for innovative European climate-tech start-ups that can pilot their technology with Amazon, as it works to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, enhancing circularity and efficiency in buildings. Start-ups should be in a position where they have moved beyond prototype testing and are working towards generating initial revenue and growing operations (Tech Readiness Level 6 and above). See FAQ "What type of company should apply?" for more details.
How does it work and what are the benefits?
Selected start-ups will participate in an intense 4-week accelerator programme with Amazon, and pitch for the chance to secure a pilot with Amazon. Successful start-ups selected will work jointly with Amazon to scope a pilot proposal. A typical pilot project for emerging technologies can range from $50,000 to $2 million, depending on project duration and scope. This range is provided for illustration only and actual offer(s) of funding, if any, are at Amazon's sole discretion. Selected start-ups will also receive a £1500 cash grant to cover travel and accommodation costs, $10,000 in AWS Activate credits, business coaching and more.

This is for start-ups that provide

Carbon/batteries workstreams
Amazon wants to identify innovative start-ups offering cutting-edge solutions in energy efficiency, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and DC microgrids. The purpose is to uncover technologies that can significantly enhance energy utilisation, enable seamless integration of renewable energy sources and optimise power distribution across Amazon's operations. These solutions should have the potential to drive substantial reductions in carbon emissions and energy costs, while pioneering in sustainable energy management.
Waste management/material recovery workstreams
Identify innovative start-ups offering cutting-edge solutions in waste management, material innovation and closed-loop systems. The purpose is to uncover technologies that can enhance waste segregation through AI, enable real-time tracking of waste streams and optimise material recovery across Amazon's operations. Challenges include delayed reporting, waste stream contamination, complex multi-material products and limited employee engagement. These solutions should drive improvements in waste diversion rates while pioneering sustainable waste management practices that support Amazon's goal of zero waste to landfill.


Water positive workstreams
Identify innovative water technology solutions to help achieve water positivity while reducing water use intensity across operations. Our challenge focuses on three critical areas: implementing advanced water monitoring and analytics for real-time consumption tracking and leak detection; developing efficiency enhancement solutions that significantly reduce water consumption while maintaining operational effectiveness; and creating water circularity systems for recycling, harvesting and reuse at scale. We envision AI and IoT-powered solutions that can seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure to create autonomous, self-optimising water networks across our facilities. Successful solutions should be scalable, compliant with regulations and demonstrate clear paths to cost parity through enabling water-positive buildings and zero-water technologies.

What you could unlock

Pilot your technology with Amazon
The opportunity to pilot your technology or solution with Amazon, which could pave the way for future partnerships and growth opportunities!

An introduction to the Climate Pledge Fund
The Climate Pledge Fund is a $2 billion venture capital programme that invests in companies accelerating Amazon's fulfilment of The Climate Pledge.

Amazon Sustainability Accelerator benefits
Access cash grants, AWS credits, one year of free Amazon Business Prime membership, mentorship connections, industry networking opportunities and more.

Process


Start-up selection committee

Sandra Steving Villegas
Partner, Founders Intelligence
Partner, Founders Intelligence
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Sebastian Pashaei
Head of EU Customer Fulfilment Sustainability, Amazon
Head of EU Customer Fulfilment Sustainability, Amazon

Shaima Sharif
Senior Business Development Manager, Net Zero Emissions Operations, Amazon
Senior Business Development Manager, Net Zero Emissions Operations, Amazon

Oliver Pellegrini
Director of Ops Integration, Amazon
Director of Ops Integration, Amazon

Antonio De Sensi
WW Finance Manager, Amazon
WW Finance Manager, Amazon
FAQ
What is the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator?
The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is a growth programme for driving sustainable innovation. Each year, we build accelerators around different sustainability verticals, such as the circular economy, recycling technology and sustainable consumer products. The pilot challenge is an intense four-week programme designed to help start-ups partner with corporates, with a focus on working with Amazon.
What types of building solutions is Amazon looking for?
Amazon seeks solutions that can optimise energy-consuming processes, reduce emissions and transition towards sustainable practices. We are looking for technologies such as AI, geothermal energy/HVAC, building materials and DC microgrids for delivery stations (AMZL), sort centres (ATS) and fulfilment centres (FCs) to cover our end-to-end logistics buildings.
What type of business should apply?
Businesses should:
• Be in a position where they have moved beyond prototype testing and are working towards generating initial revenue and growing their business (TRL 6 and above).
• Be registered in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom or Switzerland.
• Have technology that is relevant to the sectors identified.
• Have technology that is scalable. Amazon will only fund technologies that have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions and/or reduce impacts beyond carbon and reduce operating expenses.
• Have technology that has the potential to make a global impact. Amazon strongly prefers projects that apply to all markets, geographies, supply types etc.
• The accelerator is open to businesses registered in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom or Switzerland, and will take place both in-person in London, United Kingdom and online, through virtual online sessions.
• Agree and comply with official Terms and Conditions and other policies associated with the Pilot Challenge Programme.
Amazon is not looking for project developers selling third-party products, businesses without operational prototypes, consulting firms, marketing or public relations agencies, or acquired start-ups.
• Be in a position where they have moved beyond prototype testing and are working towards generating initial revenue and growing their business (TRL 6 and above).
• Be registered in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom or Switzerland.
• Have technology that is relevant to the sectors identified.
• Have technology that is scalable. Amazon will only fund technologies that have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions and/or reduce impacts beyond carbon and reduce operating expenses.
• Have technology that has the potential to make a global impact. Amazon strongly prefers projects that apply to all markets, geographies, supply types etc.
• The accelerator is open to businesses registered in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom or Switzerland, and will take place both in-person in London, United Kingdom and online, through virtual online sessions.
• Agree and comply with official Terms and Conditions and other policies associated with the Pilot Challenge Programme.
Amazon is not looking for project developers selling third-party products, businesses without operational prototypes, consulting firms, marketing or public relations agencies, or acquired start-ups.
How can I apply?
Apply to the Pilot Challenge by registering your interest and completing the application form. To enable resource planning for the Pilot Challenge, applications will open from 24 June 2025. Applications will be reviewed internally from June to July. Successful candidates will be asked to provide further information. Applications will close on 29 July.
How long does the Pilot Challenge last?
Start-ups that apply and are selected will benefit from an intense 4-week accelerator. During this time, start-ups will learn about Amazon's internal processes and needs. At the end of the 4-week accelerator, start-ups will pitch for the opportunity to participate in a pilot project with Amazon. Successful start-ups, alongside Amazon's internal teams, will then enter a longer validation period to finalise the details of their pilot project..
Do I need to relocate myself?
No, the Accelerator will be operated in a hybrid manner (mixing online and in-person support), allowing you to benefit from face-to-face support when you need it most, while having the flexibility and ease to participate in activities online. However, please note that week 1 (08/09/25–12/09/25) and 03/10/25 will be in person in London.
How many start-ups will take part in the challenge?
Approximately five start-ups per solution vertical will participate in the four-week accelerator challenge. Each start-up will pitch their solution to win the chance to pilot with Amazon; one or two start-ups from each programme vertical will be selected.
Will Amazon be charging for start-ups to join the programme?
The programme is free and Amazon does not take equity.
Is a pilot with Amazon guaranteed?
A pilot with Amazon is not guaranteed. A typical pilot budget for emerging technologies can range from $50 million to $2 million, depending on the project duration and scope (e.g. feasibility studies, prototype testing etc.) needed to determine key performance indicators. This range is for illustrative purposes only and actual funding offer(s), if any, is at Amazon's sole discretion.
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