Start-ups tackling some of the world's biggest sustainability challenges have the chance to supercharge their business and pilot their technology with Amazon, as part of the third edition of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator.
The 15 starts-ups 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 €2m each.
The 15 selected start-ups span a diverse 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, the start-ups are focused on scaling their business in one of three categories: circular economy, energy in buildings, and packaging.
This year, Dublin based HT Materials Science joins the Accelerator.
Founded in 2018, the start-up has developed a simple retrofit solution that improves heating and cooling systems.
The technology can be added to any existing commercial and industrial heating and cooling system, reducing energy consumption and enabling cost savings.
HT Materials Science CEO, Thoma Grizzetti, said building operations pose one of the most vexing challenges in the fight against climate change.
He said between 1990 and 2020, energy used for cooling tripled and will continue to increase as global economies expand and temperatures rise.
“Our Maxwell heat transfer fluids offer an immediate, cost-effective way to reduce the energy consumption of environmental and industrial cooling and heating systems by up to 15 per cent while significantly reducing CO2 emissions,” Grizzetti said.
“We believe Amazon's Sustainability Accelerator Program will help us expand our reach to more clients and facilities around the world that can benefit from Maxwell."
The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is a four-week programme designed to help start-ups navigate the challenges of scaling a sustainability business.
Participants will meet and work with experts in Amazon's Sustainability, Climate Pledge Fund and Climate Pledge Friendly teams, attend workshops, receive mentorship and €10,000 worth of AWS Activate Credits.
For the first time this year, start-ups will have the opportunity to pitch to key decision makers for the chance to integrate their cutting-edge innovation directly into parts of Amazon's business.
During the four weeks, they will benefit from tailored support to help align them to Amazon's needs and goals, following which they will pitch their pilots.