Are you a start-up that specialises in sustainable innovation? If so, Amazon wants to support you with its dedicated programme that will help supercharge your business.
Since its launch in 2022, the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator has supported more than 50 hand-picked start-ups across the UK and Europe, all of whom have benefitted from the programme. In fact, on average these businesses have seen sales increase by 700% with over £40 million raised to date.
But what exactly is the programme and how do you get involved? We dive into all your questions below.
What is the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator?
This equity-free programme is designed to support start-ups who are focused on more sustainable innovation. By giving them access to Amazon’s expertise and network through this tailored programme, these start-ups are able to grow both their skills and their businesses.
There are two different programmes within the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator – Consumer Product and the Climate Tech Pilot Challenge. Let’s dive into both below.
What is the Consumer Product programme?
This programme within the accelerator is aimed at start-ups who are developing more sustainable, physical consumer products. To qualify these products must have either launched within the last five years or are just about to go to market. Alumni include Suri (electric toothbrushes), and Asan (reusable menstrual cups).
Once selected, these start-ups will participate in a 10-week equity free programme, also receiving benefits including a £10,000 cash, $10,000 AWS Activate Credits, and a year free of Amazon Business.
For 2025 the four UK start-ups joining the accelerator are:
Bantu Chocolate - Bantu Chocolate aims to address environmental and ethical challenges within the cacao industry through its vertically integrated production model. Their payment structure provides wages above Fairtrade industry standards. Bantu offers cacao products made with wholesome natural ingredients obtained through means like regenerative agriculture, with verified ethical production credentials that provide transparency from farm to shelf.
Composty - Composty aims to tackle microplastic pollution and climate change caused by conventional cleaning tools by producing durable, plastic-free alternatives. Their sponges and cloths maintain cleaning effectiveness while naturally breaking down after their useful life. Designed for extended use, Composty's products offer practical household solutions that perform effectively while reducing persistent environmental impact.
Grace & Green - Grace & Green is a B Corp (a business certified for meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental responsibility) offering a range of period products – from certified organic tampons and pads to reusable period underwear. With the goal of promoting sustainability and safety, all of their products are made with organic materials free from harmful chemicals, toxins, and artificial dyes. By prioritising reusable designs and innovative materials, Grace & Green works to help reduce the environmental impact of traditional menstrual products while delivering reliable, effective protection.
Kwerky - Kwerky has developed an additive-free powdered milk alternative made from oats and peas. According to its lifecycle analysis, the British start-up’s production process results in lower carbon emissions than traditional dairy and oat milk. With 82% of ingredients sourced from Europe, their concentrated powder format also avoids water weight during transportation.
They join the following four other start-ups from across Europe in the 2025 cohort:
AuraSkin (Greece) - upcycles spent coffee grounds into everyday skincare products, providing coffee shops with a circular solution to reduce waste.
Horée (France) - a fresh cosmetics brand creating vegan, plastic-free skincare using seasonal fruit and vegetable ingredients through a zero-waste, cold manufacturing process.
Hygge (Italy) - a pet food company using locally sourced, human-grade ingredients to create high-quality, sustainable nutrition for pets.
Omuu Pet (Ireland) - develops insect-based pet products grounded in nutritional science, aiming to improve pet health while significantly reducing environmental impact.
What is the Climate Tech Pilot Challenge?
The other accelerator is the Climate Tech Pilot Challenge, which is aimed at innovative start-ups who are looking to pilot their technology with Amazon. The focus changes every year, for example in 2024 the businesses involved were seeking sustainable solutions for packaging, buildings, and circular economy.
To qualify these start-ups must have moved beyond the prototype testing phase and are now working towards generating initial revenue as well as growing their operations.
Once selected, these start-ups will participate in an intense four-week programme which ends a chance to pitch a pilot with Amazon. If successful at this stage these businesses will work with Amazon to plan a pilot proposal, which typically ranges from £50k to £2 million depending upon scope.
What are the benefits of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator?
There are many benefits to being part of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator which includes:
- Monetary grants to boost your business growth
- A tailored curriculum comprising of workshops, talks, bootcamps, and more
- Specialised mentorship
- The opportunity to work with experts from Amazon but also other companies including EIT Climate-KIC
- Guidance through a Climate Impact Assessment, which allows start-ups to self-assess their environmental footprint
- Join an active and supporting community
Who does the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator work with?
Each year the accelerator works with leading industry experts from various companies which includes Europe’s leading climate innovation agency EIT Climate-KIC, as well as innovation strategy consultants Founders Intelligence (on the Climate Tech programme) and Growth Studio (for the consumer product programme).
How to apply for the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator
To register your interest, simply head to the website and fill out the form. Amazon will then be in touch to update you about the status of your application, with a panel of experts sitting on the selection committee.
Each year there is an application deadline, so make sure you keep an eye on the website for those details.
How many businesses take part in the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator?
Each year around eight to ten businesses take part in the consumer product programme, whilst approximately 15 start-ups participate in the Climate Tech Pilot Challenge.
Your business must be registered within the UK, European Economic Area, or Switzerland to participate.
Do you have to pay to be part of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator?
The programme is free to join and Amazon doesn’t take any equity either.
Do you have to relocate to be part of the programme?
There is no need to relocate as the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is operated in a hybrid manner, being a mix of online and in-person support offering start-ups much needed flexibility. There are some events that do need to be attended in person but you will receive advance notice of this.
What start-ups have participated in the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator before?
The accelerator has a growing line-up of impressive alumni for both programmes.
For the consumer product programme this includes Milky Plant (making plant based milk at home), Grub Club (hypoallergenic insect-based dog food), Suri (electric toothbrushes), and Asan (reusable menstrual cups).
Meanwhile for the Climate Tech Pilot Programme this includes Re-Zip (reusable packaging), Sorted (AI powered recycling solutions), and Cheesecake Energy (green energy storage technology).
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