Amazon is launching an aid program for start-ups with so-called “sustainable” ecological ambitions. What to expect from this initiative?
When Amazon speaks to us about ecology, while it is one of the main players in the commercial industry in the world, we must be skeptical. However, GAFAM has repeatedly tried to redeem its environmental conscience with the help of innovative and promising initiatives. Today, Amazon is announcing the creation of a program, in collaboration with EIT Climate-KIC, which takes another step in this direction.
This program is actually a solution for start-ups deemed to be “sustainable”. Dubbed the Amazon Launchpad Sustainability Accelerator, it enables applicants selected for their green innovations to grow rapidly through a tailor-made program in 12 weeks, while visualizing their hypothetical carbon footprint, and carrying out a climate impact study signed Impact Forecast.
An investment on all fronts
But that’s not all since Amazon will put in place a number of tools to help businesses grow. For example, they will be able to participate in virtual workshops led by experts, as well as benefit from specialized mentoring, an adapted training program and access to a network of business creators. Physically, the start-ups will be able to meet in the offices of the headquarters of Amazon in London to discuss its possibilities of evolution.
Of course, they will also receive financial support, essential for any development of a project. Amazon promises in particular a grant without participation of €12,000, $25,000 in AWS Activate credits and €6,000 in Amazon advertising credits, tidy sums for the lucky ones who will catch the attention of GAFAM. Kirsten Dunlop, Managing Director of EIT Climate-KIC, says:
” One of the key elements to achieving the transformations we need today is to ensure that all start-ups think globally and are fully sustainable and circular from the start. We are delighted to collaborate with the Amazon Launchpad Sustainability Accelerator program, which will allow start-ups that want to be sustainable from their inception to benefit from the support, financing and visibility they need to promote responsible consumption. »
Who can benefit ?
What is a sustainable business? Neither Amazon nor EIT Climate-KIC enlightens us on this crucial point for the nomination of candidates. Today greenwashing is on all the walls, and it is therefore necessary to position oneself on a clear definition. For the moment, the only one given to us is this: [que les produits des start-ups] are designed using new materials, raw or recycled raw materials or other sustainable innovations, they will offer customers more solutions that benefit them and the planet. »
If you are the leader of a start-up and would like help getting started, know that the competition is open to all French or British micro-enterprises. The deadline for submitting applications is March 25, 2022.. For the results, we will have to wait until spring 2022 to know them.
