Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced the launch of a 5-week accelerator to support clean technology startups called the AWS Clean Energy Accelerator. An accelerator (aka a seed accelerator) is a business program that helps startups (early-stage, growth-driven companies) through education, mentorship, and financing. It’s accepting applications until June 8, whence ten participants will be selected to receive the support.
Amazon has other accelerator programs, such as Alexa Next Stage (Alexa Accelerator), the AWS Space Accelerator, and the Amazon IP Accelerator. This new Clean Energy Accelerator is a collaborative effort between the Seattle-based cloud and online retail giant and Freshwater Advisors – Chicago-based venture capital and consultancy founded in 2013. Freshwater Advisor has worked with over two-dozen corporations, helping them find and partner with technology startups.
The exact value of the initiative’s perks is unclear. The announcement emphasizes the mentorship and networking opportunities while mentioning that the chosen participants may receive AWS Activate Promotional Credit. AWS clean energy experts would provide the technical, business, and go-to-market mentorship. The networking opportunities involve connections to companies interested in clean energy solutions in the Amazon Partner Network and AWS energy customers.
Amazon is a clear leader in the climate action realm, having made notable strides in recent years like helping forge the Climate Pledge and creating a $2 billion Climate Pledge Fund. The former is a corporate promise to offset and cut planet-warming emissions to zero by ten years ahead of the Paris Agreement deadline. Over 100 companies have already signed on, Amazon included. The Climate Pledge Fund is set up to pay for investments in technologies and companies to help Amazon and others reach sustainability and climate goals.
The company also recently announced nine new wind and solar energy projects, lifting its total renewable projects to 206.
Shane Owenby, AWS’s vice president of energy, said:
Investing in renewable energy is one of the many actions Amazon is taking as part of The Climate Pledge, a commitment to be net-zero carbon by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement. This commitment will require innovation from large-scale, established organizations to startups across the energy industry. This is why we are supporting cleantech founders to accelerate the deployment of their innovations through programs like the AWS Clean Energy Accelerator.
AWS’s latest initiative expands Amazon’s climate work further, helping advance climate-friendly technologies. It’s looking for startups working in carbon capture, energy storage, smart grids, hydrogen, and more. To learn more about the Clean Energy Accelerator and how to apply, click here.
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