European startups Twaice and Circu Li-ion have been selected for the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator, a funding program aimed at promoting sustainability initiatives. The program, now in its third iteration, provides startups with the opportunity to advance their solutions and collaborate with Amazon to test their technologies.
Out of hundreds of applicants, 15 startups from across Europe have been chosen for the four-week program. Twaice, based in Munich, offers software that analyzes battery conditions, providing insights to extend battery life and enhance performance. Co-founder Stephan Rohr highlighted the value of their battery analytics software, stating, “By participating in this exciting accelerator, we can show that our platform based on AWS enables a circular economy for batteries.”
Circu Li-ion, a company based in Luxembourg and Karlsruhe, is focused on recycling old batteries. Founders Antoine Welter and Dr. Xavier Kohll are developing an automated upcycling platform for batteries, aligning with the growing market for electric vehicles using such batteries, which is projected to reach around one billion euros by 2030.
The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator offers more than just funding. Participants receive expert-led workshops, individual mentoring, a customized curriculum, and access to relevant networks. Additionally, participants have the opportunity to pitch their technologies for piloting with Amazon, potentially leading to partnerships, Europe-wide implementation, and investments of up to 1.8 million euros each.
Other winners of the accelerator program include British company Breathe Batteries, which aims to reduce charging time and increase the life expectancy of electric vehicle batteries, and startups from various sustainability-related backgrounds such as building energy and packaging segments.
Since its inception in 2021, the Amazon Accelerator has provided over $1 million in grants and credits, and has helped participating businesses increase total sales on average by 700%, raising over €18.7 million to date.