Small business owners looking to innovate and reduce their carbon footprint may find themselves in an advantageous position with the launch of the Amazon Devices Climate Tech Accelerator for 2026. Today marks the opening of applications for this unique program aimed at supporting companies eager to integrate climate-friendly technologies into Amazon’s device ecosystem.
The Amazon Devices Climate Tech Accelerator, which debuted in 2025, targets firms of any size that wish to contribute to reducing the carbon impact of Amazon’s products. "The primary goal of our Climate Tech Accelerator is simple—to speed up efforts to reduce the carbon impact of our devices," states Maiken Moeller-Hansen, Director of Energy & Sustainability at Amazon Devices & Services. This program offers small businesses the opportunity to showcase their innovations to Amazon’s decision-makers, facilitating a vital pathway from technology validation to potential adoption.
This accelerator diverges from traditional models, fostering collaboration between climate tech innovators and enterprise leaders. Such collaboration can significantly streamline the transition from concept to widespread adoption, making it easier for small businesses to penetrate the competitive tech industry.
For the 2026 cohort, companies concentrating on specific technology categories will be prioritized. These include displays, printed circuit boards, low carbon materials, semiconductors, energy efficiency innovations, artificial intelligence applications, circular manufacturing processes, and battery technologies. This diverse focus presents small business leaders additional avenues to explore innovative solutions that can align with the goals of a major industry player like Amazon.
The inaugural program in 2025 awarded 14 selected companies, ranging from start-ups to publicly traded firms. These cohort members introduced various innovative technologies, such as high-efficiency displays and advanced energy-saving devices, directly to Amazon’s leadership. Participants like Mike Casper, co-founder and CEO of Chicago-based Azumo, experienced firsthand the bridge this accelerator provides: “This accelerator bridges a critical gap for companies like ours—too established for traditional startup programs, but not yet at consumer electronics scale for enterprise partnerships.”
Participating in this accelerator offers numerous benefits tailored to small business needs. Notably, the program will commence with an intensive boot camp in Amazon’s Hong Kong offices, where participants will demonstrate their technologies and partake in hands-on workshops. These experiences ensure a tailored approach to integrating their innovations within Amazon’s operational framework.
Furthermore, selected cohort members will receive expert mentorship, including valuable insights from Amazon’s technical leaders and resources from Plug and Play, a prominent global innovation platform. Participants can leverage up to $100K in AWS Activate Credits, assisting them in building and scaling their technologies using Amazon’s extensive cloud infrastructure and advanced analytic models. This support can significantly enhance the viability and commercial potential of their innovations.
While the program offers substantial advantages, small business owners should consider potential challenges as well. Engaging with a major enterprise like Amazon demands alignment with their goals and processes, which might necessitate shifts in business strategy or approach. Additionally, the highly competitive selection process means that not all applicants will secure a spot, making a well-prepared application essential for success.
The program wraps up with selected finalists pitching their innovative solutions to Amazon’s leadership in Fall 2026. This culminates the accelerator’s objective to not only validate participants’ technologies but also create tangible partnerships that offer pathways for future growth.
For small business owners eager to tackle climate challenges while advancing their technological innovations, the Amazon Devices Climate Tech Accelerator could serve as a pivotal opportunity. Interested companies can explore more about the program and submit their applications here.
Navigating the complexities of climate technology while positioning their companies for growth may set the groundwork for meaningful impacts in both the environment and their respective industries.
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