Amazon accepts applications from early-stage start-ups for the Web Services (AWS) Clean Energy Accelerator 3.0 (CEA 3.0) program. CEA is a 14-week hybrid acceleration program for clean-tech start-ups with four sprints, including three in-person sprints and one virtual.

The Company offers expert-led workshops, network access, and mentorship to help start-ups advance digitally. Also, the start-ups co-innovate with energy companies and assist with potential pilots in clean energy with some of the biggest energy customers. 

The Program is structured to facilitate ongoing conversations between start-ups and partners to refine value seed pilot projects and propositions, deploy pilots and explore investment opportunities.

Leading energy organizations will be committed to working with start-ups on decarbonization and solving clean energy challenges. Industry and thought leaders worldwide will mentor on energy, investment, digital technology, innovation, public policy, advanced research, and more.

As a second cohort, Amazon will select early-stage start-ups that offer disruptive solutions to solve considerable climate challenges. These start-ups will join part of the Program to receive training in leadership development and digital growth. 

Details 

• Application Deadline: 03 January 2023 
• Application Status: Open 
• Remote Interview: 6-4 February 2023
• Announcement Start-Ups Selection: 06 March 2023
• Start-Ups Final Result: 20 March 2023
• Sprint 1 (Amazon Immersion): Late April
• Sprint 2 (Accelerating and Piloting): May – October 
• Sprint 3 (International Exchange): Late October 
• Sprint 4 (Innovation Showcase): Early November 
• Host Organization: Amazon  
• Location: Dubai, UAE
• Gender: Male/Female
• Funding Type: Fully-funded
• Number of Opportunity: N/A  
• Degree Level: None  
• Eligible Countries: All 
• Program Duration: 14-week 
• Language Required: English 
• Fields: Clean Energy 

Benefits

Applicants applying for AWS Accelerator Program will benefit as follows:

• AWS Activate Credit:Up to $100,000 AWS Promotional Credit; 
• Mentorship and Networking: Mentorship from industry leaders and experts, hands-on assistance with AWS Cloud, and exclusive networking and collaboration.
• Business Acceleration: Pilot support, coordination with energy partners, and pilot alignment using Amazon’s Working Backwards mechanism.
• Amazon Immersion Sprint:Invitation to an in-person Clean Energy Innovation Lab and exposure to Amazon’s technologies in sustainability, energy, climate, aerospace, and retail.
• Other Benefits: Participation in the 2023 International Exchange Program in Abu Dhabi, cloud technical immersion, temporary co-working office space, industry, and tradeshows engagement support.

Note: Applicants must take sole risk and expense in the application process. The applicant will bear incidental and all costs of the application preparation and participation in the application process. 

Eligibility Requirements

AWS CEA Program has a set of eligibility criteria that the applicants must meet. To be eligible applicant must:

• Be incorporated (in any country) and provide proof of registration;
• Offer a product or service solution in at least one of the recruitment categories;
• Prepared and created a market-ready solution with at least early customers (not idea-stage). 
• Start-ups with business models based solely on consulting are ineligible.

Selection Criteria and Evaluation

The Amazon Program members will evaluate submissions based on the following selection criteria:

• Team: Applicants should be credible, have quality CVs, and relevant qualifications/experience;
• Product: Products must be innovative or disruptive, differentiated from scalable, existing solutions, and exhibits sustainable competitive advantage potential;
• Market: The market must be largely addressable to facilitate significant sales growth;
• Business Model: The business model must be viable based on credit commercial and economic assumptions;
• Program Fit: Fit with the Program and the Program Member’s challenges. 

Selection Process 

The selection committee will review the application after the submission deadline. They may contact the principal applicant soon after submission if additional information is needed for assessment.

In early February, applicants will hear from AWS via email whether they are on a semi-finalist list. Applicants will hear about the final selection by early March. Start-ups will receive written notifications and can read about their result by 20 March 2023 on various media platforms.

Amazon CEA Focus Areas

CEA 3.0 focus areas in technology search on the following challenge areas:

• Battery Storage
• Hydrogen (production, storage solutions, and transportation)
• Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS)
• Advanced Materials
• Energy Security 

How to apply?

All applicants must apply for AWS CEA 3.0 via the F6s.com online application portal. Follow the instructions for a successful application:

1. Click the Apply Now link below;
2. Login or create a new account on F6s.com. Please use your email address, LinkedIn account, or Facebook profile to start the application process. 
3. Remember that partners will be able to review the application immediately once you submit it. 
4. In case of any account creation or application submission issue, reach out to the AWS team through the contact form.

Apply Now

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For more details about the Program, please visit the AWS Website, or read the FAQs or Terms and Conditions pages of the Program.