Google Opens First Batch Of Circular Economy Special Accelerator Program

The Google for Startups Accelerator (GfS Accelerator) accelerator program, now has a specific theme circular economy for batch first. Google is looking for startups and nonprofits in Asia Pacific and North America who are working to create a circular economy and build a sustainable future without waste.

Through the program, Google will select organizations that use technology to address circular challenges, including reuse activities (reuse), refillable (r), recycle (recycling), composting, fashion, food, safe and circular materials, and the built environment (buildenvironment).

In a virtual press conference, Head of Startup Ecosystem, SEA, SAF and Greater China Region Google Thye Yeow Bok said that Google is looking for 10 to 15 startups in the global market. cohort this premiere. No equity investment is given to each participant, in fact later in demo day which takes place at the end of the program, will be facilitated to meet with potential investors.

“We do not take equity from participating startups. Just when demo day, we will give them the facility to connect with potential investors,” said Bok.

Furthermore, the Google for Startups Accelerator offers a virtual 10-week program, including mentoring and technical support from Google engineers and external experts through a mix of learning sessions. 1-to-1 and 1-to-many. Participants will also be accompanied SuccessManager to get more specific support for their organization.

The opening of the participants takes place from today (4/10) until November 14. Meanwhile, the program will start in February 2023. Further information regarding registration can be accessed directly through official site.

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Explained further, Google's decision to open batch This circular economy is special because every year it is detected that humans consume more than the earth can naturally replenish. This year, it is predicted that global demand for resources is projected to be 1,75 times what the earth's ecosystem can regenerate in a year.

Most of the resources extracted and used end up as waste and adds to the more than two billion tons of solid waste generated every year.

The linear economic model is proven to bring a lot of progress to mankind in a short period of time. However, this model has also created environmental damage, injustice, and inequality especially for low-income and resource-poor people who are near industrial areas where pollution levels are higher.

Therefore, all parties need to rebuild relationships with physical resources by creating, processing, using and recycling to create a circular economy that is safer, more sustainable and fairer for all.

According to Google, the Asia-Pacific region is a good starting point to innovate and create circular economy solutions. This area is the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. 90% of all plastic carried by rivers in the oceans comes from only ten rivers, eight of which are in APAC. By 2040, the Asian region is expected to drive 40% of the world's consumption value.

Against this backdrop, the thriving startup and innovation ecosystem in Asia-Pacific represents the opportunity and desire to create original and useful products in the circular economy space. The increased interest in impact investing in recent years, indicates that investors recognize the need to support sustainability solutions.

At Google itself, the implementation of this circular economy has implemented a number of initiatives contained in its products. For example, mapping a location drop off recycling in Maps and Search; build an ML model to identify garbage on the streets; open source and ML models to help recycling centers improve waste analysis/management.

“There is still a lot of room that needs to be done. We want to support startups and non-profits who are innovators in this space," said Estee Cheng, Managing Director of Google's Tech Sustainability.