Google has launched “Google for Startups Accelerator: Circular Economy” programme for start-ups and non-profit organizations in Asia-Pacific and North America.

 The programme will select organizations that use technology to solve circularity challenges including reuse, refill, recycling, composting, fashion, food, safe and circular materials and the built environment, a press release received by WealthPK said. 

Asia-Pacific is a good starting point to innovate and create circular economy solutions because it is the world's most vulnerable region to climate change’s impact.

Only ten rivers contribute 90% of all river-borne plastic in the ocean, eight of which are in Asia-Pacific, it said and added that by 2040, Asia is expected to account for 40% of global consumption. 

Humanity consumes far more than what the planet can naturally replenish. In 2022, the global demand for resources is projected to be 1.75 times what the earth’s ecosystems can regenerate in a year, the press release said.And most of the resources extracted and used by human beings eventually become waste - adding to the more than 2 billion tons of solid waste created each year.

“The programme hopes to support start-ups that will help create a circular economy that is safer, sustainable, and more equitable for everyone, which will rebuild our relationship with physical resources and solve circularity challenges.” 

Through a mix of 1-to-1 and 1-to-many learning sessions, the accelerator offers ten weeks of virtual programming that includes technical assistance and mentoring from Google engineers and external experts. Participants will also be assigned a dedicated Success Manager for even more support specific to their organization, it added.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk