Startup Applications Open for Batch 2 of Plug and Play’s End Plastic Waste Innovation Platform Silicon Valley Hub

SUNNYVALE, CA, September 23, 2020 - Applications are now open for Plug and Play’s End Plastic Waste Innovation Platform’s Silicon Valley hub. Startups accepted will go through the second batch of this 3-month virtual program starting in February 2021. There is no equity or capital requirement for startup participation and potential investment will be decided on between Plug and Play, the Alliance, and the startups individually. The deadline to apply is October 30th, 2020.

Earlier this year, Plug and Play and the Alliance to End Plastic Waste accepted 10 startups into their inaugural Silicon Valley program. The companies were introduced to Plug and Play’s entrepreneurial network and met with member companies throughout the program. While originally slated to be in-person, one-on-one meetings, networking opportunities, events, and dealflows will continue to be held virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Past successes of the End Plastic Waste Innovation Platform program included Litterati, one of our finalists from the Silicon Valley hub. Litterati is an app that empowers individuals to make a significant, measurable impact on the environment. The Alliance had already started working with Litterati for World Cleanup Day 2020, creating a day of impact followed by two weeks of action with our member companies to clean the world. Another success story from the same hub is Oceanworks, which connects the commercial demand for recycled plastics with trusted suppliers globally. Lastly, a startup from their Paris hub, Circularise, has already partnered with one of the Alliance’s member companies, Covestro, and non-member company, Domo Chemicals. Their innovative solution in developing a new prototype will set a standard for transparency within the plastics industry using blockchain. 

Nicholas Kolesch, Vice President of Projects for the Alliance to End Plastic Waste said: “Once again, we’re delighted to open the call for entries to the End Plastic Waste Innovation Platform for our Silicon Valley hub. So far, we had a total of over 30 startups all over the world pushing new ideas and technologies in support of our mission. Now, we are looking at continuing the momentum of supporting future-forward ideas and solutions that could help us address a critical issue of global proportions.”

“I could not be prouder and more excited to call for entries again for our Silicon Valley hub. Together with the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, we will be able to accelerate the growth of innovative startups and scale their plastic waste solutions in the areas that need them the most,” said Matthew Claxton, Global Director of Plug and Play’s Sustainability program.

Startups that have solutions in sustainability including litter reduction, drinking water purification, or plastic waste minimization, should apply today: www.pnptc.com/join

To learn more about the End Plastic Waste Program, visit: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/end-plastic-waste/

About the Alliance to End Plastic Waste
The Alliance to End Plastic Waste is an international nonprofit organization partnering with government, environmental and economic development NGOs and communities around the world to address the challenge to end plastic waste in the environment. Through programs and partnerships, the Alliance focuses on solutions in four strategic areas: infrastructure, innovation, education and engagement, and clean up. As of August 2020, the Alliance has nearly 50 member companies and supporters representing global companies and organizations across the plastic value chain. For more information, visit:www.endplasticwaste.org

About Plug and Play
Plug and Play is a global innovation platform. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we have built accelerator programs, corporate innovation services, and an in-house VC to make technological advancement progress faster than ever before. Since inception in 2006, our programs have expanded worldwide to include a presence in over 30 locations globally, giving startups the necessary resources to succeed in Silicon Valley and beyond. With over 30,000 startups and 400 official corporate partners, we have created the ultimate startup ecosystem in many industries. Companies in our community have raised over $9 billion in funding, with successful portfolio exits including Danger, Dropbox, Lending Club and PayPal. For more information, visit https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/