In preparation of Earth Month, WeWork is partnering with oat drink company Oatly to host a competition series focused on startups that aim to make a positive impact on the environment.
WeWork Changemakers: Sustainability Series hopes to bolster startups whose priorities include creating solutions to combat climate change and improve overall sustainability.
Startups can apply to one of five pitch nights that will take place in late April across Boston, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.
Judges will include Oatly and WeWork executives, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development of D.C., and Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, who will then work together to determine one grand prize winner and two runner-ups from each city. Additionally, politicians like San Francisco Mayor London Breed and New York City Mayor Eric Adams will be in attendance.
From there, five finalists will be given the chance to present their startup in front of a live audience.
Featured prizes will include a dedicated WeWork office space, WeWork All Access memberships, while all applicants will receive an additional WeWork offer. Oatly will also award winners with business mentorship programs and collaborative work sessions.
“WeWork is thrilled to reward sustainability-focused companies with workspace, and to have the opportunity to help empower them to continue their work toward a more sustainable future,” said Sandeep Mathrani, CEO of WeWork. “Initiatives like the WeWork Changemakers: Sustainability Series further our commitment to fostering communities driven by purpose while making a real impact for the greater good.