Abstract

This work aims to explore the role of business accelerators in supporting sustainable transition in peripheral areas, by promoting digital and sustainable startups specialized in food waste reduction. It does so through an inductive case study of an accelerator program launched by Quintessa, a Brazilian accelerator. The analysis is based on interviews with participants in the acceleration program Ecco Comunidades, including the startups involved, and the partners BRF Institute and Prosas. We offer a deep analysis of socio-environmental solutions for smart cities and some useful directions for city and business accelerator managers to support sustainable practices for food waste reduction.