Startups often lead in developing innovative technologies and business models. By partnering with startups, big corporations can access these innovations early, integrate them into their offerings, and stay ahead of technological trends. In this article, we will list the corporate accelerators and startup programs in 2025. If our list is missing your corporate accelerator or program, please contact us.
Top Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs in 2025
Participation in corporate startup programs often provides startups with networking opportunities, not only with the hosting corporation but also with other startups, potential customers, and industry stakeholders. These connections can lead to future partnerships, collaborations, and even new customer relationships. An association with a well-known corporation can serve as a significant endorsement for a startup, enhancing its credibility in the eyes of customers, investors, and future partners. This validation can be a powerful tool in marketing efforts and when seeking further investment
IBM – IBM for Startups
IBM for Startups is a no-cost and equity-free startup program, open to startups, software developers and organizations with a startup network. By joining the program, participants gain free access to IBM’s AI resources such as Watsonx platform, as well as an opportunity to partner with IBM while building their solutions.
Siemens – Siemens for Startups
Siemens for Startups is a global platform providing the tools for startups to collaborate, grow, and connect with industry experts to accelerate their journey. Through various programs and products, Siemens links startups to the right networks and tools, enabling them to expand, scale, and partner in delivering groundbreaking innovations. The program offers access to scalable software solutions, mentorship, and opportunities to collaborate on proof of concepts with Siemens. Startups can benefit from Siemens’ extensive suite of tools which provides qualified startups with software and resources to move from digitalization to realization.
PepsiCo – Pepsico Labs
PepsiCo Labs is the innovation arm of PepsiCo, a leading global food and beverage company. They partner with innovative tech startups to develop and scale solutions that address key business needs across the beverage and snack food industry. Their focus is on areas like advanced manufacturing and technology integration to enhance production and distribution processes.
Startups benefit from this collaboration by gaining access to market reach, mentorship, and the opportunity to pilot and scale their solutions with a major corporation. This partnership can be a significant boost for startups, helping them gain valuable resources, validation, and exposure to accelerate their growth and success.
Johnson & Johnson – Johnson & Johnson Innovation / JLABS
Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS is a worldwide network focused on the life sciences sector, helping startups by providing them with affordable lab spaces and resources. This includes expert advice, community support, connections within the industry, and programs designed for entrepreneurs. They are dedicated to supporting brilliant ideas and work hard to eliminate barriers to success. Their goal is to help innovative projects grow from their initial stages by offering industry connections, entrepreneurial programs, and resources that are easy on the budget, including lab space.
Microsoft – Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub
Microsoft for Startups is a worldwide program designed to help startups of all sizes grow and succeed. It offers a variety of resources to support these companies. Startups can receive up to $150,000 in Azure credits to help them develop and expand their cloud-based services. They also get free software licenses for key Microsoft products, including Visual Studio, Office 365, and Dynamics 365. Additionally, the program provides mentorship and support through access to a network of Microsoft experts who offer advice on various topics. There are also resources available to assist startups in reaching potential customers and partners, helping them to market their products effectively. This comprehensive support system is aimed at helping startups build solid foundations and accelerate their growth.
Boeing – StartupBoeing
StartupBoeing helps entrepreneurs start their own airlines by providing advice, analysis, data, resources, and connections. It’s for new airline projects. Aerospace Xelerated supports software startups with innovative aerospace ideas, open to global applicants and looking for partners in the UAE, with plans to expand. Boeing HorizonX Ventures invests in new tech companies focusing on aviation and aerospace innovations, targeting startups with promising technologies. The Boeing Global Innovation Prize is an annual contest that gives money and mentorship to university students who come up with new aerospace ideas, open to student teams working on aerospace projects. Lastly, the Boeing BUILD Program aims to boost leadership and innovation in aerospace among top university students interested in the field.
Google – Google for Startups
Google for Startups, started in 2011, is all about helping startup companies around the world grow by making sure they have access to the right people, Google’s products, and the best advice for scaling up. It offers a variety of programs tailored to meet the unique needs of startups at different stages, including accelerators, workshops, and mentorship, along with access to Google’s products and expertise. There are also specific programs focused on important sectors like health technology, climate change, and retail, providing targeted support and resources. With a presence in over 125 countries, Google for Startups also works to build a worldwide community of startups through events, networking opportunities, and online platforms, ensuring startups get support and connections at the local level.
Amazon
Amazon provides a range of targeted programs to support startups at different growth stages and sectors.
- AWS Activate offers early-stage startups up to $100,000 in AWS credits and specialized support, but it’s invite-only. Growth-stage startups can apply to AWS Activate Startup Studio for personalized advice and workshops.
- Amazon Launchpad helps startups selling on the Amazon Marketplace to boost product visibility and provides marketing support upon application.
- The Alexa Fund provides capital and mentoring for startups working on voice technologies, requiring an application.
- The Climate Pledge Fund targets startups addressing climate change, offering investment and access to Amazon’s sustainability network through an application process.
These initiatives collectively aim to equip startups with financial aid, expert advice, and opportunities to leverage Amazon’s technology for growth.
Nestlé
Nestlé’s has two initiatives targeting startups at various growth stages.
Nestlé Needs YOUth caters to young entrepreneurs focused on addressing social and environmental issues in food and nutrition, providing training, grants, and incubation support.
The R+D Accelerator is designed for growth-stage startups ready for market testing, offering financial support and access to production facilities.
Each of these programs is designed to provide startups with the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to grow and succeed in their respective areas.
L’Oréal – The L’Oréal Beauty Tech Atelier
The L’Oréal Beauty Tech Atelier, launched in 2018, is designed to support new startups in the beauty industry with innovative tech solutions. It focuses on early-stage companies involved in various sectors like cosmetics and skincare, and welcomes a variety of technological innovations including AI and sustainable solutions. Startups receive mentorship, product development support, and networking opportunities, along with access to a co-working space in Paris. This accelerator helps startups speed up their growth, access L’Oréal’s global network, and attract investor interest, all without direct investment but with significant support in fundraising. Startups are selected through an application process, based on their innovation potential and strategic fit with L’Oréal’s goals.
Dell – Dell For Startups
Dell for Startups is a program designed to support early-stage companies by providing access to technology advice, exclusive member pricing, and networking events. Participants receive personalized IT solutions from startup-trained tech advisors, ensuring their technology infrastructure scales with their business needs. The program also offers special pricing on Dell products and services, helping startups maximize their resources. Additionally, members can engage in industry events, webinars, and community networking opportunities, fostering connections within the startup ecosystem.
Salesforce – Salesforce Accelerate
Salesforce Accelerate is a four-month virtual program designed to provide startups with the insights, learning, and support needed to strategically align with Salesforce and accelerate their time-to-market on AppExchange, Salesforce’s marketplace for business apps and the world’s largest enterprise cloud marketplace. Participants gain valuable insights, attend workshops, and connect with Salesforce experts to speed up their journey. The program also helps startups reach more customers by promoting them within the Salesforce network.
Toyota – Toyota Open Labs
Toyota Open Labs is an open innovation platform that connects startups with various business units across the Toyota ecosystem to drive the future of mobility. The program focuses on key areas such as energy, circular economy, carbon neutrality, smart communities, and inclusive mobility. By collaborating with Toyota entities like Toyota Motor Europe, Toyota Tsusho Europe, KINTO Europe, Toyota Mobility Foundation, and Woven Capital, startups gain access to resources, expertise, and opportunities to scale their solutions globally. The platform is open to growth-stage startups and scaleups ready to engage in active collaborations with Toyota. Participants can develop Proofs of Concept (POCs), pilot projects, and commercial agreements, with the potential to scale their solutions across Toyota’s global organization. Throughout the process, startups receive support and mentoring from Toyota experts in areas like engineering, product development, manufacturing, supply chain, and business planning.
Dassault Systèmes – 3Dexperience Lab
The 3DEXPERIENCE Lab by Dassault Systèmes is an open innovation laboratory aimed at transforming society collaboratively and socially. It merges collective intelligence with a cross-collaborative approach to foster entrepreneurship and strengthen the future of creation. Startups participating in the program gain access to Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, technical skills, and mentoring—the same resources that have transformed the design, engineering, and manufacturing of many products today. Additionally, the Lab provides a dedicated cloud environment and hosting, support and mentoring, and connections to a strong network and extended global ecosystem. The program focuses on projects that address themes such as City, Life, Lifestyle, Internet of Things, FabLab, and Ideation.
Dell – Dell Technologies Capital
Dell Technologies Capital was founded in 2012 and since its inception, it has been actively investing in early-stage startups across a wide range of technology sectors to support innovation and align with Dell’s strategic priorities. These include things like loud computing, edge computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, big data, storage, and other emerging technologies. DTC doesn’t provide just capital but also access to Dell Technologies’ extensive network of resources, technical expertise, and market reach.
Target – Target Takeoff
Target Takeoff is an accelerator program run by Target Corporation, designed to support startups and emerging brands in scaling their businesses. This program specifically focuses on helping consumer product companies refine their products, expand their retail presence, and develop strategies to succeed in the competitive retail landscape. Beginning in 2024, they’re revamping Target Takeoff to support founders who have been invited onto Target shelves with products that embody Target’s purpose to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. That means new resources and education for onboarding, along with dedicated on-shelf support.
NetApp – NetApp Excellerator
The NetApp Excellerator is a startup accelerator program by NetApp, aimed at fostering innovation and supporting startups in scaling their businesses. The program is designed for technology-driven startups that are developing solutions in areas like cloud computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and storage technologies. NetApp Excellerator provides startups with access to mentoring, cutting-edge NetApp technologies, and a global ecosystem. The program offers access to NetApp’s expertise in data management and cloud services, as well as opportunities for collaboration and co-innovation with the company. In addition to technical and strategic mentorship, startups in the program receive funding opportunities, networking access to investors, and exposure to potential clients.
To Sum Up,
In conclusion, joining a leading startup program within your industry can significantly accelerate your journey from concept to market, offering access to mentorship, and resources. We invite you to dive deeper into the top startup programs and accelerators highlighted in this article.
For startup accelerators and programs seeking avenues for promotion and strategic analysis, we encourage you to reach out to us using this link. Let’s explore how our collaboration can impact and foster the growth of innovative startups worldwide.
