In an era of rapid technological change, corporate innovation programs have become vital for large companies seeking to remain competitive, adaptive, and forward-looking. These programs are structured initiatives that support the development of new ideas, technologies, and business models—either internally (within the organization) or externally (in collaboration with startups, universities, and partners). These initiatives may take many forms, such as:
- Internal incubation, innovation labs, or employee idea accelerators
- External startup engagement, through accelerators, hackathons, co-creation labs, and pilot programs
- Open innovation challenges, which invite contributions from across industries and sectors
In this article, we highlight the top-ranked corporations in our Corporate Startup Activity Index 2025 and their external corporate innovation programs, with a focus on how they engage with startups and emerging technologies.
What is the Corporate Startup Activity Index 2025?
The Corporate Startup Activity Index, produced by StartupBlink, is the world’s first data-driven benchmark measuring how actively corporations collaborate with startups. Launched in 2025 and covering 372 companies across 30 countries and 11 industries, it evaluates each firm based on three core dimensions:
- Corporate Involvement – programs like accelerators, partnerships, and innovation initiatives;
- Startup Success – the performance of engaged startups, including metrics like funding and exits;
- Ecosystem Integration – how embedded the corporation is in the broader startup community through events, partnerships, and network reach.
This index not only highlights the intensity of corporate startup engagement but also reveals which companies are shaping innovation globally through ongoing ecosystem collaboration.
Which Industries and Countries are Driving Corporate Innovation?
The top 20 companies in the Corporate Startup Activity Index 2025 are overwhelmingly dominated by the United States, which accounts for 14 of the entries—primarily concentrated in tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, and the broader Silicon Valley. Globally, a handful of influential innovators from South Korea, Japan, Europe, and the Global South (e.g., South Africa and Australia) also feature, reflecting growing geographic diversification. Industry-wise, the list is evenly split between Software & Data and Hardware & IoT, each with six representatives, highlighting these sectors as the primary engines of corporate–startup collaboration. Fintech also shows momentum, with three companies actively engaging startups, while sectors like aerospace, retail, and media are represented by singular but strategically active players.
20 Best Corporate Innovation Programs
1. Salesforce (USA)
Salesforce collaborates with external partners—including nonprofits, startups, and ecosystem developers—through corporate innovation programs such as structured accelerators, open innovation challenges, and platform integration opportunities.
Key External Programs:
- Salesforce for Startups
An ongoing, open-enrollment program that serves as the entry point for early-stage companies building within the Salesforce ecosystem. It provides access to technical resources, platform credits, onboarding support, and go-to-market guidance to help startups scale on Salesforce technologies. - Accelerator – Agents for Impact
A six-month initiative supporting nonprofits in building autonomous AI agents on the Salesforce platform. Participants receive coaching, technical support, and grants to create scalable, mission-driven solutions. - Accelerator – AI for Impact
A prior accelerator focused on applying generative AI to social impact challenges. The program offered pro bono technical expertise, Salesforce credits, and product guidance to purpose-driven organizations. - Vector Partner Accelerator
A 10-week program for Salesforce consulting partners to co-develop industry solutions and refine go-to-market strategies in alignment with Salesforce’s platform innovation roadmap. - UpLink Challenge Platform
Co-developed with Deloitte and the World Economic Forum, this open innovation platform invites global innovators to submit scalable solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with opportunities for partnership and visibility within Salesforce’s ecosystem.
2. Intel (USA)
Intel collaborates with startups and developers on hardware, chip design, AI, and deep tech through accelerators, hackathons, and co‑creation labs.
Key External Programs:
- Intel Liftoff for Startups – A free virtual program for early-stage AI/ML startups, offering engineering consulting, cloud credits, technical training, and networking support.
- Intel Ignite – A 12‑week deep-tech accelerator program in multiple global hubs, connecting startups with technical mentorship, market expertise, and strategic validation.
- Intel AI Hackathon 2025 – A multi-month hybrid hackathon for enterprise AI developers to prototype GenAI solutions using Intel’s OPEA platform and ecosystem
3. Google (USA)
Google partners with startups, nonprofits, and ecosystem hubs, offering tiered accelerator programs, technical academies, cloud credits, and startup challenges.
Key External Programs:
- Google for Startups Accelerator – Equity-free, 10–12 week accelerators across regions and verticals (like AI‑First, Cybersecurity, Climate) including mentorship, technical training, and demo days .
- Google for Startups Academies – Themed workshops (e.g., AI Academy, Growth Academy, Founders Academy) offering skills training and networking.
- Cloud Program – Provides startups up to $350K in Google Cloud credits, expert technical support, and business guidance.
- Google.org Generative AI Accelerator – A six‑month, equity‑free cohort supporting nonprofits building generative AI solutions with grants, mentorship, and product expertise.
4. Qualcomm (USA)
Qualcomm partners with startups and developers via accelerators, hackathons, and challenge-based initiatives focused on 5G, AI, XR, and IoT.
Key External Programs:
- Innovate with Qualcomm – Challenge-based program where startups prototype and pilot innovations using Qualcomm hardware and software stacks.
- On-Device AI Hackathons – Global competitions empowering developers to build real-world solutions with Qualcomm’s AI SDKs.
- Snapdragon Spaces Developer Initiative – Supports XR start-ups co-building immersive experiences using Qualcomm’s XR platform.
5. Comcast (USA)
Comcast engages startups through accelerator programs, pilot opportunities, and media-tech collaboration, especially in AI and connectivity.
Key External Programs:
- LIFT Labs Accelerator (Techstars) – A 5–6 week, equity-free accelerator for media, AI, and connectivity startups, offering mentorship and pilot access.
- Post-Accelerator Pilot Program – Enables alumni startups to test solutions with Comcast NBCUniversal on a larger scale.
- LIFT Labs Innovation Challenges – Thematic calls for solutions aligned with Comcast’s strategic priorities, such as smart home and female health tech.
6. Microsoft (USA)
Microsoft supports startups through open-enrollment programs, co-innovation labs, workshops, and technology-focused accelerators.
Key External Programs:
- Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub – Open program offering Azure credits, GitHub Enterprise, technical mentoring, and access to customers.
- AI Co-Innovation Labs – Co-building initiatives where startups collaborate directly with Microsoft engineers on AI/machine learning solutions.
- Microsoft Reactor Events & Hackathons – Public workshops and competitions centered on Azure, Visual Studio, and AI development.
7. IBM (USA)
IBM works with startups across AI, security, and sustainability using accelerators, hackathons, and co-creation labs.
Key External Programs:
- Hyper Protect Accelerator (with Village Capital) – A 12-week accelerator offering IBM Cloud credits, security mentoring, and product support.
- IBM-WEF/X Challenge Series – Challenge-based programs focusing on climate, ethical AI, and sustainable innovation with developer networks.
- IBM Co-Creation Labs – Select startups partner with IBM teams to prototype and pilot solutions within enterprise-grade environments.
8. Samsung Electronics (South Korea)
Samsung collaborates with external innovators in AI, software, and intelligent machines using targeted accelerator programs and industry challenges.
Key External Programs:
- Samsung NEXT Ventures – Innovation programs for early-stage AI and software startups, offering access to R&D labs and mentorship.
- LEAP-S Startup Accelerator – Supports selected founders with strategic coaching and open innovation facilities.
- Samsung Solve for Tomorrow – Challenge-driven initiative to crowdsource education-focused tech projects using Samsung devices.
9. Ansys (USA)
Ansys enables startups to accelerate simulation-driven innovation with programmatic support and marketing resources.
Key External Programs:
- Ansys Startup Program – Offers discounted software licenses, HPC resources, training, and technical support to simulation-focused startups.
10. Cisco (USA)
Cisco collaborates with startups through innovation labs, co-development, and showcase programs geared toward enterprise technology pilots.
Key External Programs:
- Cisco Innovation Labs – Co-development spaces where startups work with Cisco engineers on networking and security solutions.
- Cisco for Startups Program – Open program offering access to labs, technical mentorship, and enterprise pilot customers.
- Startup Showcases & Demo Days – Regional events where emerging companies present innovations to Cisco executives and partners.
11. Telefónica (Spain)
Telefónica engages external startups through hubs, API access, and digital innovation challenges in Europe and Latin America.
Key External Programs:
- Wayra Innovation Hubs – Eleven open innovation centers supporting startups with mentoring, workspace, and industrial collaborations.
- Wayra Open Innovation Challenges – Problem-driven contests inviting startups to co-create solutions with Telefónica business units.
- Telco API Access & Pilot Program – Enables startups to integrate telecom features directly into innovative applications.
12. Coinbase (USA)
Coinbase engages the broader crypto/Web3 community using accelerator programs, hackathons, and open-source initiatives.
Key External Programs:
- Coinbase Launchpad – Open enrollment program where early-stage Web3 projects receive product guidance, developer advocacy, and ecosystem connection.
- Global Web3 Hackathons – Events focused on DeFi, NFTs, and blockchain infrastructure using Coinbase APIs.
- Coinbase Marketplace Partnerships – Collaboration opportunities with startups and protocol teams to integrate new blockchain features.
13. Airbus (France)
Airbus partners with startups via accelerators, co-creation labs, and open-airbus innovation challenges focused on aerospace technologies.
Key External Programs:
- Airbus BizLab – A six-month accelerator operating in Europe and Asia, offering prototyping facilities, intrapreneur mentorship, and demo day exposure.
- Airbus A³ Accelerator Challenges – Importance-driven competitions addressing urban air mobility, autonomous systems, and future flight innovation.
- Startup Co-Development Pilots – Selected companies collaborate directly with Airbus business units on aerospace tech solutions.
14. Naspers (South Africa)
Naspers engages emerging-market startups through digital hubs, themed accelerator initiatives, and ecosystem collaborations.
Key External Programs:
- Prosus Horizons Accelerator – Supports consumer and fintech startups in Africa, India, and Brazil via dedicated accelerator tracks.
- Naspers Foundry Innovation Challenges – Periodic open calls aimed at social-impact and tech solutions in specific emerging market verticals.
- Startup Scaling Workshops – Events for growth-stage founders offering curriculum on product, GTM, and regional scaling.
15. Dell Technologies (USA)
Dell works with startups to co-develop hardware and software solutions through open labs, technical support, and ecosystem activations.
Key External Programs:
- Dell for Startups Tech Labs – Open-lab environments where emerging companies can build and test on Dell infrastructure.
- Dell Innovation Showcase – Public demo days featuring co-built enterprise solutions on Dell platforms.
- Partner Accelerator with Dell Tech Capital – Though co-led with investment, its innovation labs are open for non-investment partners too.
16. Macquarie Group (Australia)
Macquarie engages entrepreneurs via innovation programs and challenge-based fintech initiatives.
Key External Programs:
- Macquarie Launchpad – An accelerator initiative that offers fintech startups resources, workshops, and product-pilot opportunities.
- Macquarie Innovation Challenge – Problem-based competitions inviting fintech startups to develop solutions aligned with banking priorities.
17. PayPal (USA)
PayPal fosters startup innovation in finance and fintech through open calls, sandbox environments, and developer programs.
Key External Programs:
- PayPal Incubator Program – Cohort accelerator connecting early-stage fintech and commerce startups with API access and mentorship.
- PayPal Innovation Challenges – Thematic hackathons and competition-based events geared toward payment and commerce innovation.
- Developer Sandbox & Catalysts – Open environment for startups to prototype using the PayPal API suite and receive technical support.
18. SAP (Germany)
SAP engages with startups and developers via open innovation, incubators, and ecosystem accelerators built around enterprise software.
Key External Programs:
- SAP Startup Studio – A global incubator for early-stage B2B software startups offering mentoring, technical enablement, and piloting opportunities.
- SAP.iO Foundries – Accelerator programs in major cities that support startups with product-market fit coaching and SAP integration pilots.
- SAP Innovation Challenges – Industry-specific contests for automating enterprise processes using SAP technology.
19. Sony (Japan)
Sony collaborates externally via accelerators and open innovation platforms focused on AI, content tech, and entertainment.
Key External Programs:
- Sony Innovation Program – Supported globally, offering mentorship and co-development opportunities in AR/VR, AI, and imaging.
- Sony Startup Acceleration Program – Cohort-based accelerator designed to support seed-to-series startups in content and hardware tech.
- Sony Open Innovation Forum – Annual event where startups pitch innovations to Sony executives for co-creation or partnership.
Sony collaborates externally via accelerators and open innovation platforms focused on AI,
content tech, and entertainment.
20. Amazon (USA)
Amazon collaborates with startups primarily through indirect but high-impact engagement mechanisms, such as acquisitions, cloud infrastructure support, and ecosystem partnerships. While it does not operate a traditional accelerator, Amazon fosters startup innovation across e-commerce, logistics, AI, and voice technology via strategic programs and funds.
Key External Programs:
AWS Activate – Provides cloud credits, training, technical support, and go-to-market resources to startups building on Amazon Web Services infrastructure.
Alexa Fund – A venture fund that invests in voice and AI startups developing technologies for Alexa and the broader ambient computing ecosystem. Portfolio companies benefit from strategic guidance and product integration support.
Amazon Launchpad – A platform that gives consumer-focused startups enhanced visibility, access to marketing tools, and operational support to scale on Amazon’s marketplace.
Amazon Global Selling Partner Program – Offers emerging brands the opportunity to expand internationally via Amazon’s infrastructure, support services, and logistics network.
Why External Corporate Innovation Programs Matters More Than Ever?
Across industries and continents, the most forward-thinking companies are no longer innovating in isolation—they’re co-creating with startups. The Corporate Startup Activity Index 2025 highlights how corporate innovation programs—from accelerators and open innovation challenges to collaborative platforms—are transforming the way large organizations drive innovation at scale. This year’s Index ranks 370+ corporations across 30+ countries and 11 industries, providing a comprehensive snapshot of how the world’s leading enterprises engage with startups.
Inside the full report, you’ll find:
- Rankings of the top 370+ corporates driving startup collaboration
- Insights into global trends—revealing which industries and regions are leading the charge
- Your corporation’s global position—or that of your partners, clients, or competitors
Benchmark comparisons by country, city, and sector
