The corporate world can sometimes seem very disconnected from the startup world. People entering into the world of business can either opt to seek security and gradual mobility in the corporate world or take a gigantic risk and start their own business. Both options reap different rewards. But many corporations nowadays are trying to bridge this gap and find ways to aid startups and innovative entrepreneurs. One of the biggest ways they are doing this is through the creation of corporate accelerators.
Corporate accelerators are essentially the best of both worlds: It’s a medium in which entrepreneurs are encouraged to innovate and improve and also a space that gives corporations the opportunity to improve themselves. This type of collaboration really goes the distance, too. Meritorious entrepreneurs are able to communicate to the corporate world in a way that was previously unavailable and corporations are profiting from it. It’s the perfect symbiosis and a true sign that innovation is a positive force not only for society, but for your wallet too.
These incubators aren’t monolithic, either. From Coca-Cola to Google, every corporation involved in the accelerator game approaches it differently. And that’s a good thing. One thing we’re seeing from the advent of corporate accelerators is that they are extremely adaptive, and this is really awesome because it doesn’t narrow the playing field of entrepreneurs, it opens up a bunch of channels through which different kinds of aspiring entrepreneurs can achieve success.
Here are some of the biggest corporate incubators and accelerators making their mark:
15 Corporate Accelerators
AT&T Aspire Accelerator
Works with organizations that use technology to help students succeed, strengthen schools and communities, or prepare learners for employment. The Aspire Accelerator will connect you with the resources, services, expertise, and relationships you need to drive exponential change in how we learn.
Budweiser Dream Brewery
Aims to encourage and support tech innovators who are interested in beer consumption, shopping experience, and responsible drinking. Participants in the platform will have the opportunity to work with leading industry experts and partner with Budweiser to find success in the market.
Cisco Entrepreneurs in Residence
A corporate venturing program aimed at startups and scaleups –a hyper-efficient platform to build long-term strategic relationships and business outcomes with Cisco Business Units.
Citi Ventures Accelerator
Accelerates innovation at scale through strategic partnerships and a comprehensive set of programs that combine the best of the external innovation ecosystem with Citi’s internal efforts to embrace new skills and new ways of working.
The Bridge by Coca-Cola
A unique commercialization program for startups, acting as a bridge between the entrepreneurial community and major global markets including the US, Europe, Africa/Eurasia and the Pacific. The Bridge startups range from early stage to growth startups. They offer software solutions that are ready to commercialize and that fit one of five core themes: Consumer Engagement, Consumer Retail, Supply Chain, Marketing Innovation and Health and Wellness.
TechnoGym Wellness Accelerator
An international accelerator that focuses on health and wellness startups. It’s a four month program offered to five startups and give them the opportunity to work with leaders in the industry.
Google’s Launchpad Accelerator
Helps tech startups develop and be successful by working closely with Google for 6 months, two weeks of all-expense-paid training at Google Headquarters, equity-free support, access to Google engineers, resources, and mentors, credits for Google products, and marketing spotlight opportunities.
IBM Alpha Zone Accelerator
A 20 week program, helping startups to build leading solutions for the enterprise market. The program focuses on post Seed & Round A funded companies with aim to create long term technology and business partnership with IBM worldwide.
Spacelab Media-Saturn Tech Accelerator
Empowers innovative startups of all stripes. Participants in the accelerator will receive work space in Munich, capital, infrastructure, and mentoring from support partners and experts. At the end of the program, each startup will present at a demo day.
Sprint Accelerator
Connect corporations with new ventures—spurring innovation through curated conversations and facilitated action. Sprint Accelerator seeks to innovate, collaborate, and engage. It’s a 90-day program that focuses on collaboration between corporations and entrepreneurs, giving corporations access to innovative products and entrepreneurs access to unprecedented resources.
Disney Accelerator
Brings together an amazing community of entrepreneurs, creative, mentors, investors, and technologists, all with a common trait: the ability to dream big, and a vision for making an impact on the world of entertainment and technology.
Wells Fargo Startup Accelerator
A hands-on program designed to advance startups that create solutions for enterprise customers—inside and outside the financial industry. It’s a 6-month program with opportunities for up to $500,000 in investment and networking opportunities, among other things.
JLAB
Startup accelerator program from the John Lewis Partnership. The startups that are selected to participate in the program are given the opportunity to develop a relationship with UK’s two biggest retail brands, John Lewis and Waitrose.
YLE Media Accelerator
A three-month accelerator that gives media startups the opportunity to work with the experts at YLE on innovating a technology or media service solution.
Kickstart
Telenet Kickstart is a Belgian-based organization that partners with leading incubators and accelerators in order to empower startup businesses and entrepreneurs. Through mentorship and coaching, entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to take their idea and make it come to fruition in a marketable way.
If there is an accelerator that needs to be added or deleted from this list, please send a note to TechCo.
Read about more startups accelerators around the country at TechCo
