Across Europe, big companies are becoming strong backers of startup innovation, and corporate venturing is widely used as a buzzword these days. Beyond investing money, they open doors to customers, provide technical expertise, and create opportunities for small teams to test and scale their ideas. Programmes like the European Innovation Council’s Corporate Partnership Programme are helping to reinforce this trend, connecting some of Europe’s largest corporates with DeepTech startups.
Areas such as clean energy, digitalisation, mobility, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing receive some of the most significant investments, as corporates look for disruptive technologies that align with their long-term strategies and the broader push toward sustainability and competitiveness in Europe.
This article highlights 50 leading companies that are actively partnering with startups across various technological fields. To make the content easy to read, we’ve organised it by country.
Belgium
AB InBev
This Brussels-headquartered company is the world’s largest brewer with 260 breweries and operations in more than 50 countries. Aware of the environmental impact its industry generates, AB InBev is committed to sustainability, water stewardship, smart agriculture, and circular packaging.
Through its innovation arm ZX Ventures, AB InBev invests in startups in the field of beverages, e-commerce, sustainability, and digital technology. Its flagship 100+ Sustainability Accelerator supports early-stage companies tackling environmental and social challenges, offering mentoring, pilots, and funding to help scale their solutions.
Solvay
It is a chemical company that produces essential chemicals and advanced materials used in industries such as glass, electronics, construction, automotive, energy, and consumer goods.
They seek alternatives in areas like advanced materials, energy transition, digitalisation, and wellbeing. Solvay is advancing new technologies such as their e.Solvay process (which uses renewable energy to cut CO2 emissions by 50%, and reduce water, salt, and limestone use) and a bio-circular silica method derived from rice husk ash that cuts CO2 emissions. Through its venture corporate arm, Syensqo, they operate a $100m evergreen fund with a focus on decarbonation, electrification, bio and circular materials.
Denmark
Maersk
It is a global leader in container shipping and integrated logistics, connecting trade across ocean, land, and air in more than 130 countries. Maersk’s role in the startup ecosystem is advancing in decarbonisation and digital transformation in logistics worldwide.
Through Maersk Growth, the company invests in early-stage startups. In 2025, Maersk shifted emphasis towards venture clienting, a model that enables direct investment in startups, allowing them to rest solutions at scale to accelerate innovation and growth in areas like supply chain, digitalisation, logistics and asset management.
Novo Nordisk
This pharmaceutical company is a global leader in tackling chronic diseases, with a strong focus on diabetes, obesity, and rare blood and endocrine disorders. Building on more than a century of research and innovation, Novo Nordisk continues to expand its role in advancing science, technology, and sustainable healthcare.
The company actively collaborates with BioTech startups and researchers through a range of open innovation and partnership programmes. It engages with European startups via initiatives like the BioInnovation Institute (BII), primarily founded and funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, supporting and accelerating early-stage life science startups in HealthTech, therapeutics, and bioindustrials, offering funding, lab infrastructure, and business development resources. Earlier this year, Novo Nordisk partnered with BioLabs to provide life science startups with lab space and scientific expertise, further strengthening its commitment to supporting entrepreneurial opportunities and public-private innovation partnerships.
France
AXA
Headquartered in Paris, they are one of the largest global insurers and asset management companies, offering health, life, property, and casualty insurance as well as investment solutions for individuals, businesses, and institutions. Beyond traditional insurance, AXA invests in healthcare services and collaborates with startups to develop innovative solutions in wellbeing, mobility, cyber risk, and climate resilience.
AXA’s innovation arm, AXA Next, works with startups to build new health, protection and digital services. AXA Startup Angel is another notable platform (primarily in the UK), through which AXA supports, mentors, and invests in early-stage startups by offering business development resources and funding. They also foster collaboration with startups via their Innovations & Startups program, focusing on areas such as cyber services, net-zero, and employee health.
Atos
Headquartered in Bezons, Atos is a global leader in digital transformation. They operate in areas such as cloud and infrastructure, cybersecurity, data and AI, and digital applications.
To engage with the startup ecosystem, Atos runs Scaler an open innovation accelerator, selecting startups and SMEs to co-develop solutions in areas such as cybersecurity, decarbonisation, and industry verticals. The programmes last about 12–18 months, participants gain access to pilot opportunities with Atos clients, integration into its ecosystem and visibility through Atos’ global reach.
BNP Paribas
It is a major French banking and financial services group, offering tailored solutions such as financing, capital markets, cash management, advisory, retail banking, savings, insurance, wealth management, and asset management.
They are committed to running open innovation programmes focused on DeepTech, FinTech, and InsurTech startups. One of their key initiatives is BivwAk!, an accelerator that supports early-stage startups by providing both physical and digital spaces. They have also created the WAI (We Are Innovation) accelerator, a 24-month programme that offers startups access to BNP Paribas customers, partners, and experts. In addition, the group invests in startups either directly through acquisitions or via equity investments led by its venture arm, Opera Tech Ventures.
Danone
One of the world’s leading players in the food and beverage industry, with operations in more than 120 countries. The company seeks innovation in three main areas: Essential Dairy & Plant-based products, Waters, and Specialised Nutrition.
Alongside its core business, Danone invests heavily in innovation and research, developing health-oriented foods, functional ingredients, sustainable packaging, and climate-friendly supply chains. To support this, it created Danone Ventures, which partners with FoodTech startups. Additionally, they launched the ambitious Renew Danone initiative. One of its pillars is a dedicated channel that connects startups, academic institutions, and corporates to drive innovation across the entire company.
ENGIE
One of the major French-based energy companies, committed to accelerating the transition to a carbon-neutral economy. Their ambition is to transform the entire energy value chain, from low-carbon electricity generation to gas infrastructure and distribution tailored for businesses and cities.
To collaborate with startups and foster innovation, ENGIE launched ENGIE New Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm. It invests in CleanTech startups, mainly from seed to Series A, with a mission to digitise, decarbonise, and decentralise the energy sector. Contributing to this, ENGIE also fosters Imaginative Builders a programme where it aims to exchange ideas and share a purpose between ENGIE employees and scouted startups.
L’Oréal
Headquartered in Paris, L’Oréal is one of the world’s leading beauty companies, operating across more than 150 countries with a portfolio of iconic brands in cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrances. Its role in the startup ecosystem reflects its ambition to enhance customer experiences, transform products, and accelerate the shift toward more sustainable beauty.
Through its Open Innovation strategy, L’Oréal actively collaborates with startups, research labs, and entrepreneurs in areas like beauty, green sciences, and digital solutions. Programmes such as the L’Oréal Beauty Tech Atelier incubator connect early-stage startups with the group’s expertise, while investments through its corporate venture arm BOLD (Business Opportunities for L’Oréal Development) provide funding to promising startups.
LVMH
This French luxury goods group brings together around 75 “Maisons” across fashion, leather goods, perfumes & cosmetics, watches and jewellery, wines & spirits, and selective retailing. Balancing heritage with innovation, LVMH preserves brand identity while embracing new ideas, positioning itself as a bridge between disruptive startups and the traditional world of luxury.
Under its Open Innovation umbrella, LVMH runs La Maison des Startups, an accelerator located at Station F in Paris that brings together up to 30 startups annually to co-create with its Maisons across domains such as immersive digital experiences, omnichannel retail, sustainability, and operations excellence. It also operates DARE, an intrapreneurship programme that invites employees across all Maisons to pitch innovative ideas and incubate them internally with support. LVMH scouts for startups through initiatives like its Innovation Award, offers mentorship, workspace, and networking with group experts, and catalyses collaboration across its brands to help startups scale in luxury contexts.
Michelin
The company is a global leader in mobility and engineered materials, best known for its core business in tyres but increasingly active in advanced composites, connected mobility solutions, and sustainable innovation. With more than 130 years of heritage, Michelin combines expertise in polymers, materials, and data-driven systems with a clear ambition to enable more sustainable, efficient, and safer transport.
In 2014, Michelin launched the Michelin Innovation Lab, where the company works with startups aligned with its strategic fields beyond tyres. Michelin invests in research partnerships and startups, supporting projects in areas such as circular economy materials and bio-sourced elastomers. By working closely with university labs and embracing open innovation, Michelin accelerates progress toward its “all-sustainable” mobility ambitions.
Orange
This telecommunications operator is headquartered in Paris, with a presence across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. It offers all sorts of phone connectivity, TV and digital services.
Orange works closely with startups supporting innovation via several startup and open-innovation programs. It runs Orange Fab, its global accelerator program, which helps early-stage startups scale by granting access to its network, customers, and technical infrastructure. Additionally, they provide Orange Digital Centres aimed to be a hub for interaction, experimentation and training for all players in the digital ecosystem. Finally, the company also invests through Orange Ventures, its venture arm targeting digital services, IoT, cybersecurity, FinTech, among others.
Total Energies
The energy company produces oil, natural gas, low-carbon electricity, renewables, and bioenergies. It aims to provide energy that is more affordable, sustainable, reliable, and accessible, while advancing strategies to reduce its carbon footprint and drive the transition to cleaner energy systems.
To support innovation, TotalEnergies invests significantly in R&D and technology development. Through its TotalEnergies On accelerator, the company focuses on electricity-sector startups that aim to lead the energy transition. Together with HEC Paris, they created a six-month programme where startups gain access to experts, mentoring, and a network of TotalEnergies, taking place at Station F.
Saint Gobain
This materials and construction group aims to lead the shift toward lighter, more sustainable construction solutions, combining advanced materials, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
Saint-Gobain plays an active role in the global startup ecosystem through NOVA, its corporate venture arm established in 2006. NOVA focuses its investments on three broad areas: advanced materials, construction, and circular economy startups. Since the end of 2016, it has expanded its activities to include taking equity stakes in promising ventures.
Société Générale
It is one of Europe’s leading financial groups, providing retail, corporate and investment banking, as well as asset management solutions across more than 60 countries.
Through initiatives like Société Générale Ventures, the Global Markets Incubator, and the Payment & Transaction Banking Accelerator, the group invests in and co-develops solutions with startups. These programmes provide funding, mentorship, and pilot opportunities, particularly in areas such as FinTech, sustainable finance, AI, and blockchain, reinforcing the bank’s role as a partner with startups to bring their products and solutions to market, scaling them up as they gain exposure across the bank and the industry.
Germany
Bosch Group
One of the most famous German companies, Bosch is headquartered in Gerlingen-Schillerhöhe and stands as a global engineering and technology leader, operating across sectors such as mobility, consumer goods, home appliances, and industrial technology.
In the startup space, Bosch seeks to act as more than just a strategic partner. To engage startups, the company runs several programmes and investment vehicles. Its corporate venture arm, Bosch Ventures, invests globally in DeepTech, mobility and energy startups, supported by a recent €250 million fund. Alongside this, initiatives such as Open Bosch, and Bosch Business Innovations provide startups with programmes, access to networks, and, in some cases, early-stage investment. These platforms enable collaboration through pilots and testing, helping startups bring innovations to an industrial scale within Bosch’s operations.
E.ON
Based in Essen, E.ON is a leading European energy company that focuses on delivering power and gas to customers, managing energy distribution networks. The group is committed to making innovative energy solutions, pushing forward digitalisation, sustainability, and innovation to help communities, businesses, and cities transition toward a cleaner, smarter energy future.
Through its E.ON Group Innovation arm, E.ON collaborates with and supports startups, focusing on areas such as smart grids, energy infrastructure, and customer solutions. One of the current programmes is the Free Electrons, which gives startups the chance to co-develop and test new energy technologies alongside E.ON, culminating in an annual Grand Finale and Open Day that brings the global innovation ecosystem together. Each year, E.ON also runs the Grid Startup Challenge, with the latest winners announced in May 2025.
Körber
Körber is an international technology group headquartered in Hamburg, operating across business areas such as Digital, Pharma, Supply Chain, and Technologies, offering hardware, software, and services to help clients automate, optimise, and digitise their operations.
Körber primarily partners and collaborates with startups through its ecosystem partner programmes. The company is structured into three main areas, Pharma, Technology, and Supply Chain, each of which develops its own partnerships. For instance, within its Technology division, they are very much interested in working with AI-powered SaaS startups that increase production efficiency. Another key element is Körber Digital, which serves as a bridge for co-creation by enabling startups to work with industrial clients in real operational environments, access data, and test their solutions at scale.
Lufthansa
Headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Lufthansa is a major global airline group, offering passenger, cargo, and logistics services. Their goal is to become a more sustainable company, striving to stay ahead in digital transformation and innovation within the travel and mobility ecosystem.
Lufthansa works with startups via its Lufthansa Innovation Hub, focusing on accelerating the next wave of travel innovations. They run programmes such as the six-month Founder Program to incubate travel tech ventures or their Startup Lab (in partnership with Plug and Play) to source pilots and partnerships. The hub also invests in promising startups, offers mentorship, and connects them with Lufthansa’s global network.
DB Schenker
This logistics and supply chain provider offers land, air, and ocean freight, contract logistics, and integrated transport solutions to clients around the world. They aim to modernise how goods move, reduce environmental impact, and stay ahead of evolving supply chain challenges.
They engage with startups via the STARTup Terminal, a venture client unit that scouts and evaluates startups aligned with its operational needs, runs pilot projects, and helps scale startup solutions. Additionally, the Enterprise Lab for Logistics and Digitalisation serves as an innovation hub where technology-driven solutions are transformed into prototypes and turned into value-creating solutions for logistics and supply chain operations.
Deutsche Telekom
One of Europe’s main telecommunications companies offers fixed and mobile networks, broadband, IT and cloud services, and digital solutions for consumers and businesses. Their innovation ambition is to find innovative connectivity infrastructure with innovation in AI, IoT, and to shape the future of digital ecosystems.
To collaborate with startups, Deutsche Telekom have created hubraum, its tech incubator investing in early-stage startups. It also drives innovation through T-Labs, which co-researches emerging technologies and runs challenges such as the T Challenge on Web3. In addition, TechBoost is Telekom’s startup programme and matchmaking platform for business customers, while its investment arm TCapital provides funding to early- and late-stage startups. Notably, TCapital was also recently highlighted in this EU-Startups article on Europe’s leading sustainability VCs, underscoring Deutsche Telekom’s commitment to backing ventures with both technological and environmental impact.
Mercedes-Benz
Based in Stuttgart, it is an automotive and mobility company, known for manufacturing premium cars. They are primarily interested in transforming software-driven mobility and in embedding innovation and digital capabilities in its products and operations.
Mercedes partners with startups mainly through its innovation platform STARTUP AUTOBAHN run in partnership with Plug and Play, ARENA2036, and the University of Stuttgart. The programme helps startups validate whether their solutions fit the company’s strategy and can be applied in the industry. It supports prototyping and can lead to integration into production or wider scaling. Startups that are selected gain access to Mercedes-Benz’s expertise, manufacturing knowledge, industry contacts, exposure to a global audience, and a fast track to potential industrial deployment.
Italy
Enel
Headquartered in Rome, Enel is one of the main energy companies in Europe and beyond. They generate and distribute electricity and gas, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy, electrification, and sustainability.
To engage with startups and innovators, Enel runs the Open Innovability, a global crowdsourcing platform that launches challenges, sources external solutions, and develops pilot projects in collaboration with its labs and partners. It also organises initiatives like the Enel Innothon 2025, a programme automating infrastructure tasks or enhancing energy systems. In addition, Enel has ten Innovation Hubs worldwide, which act as regional connectors, linking local ecosystems with global partners and providing the resources needed to scale impactful solutions.
UniCredit
It is a European Bank offering services in Italy, Germany, Austria, and Central and Eastern Europe.
In its engagement with startups and innovation, UniCredit runs Start Lab, a platform dedicated to supporting Italian startups and innovative SMEs through training, mentoring, networking, and strategic partnership development. Since 2009, they have developed a programme called “Il Talento delle Idee” which acts as an accelerator, launching each year with open calls for applications. The programme helps startups strengthen their growth, build networks, and form partnerships with relevant industry stakeholders.
Netherlands
Airbus
One of the most important European aerospace and defence companies. Legally registered in Leiden, but daily managed from the company’s main office located in Blagnac, France. Airbus designs, manufactures, and delivers commercial aircraft, helicopters, defence and space systems. The company is mainly committed to finding alternatives to lighter, safer, more fuel-efficient aircraft and alternatives like hydrogen or carbon capture.
On the startup side, Airbus runs several structured initiatives: Airbus Ventures invests in early-stage aerospace and related tech firms from offices in Silicon Valley, Paris, and Tokyo.
Its Central Innovation arm incubates startups, co-funding new ventures, scouting technologies, and building businesses around sustainability and aerospace challenges. Furthermore, in the UK, they have created the Airbus Space Accelerator, which provides a 14-week programme to help SMEs expand into space markets.
Ferrovial
It is one of the leading infrastructure and mobility companies headquartered in the Netherlands. Its operation sectors include construction of highways, airports and energy.
Ferrovial embeds innovation into its core by combining a formal open innovation strategy with a culture that encourages idea generation from employees and external partners. It maintains a Digital Hub that accelerates innovation and drives its digital transformation across infrastructure operations. Building on this, Ferrovial has a corporate venturing arm, where they foster several innovation programs, such as the BuildUp! focusing on the construction of civil and industrial challenges.
KPN
Headquartered in Rotterdam, KPN is one of the leading Dutch telecommunications and IT companies in the country. KPN is committed to creating a Better Internet in the Netherlands, thus making the country one of the best-connected and climate-neutral nations.
Their collaboration with startups is crucial to achieving their goals. KPN pursues open innovation by collaborating with startups and scaleups to co-develop solutions that address challenges in areas like retail, sustainability, networks and IT infrastructure, online platforms, and SME tools. Through KPN Ventures, it invests in series A, B and C startups focusing on B2C and B2B customers or companies working in the telecommunications sector.
Philips
This global health-technology company aims to improve health and well-being through innovation. It focuses on areas like diagnostic imaging, patient monitoring, interventional systems, informatics, and connected care, offering solutions for hospitals, clinics, and homes. Once known for consumer electronics, the company has shifted its focus to become a leader in health technology.
In the startup ecosystem, Philips engages with startups and scaleups through dedicated programmes and strategic partnerships. They are committed to advancing open innovation via their Supplier Innovation portal. Challenges in defined areas are published, and external users are invited to propose ideas, technologies, products, or services in response. Additionally, Philips invests in startups through Philips Ventures, which focuses on early-stage startups. Beyond capital investment, Philips Ventures provides operational expertise, regulatory and clinical strategy guidance, and access to Philips’ global network and market insights.
Norway
Equinor
Based in southern Norway, Equinor is an international energy company traditionally trading in oil and gas. Nowadays, it aims to transition towards low-carbon solutions. Equinor acts as a strategic collaborator and investor with startups, as it seeks technologies and business models that align with its ambition to become a net-zero energy company by 2050.
To support innovation, Equinor operates a number of startup-facing initiatives. Its corporate venture capital arm, Equinor Ventures, invests in early to growth-stage startups with technologies in renewables, energy systems, and low-carbon solutions, typically taking minority stakes and facilitating pilots and scaling. Complementing this, Equinor runs the Equinor Startup Hub, a merger of mature startups and internal teams seeking new solutions, enabling pilot projects, collaboration, and adoption of innovations.
Portugal
EDP Group
Lisbon-based, this energy company operates across generation, transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity and gas. They are committed to decarbonising operations to reduce emissions. This is why cooperation with startups is of utmost importance.
EDP runs several initiatives, an example of which is the Energy Starter, an open innovation programme that invites startups globally to co-innovate in areas like Future Grids, Renewable Energy and Client Solutions. The programme brings opportunities for pilots, scaling, and collaboration with EDP’s operations.
Galp
One of Portugal’s main energy companies, it operates across the oil and gas value chain, while also expanding into electricity, renewables, and new energy businesses.
Galp’s innovation agenda is structured around Upcoming Energies, its open innovation and new business platform, which emphasises collaboration with startups. The innovation model spans three centres: Renewables, Commercial, and Industrial. These are organised around eight focus areas, including renewable electricity, energy storage, e-fuels and biofuels, hydrogen, digital solutions, and circular economy initiatives.
Spain
Acciona
This Spanish multinational group specialises in infrastructure construction, renewable energy, water, and services. With activities spanning energy, water, transport, and urban development, it places sustainability and innovation at the centre of its strategy.
To engage with the startup ecosystem, Acciona runs the I’MNOVATION open innovation programme, which invites startups, scaleups, spin-offs, universities and R&D centres to bring solutions facing defined challenges in infrastructure, renewable energy, water and smart cities. Through this programme, selected startups have access to technical and business mentorship and opportunities to integrate their solutions into Acciona’s operations.
BBVA
One of Spain’s major financial institutions, BBVA, is pursuing digital transformation and positions itself as one of the most technology-driven players in global finance.
Within the startup ecosystem, BBVA has created BBVA Spark, a platform designed to support the full range of financial needs that high-growth companies face as they scale. Aimed at tech entrepreneurs and venture capital funds, it offers comprehensive banking services, including accounts, growth loans, payroll, payments, and insurance, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations. BBVA Spark is currently active in Spain, Mexico, and Colombia. In addition, BBVA drives collaborations through its Open Innovation platform, such as B-Venture in northern Spain or the BBVA Spark Summit, which connects BBVA business units with FinTech startups.
CaixaBank
Headquartered in Barcelona, CaixaBank is one of Spain’s leading financial institutions, with activities spanning retail and corporate banking, insurance, and investments in international banks as well as major companies in the services sector.
To support startups and innovators, CaixaBank operates DayOne, a specialised banking division aimed at startups, scaleups, and their investors. DayOne provides tailored financial solutions, including venture debt and customised banking services, while supporting clients through hubs in key Spanish cities that serve as centres for networking and mentoring. CaixaBank also promotes open innovation programmes and organises the EmprendeXXI Awards, which recognise high-potential projects across six categories: Social Impact, Sustainability, Disruptive Innovation, Scalability, Agro Boost, and FinTech.
Enagás
This energy company specialises in the development, operation, and maintenance of key energy infrastructures, particularly in the gas sector. Enagás plays a central role in ensuring energy security, as it is the main player managing gas in Spain.
Enagás is committed to driving a green transformation and, within the framework of energy transition, actively seeks solutions that accelerate it. Through its Emprendimiento e Innovación Abierta programme, the company supports early-stage startups in the process of maturing and defining their project through investment, mentoring, and tailor-made programs. Its corporate venture arm, Enagás Emprende, further strengthens this approach by investing in and accelerating projects focused on hydrogen, biogas, and digital solutions.
Iberdrola
One of Spain’s most promising electric utility companies, headquartered in Bilbao, is widely recognised as one of the world’s major players in clean energy and grid infrastructure.
Within the startup ecosystem, Iberdrola looks to accelerate sustainability and decarbonisation in its core operations. It runs PERSEO programme, which channels open innovation, pilot projects, and venture capital investment into early-stage startups whose solutions, in areas such as digital transformation, AI, automation, smart energy efficiency, and infrastructure for electric vehicle charging. Beyond that, PERSEO also works with large tech funds, such as the Seaya Andromeda Sustainable Tech Fund and Buenavista Tech Seed, to scale up GreenTech startups.
Telefónica
Based in Madrid, Telefónica is a global telecommunications company with operations spanning mobile, fixed-line, broadband, and digital services. It has positioned itself as a technology innovator, particularly in areas like IoT, AI, cloud, and network evolution.
To support startups, Telefónica operates Wayra, its corporate venture arm, which invests in startups and connects them with Telefónica’s business units and network. Through programmes like Wayra Activation, it provides startups with access to APIs, technical support, business development opportunities, and pilot collaborations. Additionally, they launch Open Future, a regional initiative, offering mentoring, training, and visibility, with pathways for startups to eventually receive investment from Wayra.
Sweden
Ericsson
Headquartered in Sweden’s capital, this telecommunications and digital infrastructure company provides the equipment and software that telecom operators use to deliver mobile phone and internet services. Their areas of investment are network evolution, 5G, cloud-native platforms, and automation.
In the startup ecosystem, Ericsson offers initiatives like the Startup 5G programme, which brings together startups and communication service providers to co-develop and pilot advanced consumer and enterprise 5G solutions. To foster innovation from even early stages, Ericsson has created the Ericsson Edge Academy, where students from across the globe join to fast-track their journey into the tech world. The course focuses on building future-ready skills in 5G, AI, Automation, and Telecommunications.
Volvo
A major Swedish industrial company that designs, manufactures, and services commercial vehicles and equipment such as trucks, buses, construction machinery, marine engines, and industrial drive systems. At present, they are focused on developing innovative connected solutions and energy systems for vehicles to support the transition toward sustainable mobility and transport.
To foster innovation, Volvo has created Innovation Laboratories to act as collaborative hubs where new ideas in mobility, connectivity, and digital services are explored, prototyped, and tested. The labs connect Volvo teams with startups, partners, and academia to accelerate market-ready solutions. Activities include hackathons, pilot projects like Volvo LIGHTS, and partnerships through networks such as MobilityXLab, CampX incubator for early-stage startups or iLabX, which accelerates Fintech and mobility solutions. All aimed at integrating external innovation into Volvo’s operations.
Switzerland
This multinational technology company specialises in electrification, automation, robotics, and digital industries. They operate across sectors such as utilities, transport, infrastructure, and manufacturing, positioning themselves as a player in driving innovation for a low-carbon future.
The Zurich-based company collaborates with startups and scale-ups through its accelerator programmes. Among them, SynerLeap focuses on supporting startups that address industrial digitalisation challenges, offering mentorship and opportunities to scale within ABB’s ecosystem. The company also organises initiatives like the ABB Startup Challenge, which offer funding, collaboration projects, and access to ABB’s infrastructure and clients. Complementing these, its corporate venture arm, ABB Technology Ventures, invests in startups across robotics, industrial IoT, artificial intelligence, energy transition, cybersecurity, sustainability, and electric mobility.
Logitech
Lausanne-based Logitech is a global company that develops software-enabled hardware products and solutions designed for work, play, audio, video, and digital interaction. With a presence in multiple markets and a strong focus on innovation, the company combines design, engineering, and sustainability to create products that connect people and enhance digital experiences.
One of Logitech’s main programmes for engaging external innovation is the Future Positive Challenge. This recurring open innovation contest invites startups and researchers to pitch disruptive solutions in areas such as materials, battery technology, sustainable manufacturing, and waste management. In continuation with these programmes, Logitech partners with other initiatives such as the Accelerator Tech4Regeneration, where Logitech supports GreenTech startups by providing expertise, mentorship and international partnerships to enable large-scale deployment.
Nestlé
The world’s largest food and beverage company, operating in around 190 countries with more than 2,000 brands across categories such as coffee, pet care, prepared foods, water, nutrition, and confectionery. Aims to transition to a more sustainable world through enhancing the quality of life and contributing to healthier nutrition.
In the startup ecosystem, Nestlé looks for emerging solutions in food, health and the circular economy. Its R&D team has powered The Accelerator, a programme that provides access to prototyping kitchens, coworking space, investment, and mentorship to turn new ideas into marketable products. The main focus areas are food, nutrition, health, and digital technologies. In addition, they run the Nestlé Startup Program, which focuses on innovations in areas such as smart farming and AgTech, helping startups refine their models and scale in the agriculture and food space.
Roche
It is one of the leading Swiss biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies with deep roots in diagnostics and medicine. It focuses on developing therapies and diagnostic tools across major disease areas, such as oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology, and neuroscience.
Roche invests significantly in R&D across the globe. In Europe, it partners with accelerators like Startup Creasphere, where selected digital health startups take part in a three-month programme, working directly with Roche on dedicated pilot projects. In Asia, Roche has set its Accelerator supporting entrepreneurs with seed funding, lab infrastructure, mentorship, and scientific resources in pharma, diagnostics, and AI/digital health.
Zurich Insurance
This is a global insurer offering property, health, and commercial coverage. The company is committed to helping people and businesses understand and protect themselves from risk, focusing on sustainability, digital transformation, and customer-centric solutions to help clients manage risk.
To engage with startups and innovators, Zurich Insurance runs several programmes under the umbrella of Innovation & Technology. It is divided into two branches: Zurich Innovation Championship, a global open innovation contest that invites startups in areas such as commercial insurance, digital simplification, life and health, and retail. Selected ventures get access to internal business units as first customers, mentorship, validation and scaling support over several months, and the opportunity to pilot solutions within Zurich’s operations. And Zurich’s global innovation unit, through its Zurich Global Ventures, which builds and scales new insurance-driven products and services, such as travel, life protection, employee benefits, health and wellbeing, and cyber offerings, to deliver seamless customer experiences and accelerate Zurich’s growth.
United Kingdom
Shell
One of the leading companies in the energy and petrochemical sector, active across the entire energy value chain, with operations spanning oil and gas exploration, refining, trading, renewable energy, and low-carbon solutions. They want to be ahead of the curve of innovation by shifting towards decarbonization.
Shell’s collaboration with startups runs through several programmes and investment vehicles. Its flagship programme, Shell StartUp Engine, supports early-to-mid-stage clean energy startups from across the globe by providing access to mentors, networks, and pilots across its global footprint, focusing on areas like renewables, energy storage, smart grids, and electric mobility. It also operates Shell Ventures and Shell GameChanger, which invest in and incubate breakthrough technologies.
AstraZeneca
Headquartered in Cambridge, this global science-led biopharmaceutical company aims to deliver innovative medicines that improve health. It focuses on research, development, manufacturing, and commercialisation across therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiovascular, respiratory, inflammation, and rare diseases.
To support innovation, AstraZeneca bets on Open Innovation programmes to discover the best scientific partners. This invites collaboration across all stages of drug discovery, from preclinical work to early clinical research, through initiatives like CoSolve challenges and its Idea Incubator. It also offers mentorship and networking through its AstraZeneca Exchange programme, connecting startups and entrepreneurs with scientific and business experts in the life science ecosystems. Through these programmes, AstraZeneca shares expertise, research tools, and sometimes compound access to co-develop novel therapies in partnership with external solution-providers.
BP
The British multinational energy company operates from upstream oil and gas exploration and production to downstream refining, chemicals, and power and renewables. Its stated purpose is to promote the energy transition, with a presence in bioenergy, hydrogen, EV charging, and low-carbon solutions.
To achieve these sustainable commitments, BP engages with startups through its venturing and accelerator efforts. Its arm BP Ventures invests in scalable technologies from roughly Series A onwards. Startups chosen for investment gain access to BP’s global network, expertise, and resources to help scale their solutions. The focus is on energy transition, sustainability, and core operational enhancements. Complementing this, BP’s open innovation initiatives provide ongoing opportunities for startups to submit products and services to collaboration hubs. These hubs are digital platforms where submissions are vetted and shared across BP’s teams, often tied to specific business challenges.
Unilever
London-based, this consumer goods company strives to balance commercial growth with environmental and social responsibility. They are actively seeking external ideas to push their sustainability, product, and operational ambitions.
To engage startups, Unilever bets on open innovation programmes, such as its Unilever Foundry, which brings startups and Unilever brands together to boost business development. Its Open Innovation Portal, where entrepreneurs can submit technical solutions aligned with their biggest sustainability challenges. Unilever also invests through Unilever Ventures, specifically focusing on beauty and wellness brands, commerce and technology. Complementing these, the company participates in multi-company accelerators like the 100+ Accelerator to pilot AI and supply-chain solutions.
Vodafone
The telecommunications company operating primarily across Europe and Africa aims to embrace connectivity across the globe.
One of Vodafone’s flagship initiatives is Open Innovation Program 2.0. This 5-month journey aims to gather startups in the digitalisation sector, such as SmartTech, Immersive, etc. Selected participants gain access to Vodafone’s testbed environments (such as 5G, edge cloud, and APIs), receive mentorship in business and technology, and get opportunities to pilot solutions with Vodafone and its partners.
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Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/10/50-european-corporates-backing-startups-on-the-path-to-growth-innovation-and-global-impact/
