Startups Collaborate program

Whether you're just starting out or are scaling an established solution, we collaborate with startups at various stages of their journey. We offer three different startup programs: our Empower program focuses on early-stage innovators, whereas the Connect and Collaborate programs address mature ventures.

Choosing the right program depends on where you are in your journey and what you need to succeed. For those who want to co-develop on innovative solutions and win Siemens as an early customer, the Collaborate program is suitable to bring your idea to reality across our portfolio. If expanding your market reach and connecting your solution to a global customer base is your goal, the Connect program integrates your solution into the Siemens Xcelerator Marketplace. If you're looking to leverage advanced tools and software to accelerate your innovation, our Empower program offers access to Siemens software at reduced prices or for free.

Siemens for Startups is a collaborative initiative. We don’t provide venture capital or take equity—instead, we focus on empowering you through tools, co-development opportunities and market access. Our programs are designed to support your growth by integrating your solutions into our ecosystem and helping you scale through partnership rather than investment.

Siemens for Startups operates as a global, virtual initiative, allowing us to collaborate with you no matter where you’re located. However, we partner with incubator, accelerators and collaboration hubs globally.

We support startups globally. Individual programs may have specific geographical eligibility requirements.

Yes, you’re free to engage in partnerships with other companies, even competitors. Siemens for Startups is built on collaboration and does not impose exclusivity, allowing you to explore opportunities that align with your goals while working with us.

Not at all. You maintain full control over your business decisions, and our role is to provide support, resources and collaboration opportunities to help you succeed on your terms.

Venture clienting is how we, at Siemens, help you take your innovative solutions to the next level. As your first major customer, we use your technology to solve real-world challenges within our business. This approach allows us to test and validate your solution in real-world environments, giving you valuable feedback, market validation and opportunities to scale. It’s a win-win: we address business needs, and you get a trusted partner to propel your innovation forward.

We offer a variety of collaboration opportunities through our programs under the Venture Client approach. By partnering with Siemens, you can work alongside our experts to develop your solutions further, pilot them in real-world applications and integrate them into our operations. Whether through proof-of-concept projects, co-innovation initiatives or strategic partnerships, we aim to help you grow and establish your place in the industry.

No, there are no fees for joining our collaborate programs. We cover the costs associated with developing your proof of concept (PoC) with Siemens. Our goal is to ensure you can focus on what matters most: refining and scaling your solution.

Siemens is committed to respecting the intellectual property (IP) of startups. We adhere to strict IP protection policies and ensure that your innovations are protected throughout our collaboration.

We are looking for startups …

• that want to further develop their solution and collaborate with Siemens experts as part of a technology partnership.
• with an innovative technology, solution or product that fits with and can enhance or innovate the Siemens portfolio.
• that want to grow through a successful collaboration with Siemens, by positioning themselves as an official partner and benefiting from the opportunities we offer.

Startups are selected based on their alignment with Siemens’ strategic goals and technological needs. We look for solutions that address real business challenges, have a strong value proposition and demonstrate the potential to scale. Our selection process involves assessing your technology, its market readiness, and how it fits within our business ecosystem.

No, we do not take equity in your company. Our focus is on creating impactful collaborations that allow both you and Siemens to thrive. This ensures you retain control of your company.

The application process is straightforward – access the application form here. Once we receive your application, our team will review it to evaluate how your solution aligns with our needs and programs. If there’s a match, we’ll reach out to discuss the next steps.

After a successful project, you might be at the beginning of a long-term partnership with Siemens. Alternatively, if your solution fits the criteria, you can become part of the Siemens Xcelerator ecosystem.