By aligning with strategic corporate needs, the challenge ensures that innovators are not just building speculative start-ups but developing solutions with built-in industry demand and pathways to commercialisation.
Unlike traditional startup accelerators, this program is embedded within corporates’ innovation ecosystem, providing participants with direct access to industry leaders, corporate venturing team, corporate venture capital (CVC), and real-world problem statements.
This structured stage-gate process allows innovators and corporations to continuously refine and de-risk their ideas through iterative feedback loops, corporate mentorship, and market validation. Each of the five phases culminates in a jury review, where projects are assessed on problem-solution fit, business model viability, and strategic relevance to corporate partners.
*Why do Corporate-Backed Start-ups outperform Traditional VC-Backed Startups?
Corporate-backed startups gain a strategic edge through industry alignment and market access, while bringing the agility needed to build disruptive innovation.
Patient capital allows these startups to prioritize sustainable growth over chasing artificial valuation.
Symbiotic collaboration helps leveraging corporate assets with novel business approaches, unlocking corporate value and unmatched edge.
DIRECT ACCESS
The Spark & Xcale Challenge is a high-intensity innovation journey designed for founders, technologists, and intrapreneurs eager to transform their ideas into fundable, scalable corporate-backed startups.
Unlike traditional startup accelerators, this program is embedded within corporates’ innovation ecosystem, providing participants with direct access to industry leaders, corporate venturing team, corporate venture capital (CVC), and real-world problem statements.
By aligning with strategic corporate needs, the challenge ensures that innovators are not just building speculative startups but developing solutions with built-in industry demand and pathways to commercialization.
DIRECT ACCESS
DIRECT ACCESS
DIRECT ACCESS
At the end of the journey, selected ventures have the opportunity to secure corporate sponsorship, pilot programs, and potential CVC investment, accelerating their path to market.
This structured stage-gate process allows innovators to continuously refine and de-risk their ideas through iterative feedback loops, corporate mentorship, and market validation. Each of the five phases culminates in a jury review, where projects are assessed on problem-solution fit, business model viability, and strategic relevance to corporate partners.
solution & demand alignment
ITERATIVE FEEDBACK
LOOPS
The Spark & Xcale Challenge is a high-intensity innovation journey designed for corporations, founders, technologists, and intrapreneurs eager to transform their ideas into fundable, scalable corporate-backed start-ups*
Unlike traditional startup accelerators, this program is embedded within corporates’ innovation ecosystem, providing participants with direct access to industry leaders, corporate venturing team, corporate venture capital (CVC), and real-world problem statements.
By aligning with strategic corporate needs, the challenge ensures that innovators are not just building speculative startups but developing solutions with built-in industry demand and pathways to commercialization.
This structured stage-gate process allows innovators and corporations to continuously refine and de-risk their ideas through iterative feedback loops, corporate mentorship, and market validation. Each of the five phases culminates in a jury review, where projects are assessed on problem-solution fit, business model viability, and strategic relevance to corporate partners.
The Spark & Xcale Challenge is a high-intensity innovation journey designed for founders, technologists, and intrapreneurs eager to transform their ideas into fundable, scalable corporate-backed startups*
Unlike traditional startup accelerators, this program is embedded within corporates’ innovation ecosystem, providing participants with direct access to industry leaders, corporate venturing team, corporate venture capital (CVC), and real-world problem statements.
By aligning with strategic corporate needs, the challenge ensures that innovators are not just building speculative startups but developing solutions with built-in industry demand and pathways to commercialization.
This structured stage-gate process allows innovators and corporations to continuously refine and de-risk their ideas through iterative feedback loops, corporate mentorship, and market validation. Each of the five phases culminates in a jury review, where projects are assessed on problem-solution fit, business model viability, and strategic relevance to corporate partners.
DIRECT ACCESS
solution & demand alignment
iterative feedback loops
iterative feedback loops
solution &demand alignment
DIRECT ACCESS
The Spark & Xcale Challenge is a high-intensity innovation journey designed for corporations, founders, technologists, and intrapreneurs eager to transform their ideas into fundable, scalable corporate-backed startups*
The Spark & Xcale Challenge is a high-intensity innovation journey designed for corporations, founders, technologists, and intrapreneurs eager to transform their ideas into fundable, scalable corporate-backed start-ups*
*Why do Corporate backed startups outperform Traditional VCs?
Corporate-backed startups gain a strategic edge through industry alignment and market access, while bringing the agility needed to build disruptive innovation.
Patient capital allows these startups to prioritize sustainable growth over chasing artificial valuation.
Symbiotic collaboration helps leveraging corporate assets with novel business approaches, unlocking corporate value and unmatched edge
Who it's for
Startup Founders & Tech Entrepreneurs
Intrapreneurs & Corporate Innovators
Researchers & Industry Experts
If you have a groundbreaking idea and want access to corporate partners and funding.
If you’re working within an enterprise and want to spin out a venture or drive innovation inside your company.
If you have a disruptive
technology and need a commercial pathway to scale.
Corporate-backed startups gain a strategic edge through industry alignment and market access.
Patient capital allows these startups to prioritize sustainable growth over rapid scaling.
Early corporate collaboration helps startups develop commercially viable and competitive solutions.
*Why do Corporate backed startups outperform Traditional VCs?
Who It's for
If you have a groundbreaking idea and want access to corporate partners and funding.
Startup Founders & Tech Entrepreneurs
If you’re working within an enterprise and want to spin out a venture or drive innovation inside your company.
Intrapreneurs & Corporate Innovators
Researchers & Industry Experts
If you have a disruptive technology and need a commercial pathway
to scale.
Corporate innovation challenges - Currently building
FinTech RegTech InsurTech
FinTech RegTech InsurTech
Open Categories eg. SportTech
SkillsTech HRTech EdTech
ClimateTech EnergyTech CleanTech
Why Spark & Xcale?
More than an accelerator
This is a direct pathway to corporate-backed commercialization.
More than an accelerator
Beyond theory
More than an accelerator
More than an accelerator
More than an accelerator
This is a direct pathway to corporate-backed commercialization.
Add a Title
This is a direct pathway to corporate-backed commercialization.
Structured validation means fewer pivots and higher success rates.
More than an accelerator
This is a direct pathway to corporate-backed commercialization.
Land strategic investment and enterprise adoption faster.
Tap into networks that would normally take years to build.
AgriTech
FoodTech
COMING SOON
SkillsTech
HRTech
EdTech
COMING SOON
ClimateTech EnergyTech CleanTech
COMING SOON
FinTech
RegTech InsurTech
COMING SOON
Why Spark & Xcale?
If you're looking to future-proof your business by co-building innovative solutions that are aligned with your long-term vision.
Corporations & Strategic Investors
Why Spark & Xcale?
More than an accelerator
Beyond theory
More than an accelerator
More than an accelerator
Add a Title
This is a direct pathway to corporate-backed commercialization.
Structured validation means fewer pivots and higher success rates.
Land strategic investment and enterprise adoption faster.
Tap into networks that would normally take years to build.
*Why do Corporate backed startups outperform Traditional VCs?
Corporate-backed startups gain a strategic edge through industry alignment and market access, while bringing the agility needed to build disruptive innovation.
Patient capital allows these startups to prioritize sustainable growth over chasing artificial valuation.
Symbiotic collaboration helps leveraging corporate assets with novel business approaches, unlocking corporate value, and unmatched edge
Who it's for
Who it's for
If you're looking to future-proof your business by co-building innovative solutions that are aligned with your long-term vision.
Corporations & Strategic Investors
Startup Founders & Tech Entrepreneurs
If you have a groundbreaking idea and want access to corporate partners and funding.
Intrapreneurs & Corporate Innovators
If you’re working within an enterprise and want to spin out a venture or drive innovation inside your company.
Researchers & Industry Experts
If you have a disruptive
technology and need a commercial pathway
to scale.
Corporate innovation challenges - Currently building
AgriTech
FoodTech
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
ClimateTech EnergyTech CleanTech
SkillsTech HRTech
EdTech
COMING SOON
FinTech
RegTech InsurTech
COMING SOON
Why Spark & Xcale?
More than an
accelerator
This is a direct pathway to corporate-backed commercialization.
Unrivaled
industry access
Tap into networks that would normally take years to build.
BEYOND
THEORY
Structured validation means fewer pivots and higher success rates
FUNDING &
PILOT-READY
Land strategic investment and enterprise adoption faster
Why Spark & Xcale?
More than an accelerator
This is a direct pathway to corporate-backed commercialization.
Unrivaled
industry access
Tap into networks that would normally take years to build.
BEYOND
THEORY
Structured validation means fewer pivots and higher success rates
FUNDING &
PILOT-READY
Land strategic investment and enterprise adoption faster
Why Spark & Xcale?
A chance to win grant prize money
Exclusive awards and media exposure
Hands-on training in corporate entrepreneurship
Industry insights & mentorship from
seasoned experts
A prototyping budget to bring ideas to life
PARTICPANTS RECEIVE...
Hands-on training
in corporate entrepreneurship
Industry insights & mentorship from seasoned experts
A prototyping budget
to bring ideas to life
FINALISTS GET...
A chance to win grant prize money
Exclusive awards and media exposure
An
opportunity to launch a
flagship project with a corporate partner
A chance to win grant prize money
Exclusive awards and media exposure
Hands-on training in corporate entrepreneurship
Industry insights & mentorship from
seasoned experts
A prototyping budget to bring ideas to life
I PARTICPANTS RECEIVE...
-
Hands-on training in corporate entrepreneurship
-
Industry insights and mentorship from seasoned experts
-
A prototyping budget to bring ideas to life
I SPONSORS UNLOCK...
-
Brand positioning as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship
-
Accelerate the monetisation of your IP portfolio
-
Direct engagement with top talent and industry leader
-
ESG & impact alignment through support of real-world innovation
i FINALISTS GET...
-
A chance to win grant prize money
-
Exclusive awards & media exposure
-
An opportunity to launch a flagship project
with a corporate partner
I CORPORATIONS GAIN...
-
Access to validated solutions aligned with
strategic business goals
-
A pathway to spin out ventures or accelerate
internal innovation
-
Position you brand as a forward-leaning corporate leader
-
Access to talents and foster
an internal culture of innovation
-
Real ROI through pilots, partnerships, and
new business models
-
Brand positioning as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship
-
Accelerate the monetisation of your IP portfolio
-
Direct engagement with top talent and industry leader
-
ESG & impact alignment through support of real-world innovation
-
-
Hands-on training in corporate entrepreneurship
-
Industry insights and mentorship from seasoned experts
-
A prototyping budget to bring ideas to life
-
-
A chance to win grant prize money
-
Exclusive awards and media exposure
-
An opportunity to launch a flagship project with a corporate partner
-
-
Access to validated solutions aligned with strategic business goals
-
A pathway to spin out ventures or accelerate internal innovation
-
Position you brand as a forward-leaning corporate leader
-
Access to talents and foster an internal culture of innovation
-
Real ROI through pilots, partnerships, and new business models
-
A chance to win grant prize money
Exclusive awards and media exposure
Hands-on training in corporate entrepreneurship
Industry insights & mentorship from
seasoned experts
A prototyping budget to bring ideas to life
-
Hands-on training in corporate entrepreneurship
-
Industry insights and mentorship from seasoned experts
-
A prototyping budget to bring ideas to life
-
-
A chance to win grant prize money
-
Exclusive awards and media exposure
-
An opportunity to launch a flagship project with a corporate partner
-
-
Brand positioning as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship
-
Accelerate the monetisation of your IP portfolio
-
Direct engagement with top talent and industry leader
-
ESG & impact alignment through support of real-world innovation
-
-
Access to validated solutions aligned with strategic business goals
-
A pathway to spin out ventures or accelerate internal innovation
-
Position you brand as a forward-leaning corporate leader
-
Access to talents and foster an internal culture of innovation
-
Real ROI through pilots, partnerships, and new business models
-
PARTICPANTS RECEIVE...
FINALISTS GET...
A prototyping budget
to bring ideas to life
A chance to win grant prize money
Exclusive awards and media exposure
An opportunity to launch a flagship project with a corporate partner
A chance to win grant prize money
Exclusive awards and media exposure
Hands-on training in corporate entrepreneurship
Industry insights & mentorship
from seasoned experts
A prototyping budget to bring ideas to life
Hands-on trainingin corporate entrepreneurshipIndustry insights
& mentorship from seasoned expertsto bring ideas to life
A chance to win grant prize money
Exclusive awards and media exposure
Hands-on training in corporate entrepreneurship
Industry insights & mentorship
from seasoned experts
A prototyping budget to bring ideas to life
I PARTICPANTS RECEIVE...
-
Hands-on training in corporate entrepreneurship
-
Industry insights and mentorship from seasoned experts
-
A prototyping budget to bring ideas to life
i FINALISTS GET...
-
A chance to win grant prize money
-
Exclusive awards & media exposure
-
An opportunity to launch a flagship project
with a corporate partner
I SPONSORS UNLOCK...
-
Brand positioning as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship
-
Accelerate the monetisation of your IP portfolio
-
Direct engagement with top talent and industry leader
-
ESG & impact alignment through support of real-world innovation
I CORPORATIONS GAIN...
-
Access to validated solutions aligned with
strategic business goals
-
A pathway to spin out ventures or accelerate
internal innovation
-
Position you brand as a forward-leaning corporate leader
-
Access to talents and foster
an internal culture of innovation
-
Real ROI through pilots, partnerships, and
new business models
I PARTICPANTS RECEIVE...
-
Hands-on training in corporate entrepreneurship
-
Industry insights and mentorship from seasoned experts
-
A prototyping budget to bring ideas to life
i FINALISTS GET...
-
A chance to win grant prize money
-
Exclusive awards & media exposure
-
An opportunity to launch a flagship project
with a corporate partner
I SPONSORS UNLOCK...
-
Brand positioning as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship
-
Accelerate the monetisation of your IP portfolio
-
Direct engagement with top talent and industry leader
-
ESG & impact alignment through support of real-world innovation
I CORPORATIONS GAIN...
-
Access to validated solutions aligned with
strategic business goals
-
A pathway to spin out ventures or accelerate
internal innovation
-
Position you brand as a forward-leaning corporate leader
-
Access to talents and foster
an internal culture of innovation
-
Real ROI through pilots, partnerships, and
new business models
Benefits for Participants Joining the Spark & Xcale Challenge
Work on real industry challenges with direct access to corporate partners, customers, and distribution channels.
Unlike traditional startups that struggle to gain traction, you’ll develop solutions with built-in enterprise demand and potential corporate adoption.
Work on real industry challenges with direct access to corporate partners, customers, and distribution channels.
Unlike traditional startups that struggle to gain traction, you’ll develop solutions with built-in enterprise demand and potential corporate adoption.
Work on real industry challenges with direct access to corporate partners, customers, and distribution channels.
Gain hands-on guidance from corporate leaders, CVC professionals, and subject-matter experts to refine your business model and technology.
Successful projects move beyond concept to enterprise-backed pilots, with access to corporate venture capital (CVC) funding, partnerships, or acquisitions.
Avoid common startup pitfalls by leveraging corporate infrastructure, regulatory support, and deep market insights, accelerating your journey from idea to scale.
Focus on long-term success with strategic industry alignment.
Gain hands-on guidance from corporate leaders, CVC professionals, and subject-matter experts to refine your business model and technology.
Successful projects move beyond concept to enterprise-backed pilots, with access to corporate venture capital (CVC) funding, partnerships, or acquisitions.
Successful projects move beyond concept to enterprise-backed pilots, with access to corporate venture capital (CVC) funding, partnerships, or acquisitions.
Avoid common startup pitfalls by leveraging corporate infrastructure, regulatory support, and deep market insights, accelerating your journey from idea to scale.
Focus on long-term success with strategic industry alignment.
Ready to spark change and scale your innovation?
Contact us and take your idea from concept to corporate-backed reality.
Ready to spark change and scale your innovation?
Ready to spark change and scale your innovation?
Contact us and take your idea from concept to corporate-backed reality
What do you need to prepare?
Application Requirements for the Spark & Scale Innovation Challenge
To ensure a fair and comprehensive assessment of each idea, candidates must submit a detailed application covering the following key areas. Your submission will be evaluated based on Innovation & Disruption, Market Potential, Founder Vision & Execution, and Strategic Fit within Corporates’ Innovation Portfolio.
-
Problem Statement: What specific pain point or gap does your idea address?
-
Proposed Solution: Describe your innovation and how it solves the problem uniquely.
-
Differentiation: What makes your idea stand out? How is it superior to existing solutions?
-
Technology or Approach: Briefly explain the tech stack, methodology, or framework behind your innovation (if applicable).
-
-
Social Impact: Does your solution address inclusivity, accessibility, or community well-being?
-
Economic Impact: Could this innovation increase efficiency, create jobs, or reduce costs for businesses and consumers?
-
Environmental Impact: Does it contribute to sustainability, carbon reduction, or circular economy principles?
-
Industry Transformation: Could this idea set a new standard or disrupt outdated practices in its sector?
-
-
Target customers: Who are your primary customers or end-users?
-
Adoption Feasibility: What factors will drive or hinder corporate adoption of your idea?
-
Revenue Model (if applicable): How could this innovation be monetized or integrated into a corporate business model?
-
-
Innovator: Provide bios highlighting relevant expertise & achievements.
-
Why You? What makes you and your team uniquely positioned to execute this vision?
-
Execution Plan: What would be the key milestones in your roadmap for the next 12-24 months?
-
Early Traction (if any): Any prototypes, user feedback, or initial partnerships? (Not mandatory but helpful)
-
-
Open innovation model: Why do you consider a corporate-backed venture model?
-
Industry Relevance: How does your idea align with corporate innovation priorities in your sector
-
Potential Corporate Synergies: How could a corporate partner leverage its existing assets (e.g., distribution, data, supply chain) to scale your idea faster?
-
Long-Term Vision: Where do you see this idea in 5 years?
-
-
One-Pager / Slide Deck summarizing your idea & vision
-
2-Minute Video Pitch – Showcase your passion & clarity
-
Availability for Pitch Sessions & Bootcamp Participation
-
Who it's for
Researchers & Industry Experts
If you have a disruptive technology
and need a commercial
pathwayto scale.
Startup Founders & Tech Entrepreneurs
If you have a groundbreaking idea and want access to corporate partners and funding.
Why Spark & Xcale?
Unrivaled industry access
Tap into networks that would normally take years to build.
Beyond theory
Structured validation means fewer pivots and higher success rates.
Funding & pilot-ready
Land strategic investment and enterprise adoption faster.
More than an accelerator
This is a direct pathway to
corporate-backed commercialization.
Corporate innovation challenges Currently building
FinTech RegTech InsurTech
SkillsTech HRTech EdTech
ClimateTech EnergyTech CleanTech
Open Categories eg. SportTech
AgriTech
FoodTech
AgriTech
FoodTech
COMING SOON
SkillsTech
HRTech
EdTech
AgriTech
FoodTech
COMING SOON
ClimateTech
EnergyTech
CleanTech
AgriTech
FoodTech
COMING SOON
FinTech
RegTech
InsurTech
AgriTech
FoodTech
COMING SOON
Corporations & Strategic Investors
If you're looking to future-proof your business by co-building innovative solutions that are aligned with your long-term vision.
Intrapreneurs & Corporate Innovators
If you’re working within an enterprise
and want to spin out a venture or drive innovation inside your company.
Receive game-changing funding worth up to USD 40k, and a price of USD 50k for the winner.
Corporate-Backed Validation & Market Access
Work on real industry challenges with direct access to corporate partners, customers, and distribution channels.
Unlike traditional startups that struggle to gain traction, you’ll develop solutions with built-in enterprise demand and potential corporate adoption.
Fast-Tracked Commercialization
Gain hands-on guidance from corporate leaders, CVC professionals, and subject-matter experts to refine your business model and technology.
Mentorship from Industry Experts
Successful projects move beyond concept to enterprise-backed pilots, with access to corporate venture capital (CVC) funding, partnerships, or acquisitions.
Pilot & Investment Opportunities
Avoid common startup pitfalls by leveraging corporate infrastructure, regulatory support, and deep market insights, accelerating your journey from idea to scale.
De-Risked Startup Growth
Focus on long-term success with strategic industry alignment.
Stronger, Sustainable Growth
Benefits for Participants Joining the Spark & Xcale Challenge
Pilot & Investment Opportunities
De-Risked Startup Growth
Stronger, Sustainable Growth
-
Corporate-backed startups gain a strategic edge through industry alignment and market access.
-
Patient capital allows these startups to prioritize sustainable growth over rapid scaling.
-
Early corporate collaboration helps startups develop commercially viable and competitive solutions.
Why Corporate-Backed Startups Outperform Traditional VC-Backed Startups
Unlike traditional startups that struggle to gain traction, you’ll develop solutions with built-in enterprise demand and potential corporate adoption.
Unlike traditional startups that struggle to gain traction, you’ll develop solutions with built-in enterprise demand and potential corporate adoption.
Work on real industry challenges with direct access to corporate partners, customers, and distribution channels.
Unlike traditional startups that struggle to gain traction, you’ll develop solutions with built-in enterprise demand and potential corporate adoption.
Gain hands-on guidance from corporate leaders, CVC professionals, and subject-matter experts to refine your business model and technology.
Successful projects move beyond concept to enterprise-backed pilots, with access to corporate venture capital (CVC) funding, partnerships, or acquisitions.
Avoid common startup pitfalls by leveraging corporate infrastructure, regulatory support, and deep market insights, accelerating your journey from idea to scale.
Focus on long-term success with strategic industry alignment.
Gain hands-on guidance from corporate leaders, CVC professionals, and subject-matter experts to refine your business model and technology.
Gain hands-on guidance from corporate leaders, CVC professionals, and subject-matter experts to refine your business model and technology.
Gain hands-on guidance from corporate leaders, CVC professionals, and subject-matter experts to refine your business model and technology.
Ready to spark change and scale your innovation?
Contact us and take your idea from concept, to corporate-backed reality!