Build with us on the cutting-edge of technology by collaborating with early-stage companies pioneering breakthroughs in climate tech, human health, and advanced infrastructure. By partnering with The Engine and our resident companies, you can join our mission in solving the world’s most pressing challenges.
Corporate partners provide crucial support for Tough Tech teams in the form of sponsorship, access to specialized equipment, early customers, mentorship, and investment. Get in touch to help us provide the critical infrastructure, programs, and ecosystem these early-stage Tough Tech companies need to scale. These resources can accelerate our resident companies’ commercialization by months or even years.
Be among the first to harness emerging technologies with the potential to transform your industry.
Unlock deal flow opportunities
Tap into a market of promising companies in need of specialized equipment and services.
Accelerate the Tough Tech Economy
Nurture early-stage science and engineering teams creating the jobs of the future.
Build a forward-thinking legacy
Cultivate a reputation for innovation by partnering with Tough Teach teams at the cutting-edge.
Sponsor teams building scalable, high-impact solutions to your greatest technical challenges.
The Ignition Pass fills a critical gap for Tough Tech startups, providing access to critical infrastructure, advisory services, and network connections before they secure significant funding. Your support helps subsidize residency costs for selected teams, unlocking access to The Engine’s purpose-built facilities, mentorship programs, and Tough Tech community to de-risk and scale their technology.
“The Engine doesn't just accelerate Tough Tech startups — it creates valuable connections across the entire Tough Tech ecosystem. Partnering with The Engine has further expanded our network supporting early-stage companies that are taking on the world's greatest challenges in new and exciting ways. For businesses looking to be at the forefront of energy, health, infrastructure, and more, this partnership delivers exceptional strategic value.”
Tough Tech founders face unique barriers to commercializing their breakthroughs, demanding specialized spaces and equipment and patient capital. Learn how you can support Tough Tech by making a tax-deductible donation to The Engine, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Over 60 vendors and service providers participated in our Spring 2024 Tough Tech Resource Expo.
Olympics Afterparty thrown by partners e Lab Next and Eppendorf
Arrow Electronics team at the 2024 Spring Tough Tech Resource Expo.
Fireside chat on equipment leasing with our partner CSC Leasing's Jordan Stowe, along with resident founder and CEO Jake Guglin, and founding investor of venx, John Ho.
ThermoFisher brightens up a support lab at The Engine.
Jessica Uhl, President of GE Vernova, discusses Tough Tech financing with JPMorgan's Head of Climate Tech, Kelly Belcher
Join the Ecosystem.
If you’d like to partner with The Engine or our resident companies, become a preferred vendor, or lend your expertise as a mentor, we’d love to hear from you.
The Engine offers strategic partnerships with corporations that share its mission to bring Tough Tech solutions from lab to market. Partnerships can include sponsorships, co-development opportunities with Resident companies, and opportunities to join our preferred vendor network for Resident companies.
Corporations can partner with The Engine by sponsoring programs and events (including Tough Tech Week), mentoring Resident companies, and collaborating on pilot projects. These partnerships help Resident companies access real-world expertise and resources as they apply their technology.
Sponsorships can support specific programs such as Blueprint by The Engine™, community events like Tough Tech Week, equipment or lab upgrades, and industry-focused workshops. Custom sponsorship packages can be designed to align with a corporation’s strategic goals.
Corporate partners gain early access to emerging Tough Tech solutions, opportunities to collaborate on technology development, visibility in The Engine’s network, and engagement with a community of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.
Depending on the level of partnership, specific benefits can include the opportunity to advertise your company and collaboration opportunities on The Engine’s internal resource portal for Resident companies, features in The Engine’s bi-weekly Resident newsletter, visibility for partner logos on The Engine’s website and lobby, a LinkedIn post announcing partnership, invitations to The Engine’s community events, badge access to The Engine, the opportunity to co-host an event at Tough Tech Week, and 1:1 meetings with Resident companies.
Yes. The Engine facilitates introductions, joint projects, and networking events where corporate partners can connect directly with Resident companies to explore collaborations, pilot programs, and commercial opportunities.
Yes — every partnership is tailored to the corporation’s priorities, whether that’s R&D collaboration, talent engagement, market insight, or brand visibility.
Corporate partners can co-host workshops and events at the annual Tough Tech Week, lead panel discussions and educational sessions, or provide speakers for The Engine’s programming. These events can be designed to showcase a partner’s expertise while creating value for the Tough Tech community.
Corporate partners do not receive direct workspace access, but may collaborate with resident companies in The Engine’s facilities as part of pilot projects or research partnerships.
Yes — pilot projects and validation studies are a key way The Engine connects Tough Tech companies with industry partners. These collaborations allow technologies to be tested in real-world settings.
Yes — while investment is not required, corporate partners often explore strategic investments or joint development agreements with Resident companies.
Industries that can benefit most include climate and energy, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, aerospace, life sciences, and defense — all sectors where Tough Tech plays a critical role. Equipment vendors and service providers are also welcome to partner with The Engine as part of our preferred vendor network. Browse current Resident sectors here.
Yes — The Engine welcomes global corporate partners whose capabilities and goals align with advancing Tough Tech solutions.
Partnerships may range from short-term event sponsorships to multi-year strategic collaborations, depending on shared objectives.
Organizations can begin by contacting The Engine’s partnerships team to discuss goals and explore tailored opportunities. A partnership plan is then developed to define activities, timelines, and mutual benefits.
Unlike traditional startup ecosystems, The Engine’s partnerships focus on deep science and engineering challenges with longer development timelines. Corporate partners work directly with companies solving hard technical problems that have the potential for outsized market and societal impact.
