Harnessing the Power of Collaboration

In today’s fast-paced world, partnerships between established industrial companies and agile start-ups are essential for driving innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage. Data supports this shift: Companies collaborating with start-ups are 2.7 times more likely to achieve innovation success (McKinsey), and 75% of global executives see such partnerships as crucial for staying competitive (PwC).

However, successful collaboration requires more than just signing agreements - it demands a shift in mindset within established companies. They must foster trust and create the internal flexibility needed to integrate start-ups’ agile and lean approaches. Unlike corporations with stable revenue streams, start-ups often face limited time and resources, relying on investor support without state guarantees (which is important and good). This inherent risk means that established companies must be prepared to embrace calculated risks and support start-ups with the agility they need to thrive. This mindset shift must begin at the leadership level and be consistently implemented across all divisions and teams working with start-up partners.

The Automotive Industry: A Case Study in Transformation

The automotive sector is rapidly evolving due to electrification, connectivity, and automation. General Motors’ partnership with Cruise Automation has advanced autonomous driving, while Volkswagen’s collaboration with QuantumScape aims to double EV battery range. At c.technology, we’ve seen the benefits of partnerships with Vehicle-OEMs like Govecs, Frauscher, Novus, and Yamaha’s Torqeedo. This trend is evident in a robust pipeline of promising global players in the mobility sector, particularly focused on water-based propulsion and two-wheelers, with several announcements expected soon. Our hardware-agnostic platform connects vehicles, dealers, and end customers, creating real-time data insights that drive efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and unlock new revenue streams.

Global Dynamics and the Need for Agility

With supply chain disruptions, geopolitical shifts, and evolving regulations, agility is more critical than ever. Deloitte reports that 60% of manufacturing executives view agility as essential for long-term success. Start-ups, with their lean structures and rapid development cycles and sprints provide this agility, helping established companies adapt swiftly. Regulatory shifts, such as the EU’s Green Deal targeting climate neutrality by 2050, are also accelerating the need for digital solutions that optimize performance and monitor environmental impact.

Zurich: A Strategic Hub for Innovation

Location plays a vital role in fostering innovation, and Switzerland - particularly the Greater Zurich Area, European homebase of Google, AWS, Meta, and others - offers a unique advantage. Home to world-class institutions like ETH Zurich and a collaborative ecosystem where academia and industry intersect, Zurich attracts top global talent and supports breakthroughs in electric mobility, AI, and autonomous systems. Its pragmatic regulatory environment fosters innovation without unnecessary barriers, making Zurich an ideal base for companies like c.technology to drive global digital transformation.

Conclusion

The synergy between established companies and agile start-ups is essential for accelerating digital transformation and driving sustainable growth. However, it requires a mindset shift within established companies - one that embraces risk, fosters internal flexibility, and empowers teams to collaborate effectively with start-up partners. With its research excellence, skilled talent pool, and innovation-friendly environment, Zurich provides the perfect setting for such collaborations. At c.technology, we are proud to contribute to this dynamic ecosystem, helping our partners unlock the potential of connected mobility and shape the future of transportation.

by Christian Fehr, Co-Founder & CEO, c.technology AG