SPARK connects MVP+ startups with Quantum's partner companies and develops a proof of concept around a need chosen by a partner — equity-free and fee-free, with business collaboration as the goal.
SPARK brings partner demand, startup readiness, clear execution, and a commercial path into alignment before a POC begins.
Scroll to organize the runway
Partner need
Partners pick.
Partners select solutions that fit a concrete use case inside their companies.
Startup fit
Working product, real readiness.
MVP+ technology is assessed for its team, readiness, and industrial fit.
POC scope
Quantum executes.
Quantum aligns the partner champion, site, project team, and success criteria.
Commercial path
Exposure with a deliverable
The POC is designed to grow into full business collaboration — equity-free and fee-free.
how the program works
Five steps in
Step 1 · Application
Show us the working product
Start with the essentials: the problem, the product, the team, and the industrial fit.
Step 2 · Interviews & DD
Pressure-test the fit
We dig into technology, readiness, team, and the conditions needed to run a credible POC.
Step 3 · Screening committee
Partners make the selection
The companies that own the operational need evaluate the match and decide what moves forward.
Step 4 · Use-case match
Turn interest into a measurable test
Quantum, the startup, and a partner champion define scope, site, owners, and success criteria.
Step 5 · Welcome
Move from selection to execution
The program begins with a clear project team and a POC ready to enter the field.
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inside the program
What selected startups get
A dedicated project team
Led by Quantum, scoped to your POC.
Local beta-testing sites
Access to the POC playground and partner facilities.
Cross-industry experts
Mentorship and workshops matched to your stage.
Alumni network
Continued ecosystem access after the batch ends.
the spark alumni signal
Eleven cohorts came before you
A selection of startup names from the supplied SPARK cohort archive. The archive shows the breadth of teams that have entered Quantum's industry-facing runway.
Representative names are shown exactly as legible in the supplied cohort archive; this is not presented as a complete company directory.
faqs
Before you ask
What does it cost to join? Do you take equity?
The program is equity-free and we take no fees.
Who can apply?
Innovative companies in our industries: a working product at MVP/beta stage or beyond, a dedicated full-time team, and TRL 5+. Companies at different funding stages are welcome; the program fits post-seed startups best.
What are the selection criteria?
Concrete interest from our partners in a specific use case, a designated champion, and adequate resources to execute a POC within a relatively short period.
What if we apply and don't get in?
Every application is reviewed by Quantum's experts. A solution that doesn't fit today may fit a future batch — we encourage reapplying.
We applied to a previous batch — can we reapply?
Absolutely. Outline what you've achieved since your last application so we can assess your progress.
What commitment is required?
Accepted startups commit their best efforts to work with the program's team and partners, and to participate in the sessions agreed at the start of the program.
What happens after the program?
Collaborations often continue past the batch — POC execution can outlast the program, and alumni stay relevant for other partners. Alumni keep access to the ecosystem.
