Get from pain point to impact with our PoC management

We guide your innovation partnerships from first requirements to measurable outcomes - combining structured methodology, our Cooperation Canvas, and hands-on project management and support so you can focus on scaling what works.

How PoC Support Accelerates Pilot Success

Structured Approach

We guide every PoC with proven methodology and clear processes, ensuring projects stay focused and deliver results.

Powerful Tools

Our Cooperation Canvas and workflow software Coopsaas create transparency, alignment, and efficiency from kickoff to completion.

Hands-on Support

Dedicated project management and expert facilitation let your team concentrate on innovation while we handle the coordination.

What's included in our PoC management

We manage your PoC projects from kickoff to completion, ensuring clarity, momentum, and measurable outcomes. If needed, we can also take on more steps or handle the full workflow - from identifying pain points and scouting partners to connecting and managing the entire innovation process.

Scope of our service

ᐅ Joint requirements definition with Cooperation Canvas
ᐅ Project roadmap and milestone planning
ᐅ Stakeholder coordination and meeting facilitation
ᐅ Progress tracking and issue resolution

What you receive

ᐅ Structured documentation of goals and results
ᐅ Regular status updates and transparency
ᐅ Expert moderation and hands-on project support
ᐅ Final report with learnings and recommendations

Our PoC management workflow from first requirements to measurable PoC results

Needs & cooperation goals

We clarify your objectives and define cooperation success criteria together using our Cooperation Canvas (Co-Canvas).

Roadmap planning

We structure the project timeline, milestones, and roles for a smooth and successfull collaboration.

Kickoff & alignment

We facilitate the initial meetings to set expectations and ensure all stakeholders are on board.

Progress tracking

We monitor project status, resolve issues early, and keep communication transparent.

Results evaluation

We assess outcomes, document learnings, and help identify next steps for scaling.

Further service

We can take care of the entire process - from needs identification and scouting, to first connections and PoC management. If desired, we also support the further scaling of your solution and ongoing partnership development.

How to Drive Startup Collaboration With Confidence

Managing a startup partnership is a skill — and we bring the experience to make it work.

  • Interim Expertise
    Our team fills the resource gap with expert support that knows corporate and startup rhythms.

  • Friction-Free Collaboration
    Clear goals, defined roles, aligned expectations — from kickoff to wrap-up.

  • Outcome Focused
    We help you keep sight of the real goal: test, learn, and move toward scalable cooperation.

Choose Your PoC Support Package

Essential Collaboration

For single pilot or short-term collaboration support.

15,000

  • Co-Canvas session & pilot framing

  • Interim project lead support (4–6 weeks)

  • Weekly alignment & reporting

Get Started

Custom PoC Support

For multi-pilot support or deeper engagement models.

  • Full pilot management support

  • Stakeholder coordination & troubleshooting

  • Final report + next-step strategy

Request Custom Proposal

Satisfied Customers

Lora Ivanova

Innovation Manager

“Working with Ambivation was a seamless and rewarding experience. From the outset, the team demonstrated a high level of competence and professionalism, making the entire process of our innovation challenge run effortlessly. They have an impressive network of industry connections, which helped us engage with the right partners and ensure high-quality participation. Ambivation was efficient and pleasant at every stage, from helping us define the challenge to managing applicants and keeping everything on track. Communication was always clear and prompt, which made the collaboration incredibly smooth. We were thoroughly impressed with how well they managed the project and exceeded our expectations. Their support played a key role in the overall success of the innovation challenge. I recommend Ambivation to anyone looking for a reliable, highly competent and efficient innovation challenge partner.”

Product: Open Innovation Challenge

Case study: Open Innovation Challenge for Elia Group

Dr. Simone Planinsek

Head of Project/Innovation Management

“You can expect small, fast and flexible solutions from startups. This is a fresh cell cure for companies. Ambivation helped us to find the most suitable contacts from the large number of local and international startups. This allowed us to concentrate on the content discussions and, with Ambivation’s support, initiate the cooperation.”

Product: Startup Scouting

Case study: Startup Scouting for Nassauische Heimstätte

Sven Siering

Head of Digital Innovation Unit

“The Startup Tour with Ambivation was a great success and everything was very well organized on site. Our CEO Kai Ostermann found the day very successful and exciting, too. The 16 startups that Ambivation scoutet for us were all suitable and we found it very difficult to make a final selection. Whether collaborations with the startups will develop will be seen next year. I would definitely do a startup matchmaking tour of this kind again.”

Product: Startup Tour & Startup Scouting

Case study: Startup Tour & Scouting for Deutsche Leasing

Stephanie Simon

Project Manager Trade Fairs VDW - German Machine Tool Builders' Association

“At a trade fair, especially at EMO Hannover, start-ups have the opportunity to come into direct contact with over 2000 exhibitors who could become potential partners. In the industrial scene in particular, the trade fair is an ideal platform as you can network directly with established companies. However, some young companies still find this networking difficult and it is all the more valuable if you create sophisticated matchmaking offers like we do – implemented by Ambivation. This is because we can create a simple and fast exchange between new founders and interested investors, but also with established companies. This offers our visitors and regular exhibitors great added value, as they find exactly the new solutions from startups that they were looking for – but might not have found without the support of Ambivation.”

Product: Startup Matchmaking Format (Exhibition)

Case study: Startup Matchmaking at EMO Hannover

Frequently Asked Questions

Can several startups be integrated in parallel as part of a cooperation?

Yes, depending on the project requirements, we can involve several startups as cooperation partners and coordinate the entire multi-startup project. This can be particularly beneficial if different skills or technologies are required to achieve your innovation goals. However, it can often be advisable to work on a project sequentially rather than in parallel with several startups.

Is cooperation management only suitable for large companies?

No, mediumsized companies can also benefit enormously from startup cooperation management. Especially when resources are limited or special expertise is lacking, working with an innovative startup can help your company move forward. We offer customized solutions that are adapted to the size and needs of your company.

What happens after a successful PoC?

After a successful PoC, we discuss the next steps together. This may include a long-term collaboration with the startup or the further development and adaptation of the product. If desired, we can also support you in the transition phase to a long-term cooperation.

What role does my company play during the collaboration?

On request, we can take over the entire project management and coordinate the collaboration so that your effort remains low. Nevertheless, your expertise is important in terms of content: we work closely with you, especially in the initial phase and during feedback loops, to ensure that the project meets your expectations exactly.

How is the success of the cooperation measured?

At the start of every collaboration, we work with you to define clear, measurable goals for the proof of concept. At the end of the project, we workwith you and the startup to check whether these goals have been achieved and evaluate the results. In this way, we can ensure that the added value of the cooperation is tangible for your company.

How long does the scouting phase and the selection of a suitable startup take?

Depending on your specific requirements, the scouting and selection phase usually takes between two and six weeks. Our network and our experience in the startup ecosystem enable us to quickly identify promising startups and initiate initial discussions.

What steps does cooperation management and the PoC process involve?

We accompany you through all the desired phases: From needs assessmenat and startup scouting to defining the framework conditions and thekickoff through to ongoing project management and success monitoring. In this way, we ensure that your goals are achieved and your resources are used efficiently.

How long does it take for a cooperation to be successful?

In some cases, you can introduce a startup’s product into your product range relatively easily; this can take between two and four weeks for a successful collaboration. A PoC should usually be completed in 36 months. However, it can also happen that collaboration management takessix months or longer if, for example, new software is to be introduced and coordinated for all employees or a number of startups are to beacquired as collaboration partners. After all, success requires perseverance.