Beyond the pilot

After five years of evaluating countless accelerator models in my role as a program director, one type consistently rises to the top: corporate pilot accelerators. When thoughtfully designed, these programs move beyond hype, they offer startups a rare chance to validate their solutions in real-world settings, with real customers and business stakes.

Since 2023, I've had the opportunity to work closely with AD Stretch, first via Highline Beta and now embedded within Avery Dennison. Over the past three years, I've supported various corporate pilots, each one revealing what it truly takes to move past the pilot phase and build lasting, strategic partnerships between corporations and startups.

Startup pilots, corporate shifts

Programs like AD Stretch aren't just about sourcing new technology, they're structured spaces for bold experimentation and cultural change within large organizations. By aligning each pilot to real business needs and strategic priorities, they empower teams to look beyond immediate targets and explore what's possible through external collaboration.

The rigor begins with selection: we don't just look for great startups, we look for the right fit. From there, we invest in building mutual understanding, co-defining goals, and equipping teams to evaluate success not just by outcomes, but by what we learn along the way.

Not every pilot needs to "succeed" in the traditional sense. In fact, some of the most valuable outcomes come from things that don't go as planned, because they surface the right questions, challenge assumptions, and unlock new ways of thinking. That's how we de-risk innovation and build a culture that embraces experimentation, confidently, continuously, and with purpose.

Why structured experimentation matters

Not every pilot ends in commercialization - nor should it. Some of our most valuable collaborations have come from pilots that didn't result in a market-ready product, but delivered critical learning. Take a recent R&D project on EV battery adhesives: while the solution wasn't ready for launch, it gave our teams insights that would've taken years to develop internally, and helped the startup uncover a new potential business stream.

Well-structured experimentation is a game-changer — it turns every attempt, successful or not, into a stepping stone toward smarter decisions and better outcomes.

More than a program: A shift in mindset

At Avery Dennison, I’ve noticed teams becoming more open to new ideas. They’re engaging not because they have more time, but because they see the value and opportunity to be bold. These pilots help employees contribute meaningfully to strategic goals while giving startups a clear view of how enterprise partnerships actually work.

Collaboration is the win

The wins aren't always what you expect:

• Startups validate their solutions in real-world settings.
• Business units tap into external expertise and momentum.
• Employees find new energy and ownership in their work.

Yes, there are challenges, buy-in, bandwidth and alignment take real effort. But each pilot, even when messy, builds capability and connection across the organization.

Accelerators like AD Stretch are not just about sourcing innovation; they're about building the muscle to collaborate, experiment boldly, and learn fast. And that's where the real value lies. 

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