How MathWorks TECHMATE fuels startup growth with expert technical mentorship

Applications for the 2025 TECHMATE cohort are now open! Apply now.

In the fast-paced world of startups, access to the right technical tools and expert guidance can make all the difference between an idea that remains on paper and one that successfully reaches the market. While many incubators, accelerators, and programs focus on mentorship, hiring, and investor pitching, there remains a significant gap when it comes to technical mentorship—guidance that helps startups effectively navigate engineering challenges and accelerate product development.

Recognizing this need, MathWorks—the leading developer of mathematical computing software— launched TECHMATE (Technical Mentorship and Support Program for MATLAB Entrepreneurs), a curated program for startups to utilize the right combination of industry-standard tools and expertise to meet key technical milestones in a stipulated period of time.

What TECHMATE offers

TECHMATE is a value-added offering for startups using MathWorks tools either via the MathWorks Accelerator Program or the MathWorks Startup Program. These resources empower startups to swiftly prototype, analyze, and optimize their transformative solutions across various industries, including automotive, robotics, healthcare, and energy.

TECHMATE is offered to startups either using MathWorks free licenses via the accelerator program or the discounted startup licenses via startup program.

The six-month program provides:

• Direct access to MathWorks experts: Startups receive one-on-one guidance from MathWorks application engineers on how to leverage MathWorks tools to find effective solutions to their problem statements. The application engineers have a deep understanding of how these tools are applied in real-world industry settings to accelerate growth.
• Customized engagement plans: Each startup's journey is unique; TECHMATE's engagement plan is flexible and evolves with the startup's needs, ensuring relevant and impactful support. For example, the program mentors startups across 20+ industries including EV, medical devices, and startups at various stages—whether early or mid-stage. Each startup has different requirements, and through TECHMATE, they receive a tailored plan designed to address their specific technical challenges.
• Integrated community and networking: Participants become part of an ecosystem, gaining exposure to potential collaborators and investors through the extensive MathWorks network.
• Promotional leverage: Startups can amplify visibility by leveraging MathWorks social media channels, PR, and website, showcasing their innovations to a global audience. For example, two startups from the first cohort of the program published user stories on the MathWorks website.
• Sustainable growth foundation: TECHMATE not only focuses on immediate technical challenges but also equips startups with the knowledge and practices needed for long-term success and scalability.

A three-phased approach

Application and selection process

Any startup currently using Mathworks tools, either through its Accelerator or Startup program, is eligible to apply to TECHMATE. Applications are accepted once a year usually between May and July, after which they are reviewed and startups are qualified based on potential for impact and readiness to integrate MATLAB and Simulink into their workflows.

MathWorks supports a wide variety of industries and technology areas like automotive, medical devices, AI-driven applications, aerospace, drones, and semiconductors. The program follows a rigorous selection process to ensure strong alignment with MathWorks expertise and tools, prioritizing startups that can effectively leverage MATLAB and Simulink.

“At MathWorks, we recognize the critical need for deep technical guidance in the startup world. The MathWorks TECHMATE program is designed to provide startups crucial access to industry-standard tools like MATLAB and Simulink, expert mentorship, and a supportive ecosystem. Our goal is to empower these startups to overcome complex engineering challenges and rapidly bring their ideas to market. Startups like Blumotiv, who have significantly benefited from this focused support, exemplify the program's potential,” says Prashant Rao, Head of Application Engineering, MathWorks India.

From the 2024 cohort, BluMotiv, an automotive startup, recently graduated. “The need of the hour is sustainable clean mobility. By using advanced simulation technologies, we can significantly reduce development costs, making electric vehicles more affordable and enabling faster time-to-market with innovative customer-centric features,” says Ashish Naidu, Founder and CEO of BluMotiv.

“We need a scalable, affordable, and transformative approach to decarbonizing transportation. By collaborating with industry leaders like MathWorks, we are accelerating intelligent mobility, driving a cleaner, smarter future. Sustainable business is not just a responsibility; it’s a competitive advantage, and we want to build this advantage,” he adds.

BluMotiv was felicitated with a plaque at the recently-held MATLAB EXPO in Bengaluru.

Interested in TECHMATE? Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open. TECHMATE is your launchpad to accelerate strategic growth, overcome technical roadblocks, and bring your product to market faster.

Applications for the 2025 TECHMATE cohort are now open! Apply now.