How to choose the right innovation incubator for embedded tech

By Dr Nicola Wheeler-Thorn, Managing Director of ANDtr

Embedded tech and electronics startups face unique challenges. 97% of hardware startups miss their initial deadlines, and around 70% never deliver a viable product. That’s why as well as traditional startup support like access to investors, marketing guidance and mentors, they also need prototyping facilities, supplier networks and compliance support. 

Programmes like innovation incubators and accelerators are invaluable because they allow cohort members to wear different hats, whether that’s an engineer’s hat, a business one, marketing and more. Innovators get to see the whole picture. 

This guide explains what to evaluate, how to shortlist, and the difference between incubators and accelerators in embedded tech.

An innovation incubator is a long-term support programme that helps startups move from idea to MVP (minimum viable product). Think of it like a coworking space but with structured resources. Startups can experiment and iterate with reduced risk. 

A lack of structured strategic support and weak business models are among the top reasons startups fail – exactly the gaps innovation incubators are designed to fill. They do this by offering:

• Infrastructure: Electronics labs, testing facilities.
• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced engineers, entrepreneurs, and industry experts.
• Compliance support: Help navigating certifications and regulatory hurdles.
• Connections: Introductions to manufacturers and component suppliers.

Incubators and accelerators both support startups but differ slightly in scope. Incubators are often the better fit for embedded tech startups very early on, while accelerators suit those wanting to focus on scaling and commercialisation. Put simply, innovation incubators are long-term and idea-focused, while  embedded tech accelerators are short-term and scale-focused. This table explains the main differences:

That said, whether it’s an incubator or accelerator, programmes vary in the level of support offered. Startups need to do thorough research into aspects like facilities and funding. For example, access to rapid prototyping and 3D printing is a must for embedded tech companies wanting proof of concept to scale. ANDtr operates on a non-dilutive funding model, however, lots of accelerators take equity as the norm, which doesn’t work for startups that want to keep 100% ownership of their business.

The following guide outlines what to do when it comes to choosing a programme to take a startup to the next level. 

• Decide incubator vs accelerator

Understanding where you are in the entrepreneurial journey is the first step. Generally speaking, incubators are for early-stage ideation and accelerators are for scale and speed to market.

• Choose where in the world to innovate

Most early-stage startups choose to develop their idea wherever home is. However, if you have flexibility with where you want to build, innovation hubs like Silicon Valley, Berlin, and Bangalore offer strong ecosystems. See our innovation hubs blog for more.

• Define your goals: What do you really need?

Do you need rapid prototyping, lab access, mentor expertise, or introductions to suppliers? Different programmes have different strengths so find the one with a proven track record for what you need. For embedded electronics, mapping the technical fit is arguably one of the most important things. 

• Ensure you buy into the people running the programme 

You want to work with people who are invested in your success. Request mentor bios and success stories, chat to Managing Directors and senior people running the programme. Evaluate whether they have relevant hardware or embedded systems experience and if you’ll get the level of access to experts that you need. 

• Understand funding and deal terms

Clarify equity stakes, staged investments, and whether services are subsidised or paid. Some incubators offer corporate pilot contracts or follow-on funding. Many accelerators take equity. 

Whether opting for a traditional innovation incubator as a very early stage startup, or a tech accelerator to get you to the next level for scale, the following should be non-negotiable: 

• Guaranteed coworking space or lab access (e.g., X hours/month).
• Regular mentoring office hours.
• Workshops on key challenges like compliance, prototyping, and scaling.

If you’ve decided a tech accelerator is the way forward, here’s why The Embedded Accelerator by ANDtr – designed specifically for embedded tech companies – is a standout option. 

1. No equity taken: Up to £25,000 matched funding is provided via a technology license rather than equity. You keep 100% ownership of your startup.
2. Rapid prototyping focus: Access the lab, including 3D printers and use our proprietary tech to speed up development with simple and easy license agreements. Startups can build a prototype in as little as two weeks without sacrificing quality.
3. Design-for-manufacture (DFM) guidance: Our experts help you make design choices to produce reliably, cost-effectively and at volume. Navigate product design, assemblies, testability, supply-chain choices and serviceability. 
4. Incredible mentors: Book one-to-one sessions with ANDtr’s mentors. Together they bring over 400 years of collective experience across embedded tech manufacturing, business strategy, and academic research. 
5. Regulatory & compliance expertise: ANDtr understands regulated markets better than general accelerators or incubators. This means you factor in safety standards and certification requirements early.

If you’re still struggling with where to start, here are a few places to search for a programme: 

• Government-backed initiatives: National and local government directories and initiatives, for example, Essex Growth Agency supported by Essex County Council. 
• University support: Tailored support systems like Arise Innovation Hubs by Anglia Ruskin University bridge research and industry to help university spin-outs and startups to commercialise. 
• LinkedIn:  LinkedIn embodies the idea of ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’. Find experts working in your field, connect and set a meeting. 

Online communities: Niche forums and maker networks to ask questions and share experiences like Hackaday and Reddit (r/embedded and r/hwstartups)

Dr Nicola Wheeler-Thorn is the Managing Director of ANDtr, working with embedded electronics startups and spin-outs. Nicola has deep knowledge of cutting-edge technologies and commercialisation; she is a thought leader in the space, regularly speaking at events and contributing to publications such as New Electronics and Raconteur. Nicola holds a PhD in Mathematics, sits on the University of Essex Enterprise Board, and is a UK National BSI Committee member for medical devices. You can find her on LinkedIn here.

• What is an innovation incubator? A structured programme supporting early-stage ideas with infrastructure, mentorship, and networks.
• How is an incubator different from an accelerator? Incubators nurture ideas long-term; accelerators focus on rapid scaling.
• When should I join an incubator? When you have a concept but need infrastructure, mentorship, and time to develop an MVP (minimum viable product).
• What should hardware startups look for in an incubator or accelerator? Prioritise programmes with electronics labs, rapid prototyping capability, embedded systems expertise, and mentors with real hardware commercialisation experience.