The next generation of industrial technology is increasingly being shaped outside the traditional corporate laboratory, and Cummins is strengthening its access to that ecosystem. The global power solutions company has joined Emerald Technology Ventures as a Limited Partner, creating a new channel for Cummins to identify emerging technologies and work with startups across power, mobility, energy systems, digitalisation and industrial decarbonisation.
The partnership gives Cummins access to Emerald’s investment and innovation network while supporting the company’s broader strategy of finding technologies that can address changing customer requirements and accelerate the transition toward cleaner and more efficient power solutions. Cummins confirmed the partnership in an official announcement on August 28, 2026.
Expanding the Innovation Pipeline
For Cummins, the relationship with Emerald is designed to complement its existing research, development and corporate innovation activities. Instead of relying solely on internal development, the company will be able to engage with startups developing technologies that could eventually strengthen its products, services and customer offerings.
The areas of interest span advanced mobility, electrification, alternative fuels, energy efficiency, digital technologies and industrial solutions. Cummins is particularly focused on identifying technologies that can move beyond the experimental stage and deliver practical value at commercial scale.
Jeff Wiltrout, Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Cummins, said innovation has long been central to the company’s ability to help customers navigate industry transitions. He added that the relationship with Emerald provides another route for identifying and evaluating technologies that could address evolving customer needs and support Cummins’ growth strategy.
Access to Global Startups
Emerald Technology Ventures has built its investment activities around technologies addressing major challenges linked to energy and sustainability. The firm’s network provides Cummins with access to startups, investors, corporations and technology leaders across multiple markets.
Through its Limited Partner platform, Cummins will gain targeted access to companies working across energy systems, electrification, digitalisation, mobility and industrial technologies. The relationship is also expected to provide market intelligence and sector specific insights through tailored deal flow and regular industry deep dives.
This could give Cummins an earlier view of technologies that may influence the future of transportation, energy infrastructure and industrial power.
From Batteries to Data Centres
The partnership covers several technology areas that closely match Cummins’ current strategic priorities. These include software defined and connected vehicles, advanced powertrain technologies, batteries, electrification, clean and reliable energy solutions, energy efficiency and power management.
Data centre and grid related technologies are also emerging areas of interest as demand for electricity and resilient power infrastructure continues to grow.
Cummins has been expanding beyond its traditional engine business as it develops a broader portfolio of power technologies. Its strategy includes multiple technology pathways aimed at helping customers reduce emissions while maintaining reliability and performance.
Moving Beyond Investment
The partnership is intended to go beyond simply providing capital to startups. Cummins will also have access to Emerald’s open innovation programmes, including initiatives that allow companies to rapidly test and pilot technologies with selected startups.
This creates an opportunity for promising technologies to move from venture portfolios into real world industrial applications. For startups, the relationship can provide access to Cummins’ engineering expertise, customer knowledge and industrial scale.
Christoph Frei, Partner and Head of Energy at Emerald, said Cummins brings industrial scale, technology leadership and engineering expertise to the Emerald community. He added that the two organisations aim to connect Cummins with relevant innovators across Emerald’s global ecosystem.
Supporting the Energy Transition
The new relationship comes as Cummins continues to navigate a rapidly changing power and mobility landscape. Electrification, alternative fuels, digital systems, energy storage and grid technologies are reshaping industries that have historically relied heavily on conventional powertrains.
By joining Emerald as a Limited Partner, Cummins is strengthening its ability to identify technologies early, evaluate their commercial potential and potentially collaborate with startups to bring them into practical applications.
The partnership therefore represents a strategic innovation move rather than a conventional venture investment, giving Cummins another route to discover technologies that could shape its next generation of products and services.
