Corporate Innovation Intern (Graduate, MBA)
About THRIVE
THRIVE is the global agrifood innovation platform of SVG Ventures. We connect leading corporations with emerging technologies and startups that are shaping the future of food, agriculture, sustainability, and climate resilience. In particular, we focus on the convergence of deep tech and the physical world, bringing together elements such as AI, Data and BioTech with R&D, applied execution and supply-chain management.
Through our Corporate Innovation programs, THRIVE helps industry leaders identify innovation opportunities, understand emerging market trends, evaluate startup solutions, and accelerate strategic partnerships.
The Role
The Corporate Innovation Intern will support THRIVE's Corporate Innovation team in identifying emerging technologies, evaluating startups, conducting market intelligence, and developing strategic insights for global corporate partners.
This role is highly analytical and research-driven, requiring curiosity, strong communication skills, and the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.
Interns will work directly with Corporate Innovation leadership and gain exposure to innovation strategy, startup ecosystems, technology scouting, market intelligence, and corporate-startup engagement.
This position is designed as a talent pipeline for future opportunities within SVG Ventures|THRIVE.
Role at a Glance
Category Details
Title:Corporate Innovation Intern
Team:Corporate Innovation
Reports To:Director, Corporate Innovation
Location: Los Gatos, Hybrid
Duration:Graduate & MBA: 6-month program
Schedule:20 hours per week
Key Responsibilities
Market Intelligence & Research
Conduct research on emerging technologies, startups, market trends, and innovation ecosystems across agriculture, food, biotechnology, climate, sustainability, and adjacent sectors. Develop market maps, competitive landscapes, and technology assessments. Monitor innovation trends and identify areas relevant to THRIVE corporate partners. Analyze industry reports, academic publications, startup activity, venture funding trends, and corporate innovation initiatives.
Startup Evaluation
Evaluate startups across various stages, from university spinouts and early-stage ventures to growth-stage companies. Assess business models, technologies, market opportunities, competitive positioning, and strategic fit. Develop concise company summaries and recommendation briefs. Support preparation of innovation scouting reports and partner-facing deliverables.
Corporate Innovation Support
Support innovation challenges, scouting projects, and strategic initiatives for corporate partners. Assist in developing presentations, workshops, and executive-ready recommendations. Help prepare materials for partner meetings, innovation reviews, and THRIVE events. Contribute to technology and startup databases to ensure information remains current and actionable.
Ecosystem Engagement
Track emerging companies, research institutions, accelerators, and innovation hubs. Support THRIVE events and partner engagement activities. Build familiarity with key stakeholders across the agrifood innovation ecosystem.
Qualifications
Must-Have
Current graduate, MBA, Master's, or PhD student, or recent graduate. Academic background in agriculture, food science, biology, biotechnology, environmental science, engineering, sustainability, or related fields. Strong research and analytical capabilities. Excellent written communication and presentation skills. Ability to synthesize large amounts of information into clear recommendations. Strong proficiency in PowerPoint and Microsoft Office. Demonstrated interest in innovation, startups, technology, venture capital, corporate strategy, or agrifood systems as well as in data-driven and AI-enabled solutions. AI fluency and experience using AI tools for research, analysis, and productivity. Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Nice-to-Have
Prior experience in consulting, venture capital, corporate innovation, strategy, research, startups, or business development. Experience conducting market research or competitive intelligence. Exposure to emerging technologies including AI, biotechnology, agtech, foodtech, climate technology, or sustainability solutions. Familiarity with startup ecosystems and innovation programs. Experience with Airtable and data management tools.
What Success Looks Like
Graduate / MBA Intern
Independently manages portions of innovation scouting and research workstreams. Produces executive-ready analyses and strategic recommendations. Contributes directly to partner-facing projects and innovation initiatives. Demonstrates capabilities aligned with future Corporate Innovation Manager opportunities.
Why Join THRIVE
Work directly with leading global corporations and emerging startups shaping the future of food and agriculture. Gain exposure to innovation strategy, venture ecosystems, and technology commercialization. Build relationships across the global agrifood innovation community. Develop skills that translate into careers in corporate innovation, venture capital, strategy, consulting, and technology leadership.