Purpose: Balancing exploration and exploitation is a strategic challenge for technology-based companies striving to successfully implement ambidexterity in rapidly changing markets. This study aims to look at the extent in which corporate universities can be instrumental in the cross-functional deployment of the resources, capabilities and experience needed to achieve organizational ambidexterity. Design/methodology/approach: This study is the result of a single case study of ZTE University in China. Data from archives, direct observations, and semi-open interviews have been triangulated and analyzed with pattern matching technique. Findings: This study analyzed the development of capabilities allowing the strategic combinations of exploration and exploitation, and to clearly witness how the corporate university was dynamically linked with those development. Originality/value: The empirical results offer new insights on the most relevant capabilities for technology-based companies and notably those that are more likely to be exploited through a corporate university.