Imec.istart

Within its mission to stimulate entrepreneurship and the creation of new start-ups and spin-offs in the digital sector, imec has developed an incubation program (imec.istart) in which it supports entrepreneurs through the early development of their start-ups. The imec.istart business acceleration program is based in Belgium, but is also open for non-Belgian startups as long as they can demonstrate to have link with the region.

The goal of an imec.istart incubation project is to assess the feasibility of a business idea (digital-related) and prepare the (commercial) launch of the first product(s) and the establishment of a start-up to drive this commercialization. Since 2011, imec invested in more than 300 companies. Every year, they select around 30 high-potential startups to join their 12-month program in Belgium. Together with the imec.istart alumni network, they continue to help founders on their entrepreneurial journey and beyond. 

The imec.istart program focuses on six building blocks: 

• access to coaching
• access to finance
• access to technology
• access to community
• access to talent
• access to market

Every year imec launches 3 competitive calls with deadlines on the following dates:

• Febraury 1st
• June 1st
• October 1st

Are you a tech start-up with innovative potential? Do you have a working proof-of-concept and a founding team? You can register now for the upcoming info session webinar on Thursday January 11th at 11.00 AM CET.