tech accelerator program

The leading accelerator for tech startups.

Launching rocket
Next open call
42days
21hours
13min
12sec

Pre-seed accelerator

We believe in you.
So we invest in you.

Imec.istart, imec’s open accelerator program, offers tech startups pre-seed funding and tailored support to succeed and grow globally.

Since 2011, we have invested in more than 300 companies. Every year, we select around 30 high-potential startups to join our 12-month program in Belgium.

And as an investor, we’re in it for the long run. Together with the imec.istart alumni network, we continue to help founders on their entrepreneurial journey ... and beyond.

Some of our program benefits

funding tech startups

Receive €100k investment and optionally €150k extra for the best performing startups in our portfolio

€100k pre-seed funding
imec.istart personal coaching

Consult with your
personal day-to-day sparring partner, strengthened by an extensive network of workshop experts, mentors, ...  

Personal coaching
imec.istart tech community

Surf on the collective wisdom of +500 like-minded digital tech entrepreneurs.

Tech community
imec.istart international network

Tap into our global network to scale your business internationally.

International network
Backed by imec

Leverage your connection with a globally recognized R&D and innovation hub.

Backed by imec

Join world's number 1 accelerator

Imec ranked number one accelerator by UBI Global

Imec's accelerator program, imec.istart, is ranked number 1 in the 'World Top Business Accelerator - Linked to University' category. UBI Global unveiled its biannual ranking of top university incubators and accelerators at the World Incubation Summit in Ghent, Belgium. The ranking puts imec.istart at the top of the list of accelerators for technology startups.

imec.istart accelerator program

Ready, set, go!

Reaching your next milestones

The imec.istart program helps you to you reach important milestones such as getting your startup and product ready for the market, growth and investors.

Product-ready

Reach a fully functioning solution

Market-ready

Align your product to your target customers and refine your market and strategy roadmap.

Growth-ready

Acquire the necessary skills and knowhow to scale your business and plow through the inevitable growing pains. 

Investor-ready

Define your perfect funding mix and convince our investor network with your polished pitch. 

Selection criteria imec.istart

Who are we looking for?

We welcome startups who have a

  • Tech product

  • Working proof of concept

  • Complementary founding team

Good fit

Key Figures

screenshot-2023-05-17-at-10.24.27

Our network
and ecosystem

A trusted network of corporates, mentors, investors and ecosystem partners 
Eager to connect with imec.istart companies since 2011.

Our partners

untitled-design-22
All partners

Our mentors

imec.istart mentors
All mentors