Meet the imec.istart Autumn 2025 cohort

New season, new stories, new startups!

The imec.istart Autumn 2025 cohort is here — five teams ready to change how we move, think, work, and heal.

From smarter train travel to AI-powered legal research and even a bioelectronic implant for PTSD, this talented bunch shows just how diverse innovation can be when real-world problems meet daring, disruptive ideas.  

 

Trends & Observations 

 

LegalTech takes the lead 

This call clearly belonged to LegalTech (Ex Ante) — a domain that’s been steadily rising but now takes the spotlight. Mobility also made a strong showing with two startups reshaping how we move (Chuuchuu, Deontic).

Overall, most applications came from Business Services, LegalTech, HealthTech, and HRTech — reflecting where startups are focusing their efforts today. 

 

Built on trust 

Several founding teams share a long personal history — childhood friends or former colleagues turned co-founders (Ex Ante, E-Torch). That foundation of trust often translates into strong team dynamics and resilience. 

 

Frustration turned into fuel 

Four startups were born out of personal frustration (Chuuchuu, Deontic, E-Torch, Ex Ante). After years of running into the same roadblocks in their sectors, these founders decided to build the solution themselves — solving problems they know inside out. 

 

AI as the quiet enabler 

AI runs through nearly every selected startup — not as a buzzword, but as a practical engine driving smarter, faster, and more reliable solutions. From predicting train delays to testing autonomous systems and navigating legal data, AI here plays a supporting yet essential role. 

 

Looking ahead 

We’re already gearing up for the Spring 2026 Call, where we hope to see some familiar faces from the Pitch Days returning for a second time  — joined by new talent from our Launch program, ready to hit fresh milestones with imec.istart! 

 

Meet the startups! 

 

CHUUCHUU (Mobility): is the Waze of train travel, using AI to predict delays, missed connections, and cancellations — helping passengers choose sustainable transportation with peace of mind.  

  
DEONTIC (Mobility): enables safe and scalable autonomy with AI that helps self-driving vehicle developers test and validate their systems faster.  

 
E-TORCH (Supply Chain): transforms F&B event logistics from chaos to control with a web-based tool that streamlines deliveries, reporting, and operations — reducing waste and serving customers smarter and faster. 
 
 
EX ANTE (LegalTech): develops an AI-enhanced legal research platform that makes accessing statutes, case law, and parliamentary records seamless, accurate, and dependable. 

 
STIMALIA (HealthTech): develops a miniaturized, injectable bioelectronic implant that provides continuous, drug-free PTSD therapy through long-lasting nerve stimulation. 
   

 

Do you want to be part of the next cohort? 

Join our imec.istart accelerator program and gain access to pre-seed funding starting at €100K, tailored guidance from our experts in residence, and a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs. 

We hold three open calls per year: 
> Spring Open Call – apply by February 1 
> Summer Open Call – apply by June 1 
> Autumn Open Call – apply by October 1 

Register now for our upcoming online info session webinar about our program.