Build your company with imec.istart in Spain
Join world's #1 university-linked accelerator program — now landing in Spain.
What we do
Let's accelerate your business!
After successfully supporting 350+ tech startups across Europe, imec.istart is expanding to Spain. Our internationally acclaimed accelerator is designed to help founders turn innovative tech ideas into scalable, investor-ready businesses — with early funding, top-tier mentoring, and global network access.
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Are you an ambitious early-stage tech startup based in Spain?
Be the first to hear about the launch, application dates, and how you can become part of our first Spanish cohort.
What we offer:
- €100,000 in pre-seed funding
- Tailored 12-18 month acceleration program
- A community of +800 like-minded digital tech entrepreneurs to learn from
- Coaching from seasoned coaches & domain experts
- Exposure to a global investor and corporate network
Backed by imec — Europe’s leading R&D hub for nano- and digital technologies.
We support and partner with the most ambitious pre-seed startups – often as their first investor. Imec.istart has launched in 2025 in Spain, but the program can count on many years of experience of the imec.istart acceleration program in Belgium and other countries.
Who are we looking for?
imec.istart Spain welcomes startups who have a
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Tech product (this can be software or hardware, deeptech or shallowtech)
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Working proof of concept
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Complementary founding team
- Headquarters in Spain
How it works
When joining the imec.istart Accelerator program in Spain, you can expect the following:
Access to COACHING
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Personal coaching by your Venture Acceleration Manager, a sparring partner and trusted contact on a day-to-day basis
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A broad range of workshops and one-on-one follow-up tracks, given by topnotch experts
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Our inhouse-developed Innovatrix, the tool to monitor your progress
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A diverse network of experienced industry experts
Access to FINANCE
- 100,000 pre-seed funding
- An audience of 100+ investors at our biannual Investors Day
- Our continuous support in order to secure that next funding round
Access to TECHNOLOGY
- Imec, a globally recognized R&D and innovation hub
- A panel of imec domain experts to challenge your technical pitch
- An imec.istart liaison to guide you through imec’s collaboration opportunities
Access to COMMUNITY
- A community of 300+ startups and like-minded tech entrepreneurs
- Free office space, shared with other tech startups, during the program
- A long list of software and service deals, tailored to startup needs
- A wide range of various events
Access to TALENT
- Our support in the war for talent
- A dedicated Teamdynamics officer: focusing on the human aspect of entrepreneurship and offering 1-1 wellbeing sessions
- Various ways to strengthen your founding team (expert in residence, co-founder events, ... )
- Our guidance in developing your own talents that help your startup succeed
Access to REVENUE
- Our broad network of corporate partners eager to get to know you
- A dedicated internationalization officer, your advisor through our catalogue of partnerships, services and missions around the globe
- A large network of international accelerators, experts and partners to help you touch base in new markets
Access to COACHING
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Personal coaching by your Venture Acceleration Manager, a sparring partner and trusted contact on a day-to-day basis
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A broad range of workshops and one-on-one follow-up tracks, given by topnotch experts
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Our inhouse-developed Innovatrix, the tool to monitor your progress
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A diverse network of experienced industry experts
When can you join our program?
For the program in Spain we launch 2 competitive calls of one month with the following starting dates:
You'll be in good company
Some notable startups that have followed our acceleration program
