Name: imec.istart business acceleratie programma
Funding organization: imec.istart, supported by VLAIO
Initial funding: €100,000 equity investment, potentially up to €250,000
Additional follow-up funding via imec.istart future fund
Mission: Support early-stage tech startups with funding, coaching, mentoring, office space, and network access
Significance: Ranked #1 university-linked business accelerator worldwide
Grant frequency: Recurring with three annual calls (Feb 1, Jun 1, Oct 1)
Technology startups with software or hardware products
Startups with proof-of-concept
Founding teams with complementary profiles
Startups headquartered in Belgium
Eligible organization types: Startups with tradable shares (no non-profits)
Must have a technological product and working prototype
Founding team with at least two complementary profiles
Headquarters located in Belgium
International startups eligible if Belgian HQ
No consortium required
Technology startups in deeptech or shallowtech
Support for product development, market readiness, growth, and investor readiness
Excludes non-profit organizations
Focus on mitigating startup risks and enabling growth
Technological product with working proof-of-concept
Founding team with complementary skills
One year free office space provided
Access to investor and partner networks
Coaching and mentoring support
Equity investment of €100,000 at program start
Potential increase up to €250,000 based on performance
Follow-up funding possible via independent imec.istart future fund
No specified matching or co-financing requirements
Three calls per year with deadlines on Feb 1, Jun 1, and Oct 1
Calls open for approximately one month
Two-step evaluation: dossier preselection and final pitch
Program includes one year of support including office space and coaching
Must be a legal entity with tradable shares
Headquarters must be in Belgium
International startups can participate if Belgian HQ
No specific environmental, data protection, or labor compliance detailed
Submit concise dossier online via www.imecistart.com during call periods
Competitive selection process
Evaluation based on dossier and pitch presentation
No specified pre-application requirements or assistance
Equity investment combined with coaching, mentoring, and office space
Access to a broad network of investors and partners
Program designed to mitigate startup risks
Highly ranked accelerator with global recognition
Competitive with limited spots
Over 300 companies supported since 2011
Initial funding typically €100k with potential increase
Follow-up funding via imec.istart future fund
Geographic focus includes Belgium, The Netherlands, and Italy