imec.istart
Technology accelerator by imec supporting deep tech spin-offs in AI, IoT, and semiconductor-adjacent fields.
imec.istart is the accelerator arm of imec, the world-leading research center in nanoelectronics based in Leuven. The program supports early-stage startups and spin-offs commercializing deep technology.
Supported companies typically come out of academic research or imec's own labs, giving them access to imec's IP, cleanroom infrastructure, and global network of technology partners.
Stated facts & numbers
- Kris Mertens left his CFO role 8 years ago and has supported startups at imec.istart since 2017. (0:00:30, De CFO Podcast 2025-04-18)
- imec.istart gives a starting investment of €50K to its portfolio companies. (0:03:03, De CFO Podcast 2025-04-18)
- imec.istart can finance up to €250K, with follow-up funds available beyond that. (0:03:03, De CFO Podcast 2025-04-18)
- Payflip joined imec.istart in January 2021, receiving €50,000 for 6% equity. (0:24:09, The Harbour 2024-06-06)
- imec.istart has invested in tech startups since 2011, roughly 15 years. (0:00:06, SuperNova 2026-06-18)
- Roel and his co-founder met Elisa at an imec.istart booth at SuperNova in 2018, two days before the open call deadline. (0:01:08, SuperNova 2026-06-18)
- imec.istart added a psychologist-led team screening to its selection process about two years ago. (0:13:31, SuperNova 2026-06-18)
- imec.istart requires at least two co-founders as an eligibility criterion. (0:13:00, SuperNova 2026-06-18)