Overview
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.
Media & appearances
- SuperNovaYouTubeDo founders and accelerators look at startups the same way? | Elise (imec.istart) & Roel (KLSTR)Accelerator combined with a fund investing in tech startups since 2011; screens founder teams with a psychologist and selects on ambition.
- De CFO PodcastYouTubeDe CFO Podcast x SuperNova #9 | Kris MertensAccelerator and first investor in tech startups, providing €50K initial investment up to €250K, an accelerator program, and access to finance.
- SuperNovaYouTubeSuperHero Conversations EP3 | Sven De Cleyn - imec.istart & Niels Van Damme - OTIVBusiness accelerator for tech-driven startups within imec; has invested in 340 companies with over 80% still active, one unicorn (Deliverect) and one indirect IPO.
- The HarbourYouTubeMAURA NACHTERGAELE (Payflip) over aan de baxter liggen bij Imec en leven als FransiscanenSoftware incubator Payflip joined in January 2021, taking €50K for 6% equity, providing SaaS/finance coaching and network; Robby remains on Payflip's board.
- ConnexiYouTube#47 Ruth Janssens (Morrow Ventures) over durven en doenAccelerator program whose selection triggered Ruth's decision to quit her job and go full-time; she recommends accelerators for first-time founders.
Stated facts & numbers
- Kris Mertens left his CFO role 8 years ago and has supported startups at imec.istart since 2017.De CFO Podcast 2025-04-180:00:30
- imec.istart gives a starting investment of €50K to its portfolio companies.De CFO Podcast 2025-04-180:03:03
- imec.istart can finance up to €250K, with follow-up funds available beyond that.De CFO Podcast 2025-04-180:03:03
- Payflip joined imec.istart in January 2021, receiving €50,000 for 6% equity.The Harbour 2024-06-060:24:09
- imec.istart has invested in tech startups since 2011, roughly 15 years.SuperNova 2026-06-180:00:06
- Roel and his co-founder met Elisa at an imec.istart booth at SuperNova in 2018, two days before the open call deadline.SuperNova 2026-06-180:01:08
- imec.istart added a psychologist-led team screening to its selection process about two years ago.SuperNova 2026-06-180:13:31
- imec.istart requires at least two co-founders as an eligibility criterion.SuperNova 2026-06-180:13:00
In the news
- 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟭𝟳 𝘁𝗼 𝟭𝟵 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, 𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗢 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 to connect with entrepreneurs, investors and innovation partners and explore how breakthrough research can become market-ready innovations with real-world impact. 👋 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐡: • Inge Neven, CEO • Nils Wuytens, Director of Technology Transfer & Investments • Lien Callens, Investment Manager • Ilke Geleyn, VITO4STARTERS Programme Manager • Steff Taelman, PhD, Senior health
- Dentists, football scouts and restaurant owners don’t usually share a headline. This autumn, they do! 🍁👀 A record 169 applications made choosing just nine startups no small task. Meet the imec.istart Belgium Autumn 2026 cohort, helping businesses win deals, protect margins and take back time from admin. • Goodshift: connects talent with impact organisations for work that makes a difference. • Homy: takes admin and prospecting off real estate agents’ plates. • Humans In The Loop: automates SME workflows with AI agents, keeping
- There’s only so much founders can fit in their suitcase. Rebuilding their network at every stop is extra baggage they shouldn’t have to carry. 🌍🧳 imec.istart Program Director Sven De Cleyn on why we’re building bridges for startups across Europe. Swipe through. →
- We are delighted that Sencilia has raised approximately €2 million, led by NV NOM, together with our existing investors Future Tech Ventures, imec.istart The Netherlands, RUG Ventures and Triade, all of whom have invested in us again, alongside private investors with backgrounds in the infusion industry. The financing is complemented by a Eureka Eurostars subsidy from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and an innovation loan from Rabobank. With this funding, we will advance Rely-V® toward production, generate further
- We are delighted that Sencilia has raised approximately €2 million, led by NV NOM, together with our existing investors Future Tech Ventures, imec.istart The Netherlands, RUG Ventures and Triade, all of whom have invested in us again, alongside private investors with backgrounds in the infusion industry. The financing is complemented by a Eureka Eurostars subsidy from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and an innovation loan from Rabobank. With this funding, we will advance Rely-V® toward production, generate further
- Very pleased to be included again this year! 😁 Thanks Deloitte for the spotlight and thanks imec.istart for the shoutout and support! See you next year? 😉 #fast50BE #Risolto #Deloitte #imec #fintech
- Going places, making headlines! ✈️📰 Yesterday, we shared a new chapter for imec.istart: a growing European network, a bigger ambition to connect startup ecosystems across borders, and a new identity to match. Safe to say, the news travelled fast! Glad to see this expansion story getting some proper airtime.
- From Belgium to six countries: imec.istart builds a cross-border startup networkBelgian accelerator imec.istart is expanding into Spain, Germany and Bulgaria, bringing its startup acceleration programmes and investment activities to six European countries, building on its existi...
Tech.eu · 29 Oct 2026
Alumni 4 went on to found or lead
Christina Hadinoto→Founder & CEO at Contour Lab
Alessandro DrappaStart-Up Advisor - Intern→Co-founder & CEO at Recovr- PBram FabeckMentor→Founder + CEO at DataForces
Piet Vandaeleimec istart mentor→Late Co-Founder at 24Flow - shop floor management and production scheduling platform
Backers
- PRuth Janssens
Ruth Janssens is Former founder (bankruptcy), now investor.
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