LEUVEN (Belgium), Sept. 16, 2019—Imec, a world-leading research and
innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, today
announced its globally-ranked business accelerator program, imec.istart,
call for applicants is open through Oct. 1, 2019. Start-up projects with
technological inventiveness, an initial proof-of-concept, and the
potential and ambition to be a global company are encouraged to apply.

Selected startups in the year-long acceleration program receive €50,000
(~$55,000) as pre-seed funding, tailored coaching and a range of
business development support including drafting business plans,
financial road mapping, clarifying intellectual property, market
analysis, customer contracts and more. While funding is crucial for
start-ups, imec’s international network also provides insight into
foreign markets and broadens the scope of the start-up’s potential
audience for sales and related growth opportunities.

Eligible companies must have some form of proof-of-concept or core
product prototype. Verticals in which companies may apply include:
• Logistics, Mobility & Smart Cities
• Health
• Media, Telecom & Entertainment
• Fintech, InsurTech & Cybersecurity
• HRTech & LearnTech
• Sports
• Industry 4.0

Once the call for applicants closes, imec and imec.istart funding
partners will select the top submissions to pitch their idea in-person
in Antwerp. From there, final selections will be made. During the last
call, more than 40 submissions were reviewed, half were invited to pitch
their plans and eight were selected to join the program.

“Beyond business support, our team focuses on follow-up funding through
external investments,” said Sven De Cleyn, program manager of
imec.istart. “We have helped our start-ups to procure more than €195
million (~$215 million) in additional funding to help them grow beyond
the accelerator program and scale up.”

Founded in 2011, imec.istart issues a call for applicants three times
each year, investing in and supporting tech startups for a minimum of 12
months. Its current portfolio consists of nearly 185 tech start-ups
across all industries with an 84% continuation rate through acquisition
or management buy-out. Portfolio companies are responsible for creating
more than 1,200 full-time jobs. Examples of start-ups currently in the
program include Creative Therapy, Alexandria.Works, Arkane and Epcon.

For additional information about the program, please visit
www.imecistart.com.