Belgian applied deep tech accelerator imec.istart is expanding into Spain, Germany and Bulgaria, extending its European presence to six countries. The expansion builds on a network of independently managed regional investment funds with more than €160 million in combined investment capacity, which the organisation aims to increase to over €250 million by 2027.
Founded in 2011 as part of imec, a Belgian research and innovation organisation specialising in semiconductor and digital technologies, imec.istart provides early-stage investment, coaching and access to industry partners for digital and applied deep tech startups. The accelerator is now developing a broader European model designed to help founders access capital, expertise and business networks as they expand into new markets.
Building a European Network for Deep Tech Startups
Imec.istart currently operates programmes in Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy. Its expansion into Spain, Germany and Bulgaria will bring the network to six European countries, with each programme developed alongside local partners rather than managed through a single centralised structure.
Existing and new partnerships include Novel-T in the Netherlands, Pariter Partners in Italy, and Additio Capital, Eurecat and Mobile World Capital Barcelona in Spain. Regional investment funds will remain independently managed and adapted to their respective markets while sharing imec.istart’s acceleration methodology, coaching resources and international investor network.
The approach is intended to address the challenges European startups face when expanding across borders, including differences in legal frameworks, financing environments and business practices. By connecting regional ecosystems, imec.istart aims to make it easier for founders to access relevant support without rebuilding their networks in each new market.
“It’s not another fund Europe is missing. It’s a way through the fragmented rules, capital and expertise that still separate every national market. The moment a founder sets foot in a new market, they should already have capital, expertise and networks waiting for them, not have to build it all over again from scratch,” said Sven De Cleyn, Program Director at imec.istart.
The organisation is also a member of Allied for Startups, a Brussels-based network representing startup associations in discussions with European policymakers. Through this membership, imec.istart contributes founders’ perspectives to conversations about startup regulation and the development of Europe’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Targeting €250M in Investment Capacity by 2027
The expansion comes as imec.istart approaches 15 years of supporting early-stage technology companies. Since its launch in 2011, the accelerator has backed more than 380 startups, which have collectively secured over €1.25 billion in follow-on funding from external investors.
Its alumni include Deliverect, DataCamp, Payflip, Ugentec, OTIV, Go Vocal and Octave. Imec.istart has also been recognised by UBI Global as the world’s leading university-linked business accelerator, according to the organisation.
The network’s regional investment funds currently represent more than €160 million in investment capacity. Imec.istart plans to grow this figure beyond €250 million by 2027, creating additional opportunities for early-stage companies developing applied deep tech solutions across Europe. The funds will continue operating independently, with investment decisions and regional strategies tailored to their respective markets.
“Our founders already think beyond borders. The ecosystem supporting them should do the same. At imec.istart, we started as an accelerator in Belgium since 2011 and are now evolving into a European network for applied deep tech entrepreneurship, connecting founders, ecosystems, capital and expertise across the continent. Our ambition is to create a strong community of ambitious European tech leaders that aren’t afraid to think big. The next generation of globally competitive European technology companies starts here,” said De Cleyn.
With programmes expanding into three additional countries, imec.istart is moving beyond its original Belgian accelerator model towards a European platform connecting regional investment funds, startup support programmes and industry networks.
