Build your company with imec.istart in Germany
Join world's #1 university-linked accelerator program — now landing in Germany.
What we do
Let's accelerate your business!
After successfully supporting 350+ tech startups across Europe, imec.istart is expanding to Germany. Our internationally acclaimed accelerator is designed to help founders turn innovative tech ideas into scalable, investor-ready businesses — with early funding, top-tier mentoring, and global network access.
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Are you an ambitious early-stage tech startup based in Germany?
Be the first to hear about the launch, application dates, and how you can become part of our first German cohort.
What we offer:
- €50k-100k initial project financing
- Tailored 12-18 month acceleration program
- A community of +800 like-minded digital tech entrepreneurs to learn from
- Coaching from seasoned coaches & domain experts
- Exposure to a global investor and corporate network
Backed by imec — Europe’s leading R&D hub for nano- and digital technologies.
We support and partner with the most ambitious pre-seed startups – often as their first investor. Imec.istart is now launching in Germany, and the program can count on many years of experience of the imec.istart acceleration program in Belgium and other countries.
Who are we looking for?
imec.istart Germany welcomes startups who have a
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Tech product - in domains such as applied deeptech, mobility, nanotech, semiconductors, robotics, health tech
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Working proof of concept
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Complementary founding team
- Business activities in Baden-Württemberg
How it works
When joining the imec.istart Accelerator program in Germany, you can expect the following:
Access to COACHING
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Personal coaching by your Venture Acceleration Manager, a sparring partner and trusted contact on a day-to-day basis
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A broad range of workshops and one-on-one follow-up tracks, given by top-notch experts
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Our in-house developed istart platform, the tool to monitor your progress
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A diverse network of experienced industry experts
Access to FINANCE
- €50k-100k initial project financing
- An audience of 100+ investors at our Investors Day
- Our continuous support in order to secure that next funding round
Access to TECHNOLOGY
- Imec, a globally recognized R&D and innovation hub
- A panel of imec domain experts to challenge your technical pitch
- An imec.istart liaison to guide you through imec’s collaboration opportunities
Access to COMMUNITY
- A community of 300+ startups and like-minded tech entrepreneurs
- Free office space, shared with other tech startups, during the program
- A long list of software and service deals, tailored to startup needs
- A wide range of various events
Access to TALENT
- Our support in the war for talent
- A dedicated Teamdynamics officer: focusing on the human aspect of entrepreneurship and offering 1-1 wellbeing sessions
- Various ways to strengthen your founding team (expert in residence, co-founder events, ... )
- Our guidance in developing your own talents that help your startup succeed
Access to REVENUE
- Our broad network of corporate partners eager to get to know you
- A dedicated internationalization officer, your advisor through our catalogue of partnerships, services and missions around the globe
- A large network of international accelerators, experts and partners to help you touch base in new markets
Access to COACHING
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Personal coaching by your Venture Acceleration Manager, a sparring partner and trusted contact on a day-to-day basis
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A broad range of workshops and one-on-one follow-up tracks, given by top-notch experts
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Our in-house developed istart platform, the tool to monitor your progress
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A diverse network of experienced industry experts
You'll be in good company
Some notable startups that have followed our acceleration program
Jeroen Plasman
AI Blox
Jonathan Schreiber
Helpilepsy