imec.istart Autumn 2024 Open Call Statistics

On October 1st, we wrapped up our imec.istart Autumn 2024 open call. This moment marks more than just another round of applications—it’s a unique glimpse into the latest trends and ideas driving change in early-stage entrepreneurship.

Our team has meticulously reviewed each submission, and we’re thrilled to welcome a new cohort of tech trailblazers to the imec.istart family.

So, let’s dive in and take a first look at the remarkable submissions we’ve received!

1. Industry

For the imec.istart Autumn 2024 open call, HealthTech leads the way, claiming a strong 20% share, reflecting sustained interest in health-focused solutions. Close behind, Business Services commands 17%, underscoring the demand for new ideas in business efficiency and operations.

Other notable sectors include Consumer Services (7%) and several with a 5% share each—Security, Manufacturing, HRTech, and FinTech. Interestingly, emerging sectors such as Supply Chain, Mobility, EdTech, and AgriTech each occupy 3%, highlighting growing trends in these fields as well.

Rounding out the list, we see niche areas like GeoTech, Entertainment, Aerospace, and AdTech, each at 2%.

This representation underscores imec.istart’s appeal across different industries and showcases the dynamic, multifaceted nature of today's tech startup ecosystem.

* These are the industries applicants have marked as their main industry, but their scope is often wider. 

2. Technology

Let’s have a look at the technological focus areas in the submissions for the imec.istart Autumn 2024 open call. AI-focused technologies lead the submissions. AI for Natural Language Processing leads with 27%, followed by AI for Reasoning & Decision Support at 22%, highlighting strong interest in intelligent automation and language-based applications.

The Internet of Things (17%), AI for Search & Recommendations (15%), and AI for Data Mining (15%) are also prominent, reflecting the growing importance of connected devices and data-driven insights. Emerging fields like Wearables, AR/VR/XR, Computer Vision, and Blockchain each hold 7%, pointing to a balanced mix of innovations across AI, immersive tech, and digital security. Technologies like Digital Twins, 3D Printing, and Cyber Security (5% each) also showcase the diversity of approaches among these startups.

3. Founding teams

Now, for the team structure! 13% of all submissions come from teams with 5 or more co-founders, suggesting a trend toward larger, multidisciplinary teams for more complex ventures. Teams with 4 co-founders make up 10% of submissions

The majority of teams that apply for imec.istart consist of 2 (45%) or 3 (30%) founders. This should not come as a big surprise, since we make it a mandatory requirement for each startup in our program to have at least 2 co-founders. 

These stats highlight the importance of teamwork and diverse perspectives in the startup ecosystem, with most founders embracing a shared approach to leadership. Recognizing the value of strong leadership, imec.istart offers a unique Immersive Leadership Program—unmatched by other accelerator programs in Belgium. Each year, 10 selected founders gain essential skills to lead passionate teams and drive their startups forward. Peer learning and community building are at the program's core, with reflective sessions fostering a network of open, empowered future leaders. Read more about the imec.istart Leadership Program.

4. Location

Belgium leads the imec.istart Autumn 2024 open call with 80% of submissions, and we’re thrilled to be expanding our reach within the country. Alongside our hubs in Antwerp and Liège, we’re now extending into the Limburg region through a brand-new partnership with five key players in HealthTech: POM Limburg, Health Campus Limburg, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Jessa Ziekenhuis, and Wit-Gele Kruis Limburg. This exciting collaboration is set to supercharge entrepreneurship and innovation in Limburg!

Meanwhile, the submissions also showcase a fascinating international spread, with contributions from 16 different countries worldwide.

Estonia follows Belgium with 4%, while Congo and the United States add further diversity, accounting for 3% and 2% of submissions, respectively. The remaining 1% of submissions come from various countries, including Egypt, the Netherlands, Germany, India, and Tunisia.

This wide-reaching representation reflects imec.istart's global appeal. It’s inspiring to see how startups from different parts of the world are keen to join and benefit from our imec.istart ecosystem, emphasizing the program’s role as a hub for innovation across borders.

To conclude

The imec.istart Autumn 2024 open call submissions reveal exciting trends in the current tech startup landscape. HealthTech and Business Services lead the industry sectors, reflecting strong interest in healthcare and business efficiency. AI technologies, particularly in language processing and decision support, highlight the growing importance of data-driven solutions.

Most startups are led by 2 or 3 co-founders, emphasizing a preference for collaborative leadership, which aligns with imec.istart’s focus on team-building through its unique Immersive Leadership Program. Although Belgium dominates the applicant pool, international interest from 16 countries underscores imec.istart’s global appeal as a hub for innovation.

Now, the final selection is in the hands of our investment committee, and we are eagerly waiting to unravel a new cohort of ambitious tech companies into our imec.istart family very soon! 

Interested in joining our community but didn’t apply for our Autumn 2024 call? Your next opportunity to get in is our Spring 2025 call, which will open on January 1st (deadline on February 1st).