The Launch - Autumn 2024 wrap-up
Building a successful startup isn’t just about having a great idea—it’s about validating that idea, adapting to market needs, and executing with precision. Too often, founders dive into development without fully testing their assumptions, leading to wasted resources and missed opportunities. That’s where the Launch Program by imec.istart comes in.
A launch pad for early-stage founders
Over 10 weeks, participating founders gain insights into key aspects of early-stage startup building, including team dynamics, value proposition development, business model dynamics, and fundraising fundamentals. Through expert guidance and hands-on support, founders refine their vision and boost their startup’s viability.
For startup founders who are not yet ready to apply for our accelerator, the Launch Program could be the perfect launch pad. By tapping into imec.istart's expertise, participants significantly improve their chances of securing a spot in the imec.istart Accelerator Program.
Meet the Launch Autumn 2024 cohort
For the Autumn 2024 Open Call, we welcomed 11 promising early-stage startups into the program. Spanning industries like Healthcare, EdTech, FinTech and more, these startups are solving real-world challenges. Here’s a glimpse at the selected ventures:
Saply.ai : AI-driven CV optimization, project management, and data integration tools for staffing companies to enhance efficiency.
Franz : Automating and enhancing document processing for facility management, reducing manual workload and errors.
Nascent :Science-based co-founder matchmaking and assessments for accelerators and investors to foster startup success.
Ex Ante :Leveraging advanced search algorithms to provide lawyers with faster, more accurate legal information retrieval.
Lakeside :An AI-native data platform enabling advanced querying and visualization of customer data using natural language.
Lynqo : Developing an AI-powered device to automate surgical instrument management, reducing loss and saving hospitals up to €140K per year.
Aristotl : AI-powered 24/7 personalized tutoring that adapts to students’ unique learning needs, making education more accessible.
RevOnc : Bridging the gap between hospital rehab programs and cancer patients’ re-integration through digital and physical health solutions.
C-nery : A streamlined solution for carbon project success, helping businesses evaluate and launch sustainable initiatives.
VocoMemo : Empowering Alzheimer's patients with simple, user-friendly memory aid solutions while reducing caregiver stress.
Exhibitly.ai : The world’s first AI-powered exhibitor list, enabling event attendees to easily discover and connect with relevant exhibitors.
10 weeks of growth, pivots & progress
Startup's journey is unique, one thing was clear: this cohort made remarkable progress in just 10 weeks. Many startups conducted extensive customer interviews, gaining valuable insights to shape their strategies, while others launched pilot projects to validate their solutions in real-world settings. Several teams built MVPs, transforming concepts into tangible products, and some even generated their first revenue. Along the way, new co-founders joined in, legal entities were established, and a few startups secured soft funding commitments.
Meanwhile, almost half of the participants pivoted toward a different beachhead market, while the rest doubled down on their initial vision—demonstrating both adaptability and grit in their entrepreneurial journeys.
As Ex Ante (Autumn 2024 cohort) put it:
“It truly has been an incredible experience—we cannot overstate the amount of value we got from this program".
Ready to launch your startup?
Get expert support, hands-on guidance, and a powerful network. Applications for the Launch Program open in February & November. Download the brochure and start your journey with imec.istart.
