Looking for start-up support? iMinds' iStart call is now open!

Publication date : 01/09/2016

The iMinds' iStart Business Incubation Program is specifically designed to help starting entrepreneurs set up their tech business. During a period of 6 up to maximum 18 months, iMinds provides financial means (max. 50k EUR as convertible loan) as well as coaching and training, depending on your specific needs (expert coaches, in-depth training on certain themes, entrepreneur-in-residence …).

Our program focuses on start-up projects with a certain technological inventiveness (though broadly interpreted) and with the potential and ambition to become a 'born global' company.

Eligible projects are not necessarily limited to subjects related to the iMinds research domains. But, in order to be eligible, some form of proof-of-concept or prototype of the core product/technology is a necessity. At the time of submission, your start-up does not need to be established yet. However, if you are selected, we expect you to establish a kind of legal entity.

iStart secured the 2nd place in the European 'Top University Business Accelerators' ranking by UBI Global, in 2015, and the 4th place in its global ranking, after a screening of more than 500 incubation programs from all over the world. 

The iStart call closes on 1 October. Submit your start-up project today!

Important dates

• 1 September 2016: Call opens (9am)
• 1 October 2016: Call closes (11.59pm)
• 12 October 2016: First selection by iMinds
• 18-20 October 2016: Intake meetings with pre-selected projects - Please save these dates!
• 21 October 2016: Announcement of selected projects
• End of October 2016: Start for the selected iStart projects

Discover all about iMinds' iStart program and the 100+ start-ups in the iStart portfolio