imec.istart Autumn 2026 call for Belgium and Germany

imec.istart is the startup accelerator of the research centre imec. Its Autumn 2026 call opened on September 1 and closes on September 30, 2026 at midnight, for the programs in Belgium and Germany. The Netherlands and Spain run their autumn calls from October 1 to October 31.

In Belgium, selected startups receive €100,000 in pre seed funding through a convertible loan agreement. Coaching, expertise and program support are included in the same agreement, with no separate contracts. Up to €300,000 more can follow in later rounds. Startups get free shared office space in Ghent, Hasselt, Kortrijk, Brussels, Antwerp, Leuven or Liège.

In Germany, the program offers €50,000 to €100,000 in non dilutive public grant funding plus €50,000 of in kind accelerator services over 12 to 18 months. Startups must have their headquarters in Germany and show business activities in Baden-Württemberg.

All applicants need a tech product, software or hardware, a working proof of concept and a complementary founding team. The program gives personal coaching, access to experts and to the imec research network, and introductions to investors and corporate partners. It says it has supported more than 370 tech startups since 2011.

Applications go through the form on the imec.istart website. The team offers one on one meetings and info sessions before the deadline.