Europe’s Leading Early-Stage Tech Accelerator, imec.istart, Partners with Allied For Startups to Boost Applied Deep-Tech Innovation Across the Continent

[Brussels, 31 March] Allied For Startups is pleased to announce a new partnership with imec.istart. Together, they aim to build the right policy framework to ensure the growth and success of the next generation of deep-tech companies.

Founded in 2011, imec.istart is a leading European early-stage tech accelerator, recognised for its track record in supporting high-potential founders and deep-tech innovation. With over a decade of accelerator experience, it has empowered 370+ startups and scale-ups who have raised over €1.2 billion in follow-on funding. Startups such as NGrave, Aloxy and Epihunter started off successfully with support from imec.istart.

The programme combines tailored coaching, funding, internationalisation support, and access to imec’s world-class research and innovation capabilities in nanoelectronics and digital technologies to help founders bring their disruptive products to market. It is ranked the number one university-linked startup accelerator worldwide by UBI Global. Active in Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Germany, imec.istart is now expanding its reach to more countries to empower more startups across Europe to start, scale, and succeed.

Asked about the partnership, Sven de Cleyn, imec.istart Program Director, said: “Europe understands startups and scale-ups are the engine for future growth and prosperity on the continent. By expanding our footprint throughout Europe and connecting more ecosystems, it is also important to coordinate the different voices of the various ecosystems. This partnership between Allied For Startups and imec.istart brings exactly that, so we are very excited to enter into this synergetic partnership.”

Serena Borbotti-Frison, Director-General of Allied For Startups, added: “Turning research into products is Europe’s Achilles heel, and imec.istart is a great example of a European organisation that gets it right. This partnership is not only about helping promising startups scale faster, but about showcasing how industry, research, and the innovation ecosystem can work together to maximise impact and build competitive, global and strong companies.”

Through this partnership, Allied For Startups and imec.istart will collaborate to strengthen innovation across Europe, support entrepreneurial talent, and accelerate the growth of the next generation of applied deep-tech companies.

About Allied For Startups 

Allied For Startups is a global network of startup associations. Our mission is to empower innovation and support the growth of startups by building an environment where startups can thrive, scale, and make a real impact. alliedforstartups.org 

Media contact

Natalia Oledzka, Communication Manager, [email protected]