Start – imec.istart | SportUp sport startup accelerator

Let´s accelerate your startup!

SportUp Start falls under the umbrella of the imec.istart service offering for startups. imec.istart offers support for mid-stage startups that already have a proof-of-concept product and have international ambitions.

Promising startups can apply for the imec.istart program, to receive support over a period of 12 to 18 months with advanced startup workshops, mentoring and events. Our Boost program should help you get prepared for the jury of the imec.istart program.

Target group

For startups at proof of concept stage

Duration

12-18 months (customized to each start-up)

investments

50,000 EUR pre-seed funding in return for 6% equity

Imec.istart – imec’s business accelerator – is there to help you launch your business idea successfully! The imec.istart program offers an initial financial injection, professional coaching and mentoring, access to technology and working facilities, and access to a broad network of partners and investors.

In addition to general support, you will receive market specific coaching and the opportunity to request additional investment.

Since its launch in 2011, imec.istart has helped more than 220 tech startups in diverse fields – ranging from multimedia and logistics to the sports and healthcare sector – to develop into sustainable ventures.

Let's get you started

More info about imec.istart

For the third year in a row, imec.start was ranked the #1 university-linked business accelerator in Europe.

Benchmarked by UBI Global

HOW CAN SPORTUP START HELP YOU?

community

talent

market

coaching

finance

technology

SportUp Start offers support in:

Market readiness: Turning a proof of concept product into a market-proof project

Growth readiness: Preparing you (with expertise) and your organization (with processes) for growth

Investor readiness: Supporting you to attract investors to fuel your growth

How it all goes down

open call

Imec.istart typically has three open calls throughout the year: January, May and September.

After the call closes, a team of imec.istart and industry professionals screens the submitted startup proposals and selects those that will move on to the next stage

pre-selection

Jury pitch

The selected teams will be invited to a pitching session to defend their plans. The jury will then decide which ones will be accepted in the program.

Now the real work can start! Thanks to the program, the selected startups will receive coaching & mentoring, workshops & guidance by domain experts, and other types of support (e.g. shared workspace, software deals, marketing & communications advice, access to investors, etc.).

Start program

Download the entire program

The imec.istart program was a tipping point for our startup. During one year and thanks to their funding, several workshops and an entrepreneur-in-residence, we were able to grow our sales and turn survival mode into growth mode.

- OCTAVIAN SUSNEA, FAN ARENA