⚠ Summarised by AI based on an external source. Last updated: 12 March 2026. Starthubs is not liable for any inaccuracies. Always consult the official programme information.
imec.istart — the world's leading deep-tech business accelerator, now operating in the Netherlands in partnership with Novel-T — is preparing its next open call for pre-seed tech startups headquartered in the Netherlands. The call is expected to open around 31 March 2026. Selected startups receive between €100,000 and €250,000 in funding, alongside intensive coaching, access to world-class research infrastructure and a network of 100+ investors. imec.istart positions itself as a first investor for the most ambitious pre-seed founders, across software, hardware, deeptech and shallowtech alike.
What is imec.istart looking for?
imec.istart Netherlands selects pre-seed tech startups that meet four criteria:
- A tech product — software or hardware, deeptech or shallowtech
- A working proof of concept
- A complementary founding team
- Headquarters in the Netherlands
The programme is sector-agnostic: past cohorts have included startups in healthcare, construction, logistics, legal tech, security, agri-food, smart textiles and industrial sensors. Two competitive cohorts are run per year, each with a one-month open call. More information and the application form are available on the official imec.istart website.
Who is this for?
This programme is designed for early-stage tech founders with headquarters in the Netherlands who are at the pre-seed stage — typically post-prototype, pre-revenue or with early traction. A working proof of concept is required. Solo founders and teams are both welcome. The programme is open to any tech sector, but requires a scalable tech product as the core offering — no consultancy-type businesses.
What's in it for you?
- €50,000 equity investment (for 6% equity) + €50,000 convertible loan = €100,000 base funding, with the possibility to apply for up to €150,000 in additional investment (total up to €250,000)
- Personal coaching by a dedicated Venture Acceleration Manager throughout the programme
- Workshops and one-on-one expert tracks covering go-to-market, fundraising, team dynamics and more
- Access to imec's world-leading research infrastructure in nanoelectronics, nanoscience, robotics and digital technologies, with 5,000+ researchers from 90+ nationalities
- Direct introductions to a network of 100+ investors and financiers in the Netherlands and abroad
- A five-year financial roadmap and investor readiness support
- Community of ~300 fellow startups, alumni network and international soft-landing programmes for market entry
- Support with talent acquisition — internships, Expert-in-Residence roles and vacancies