In late 2023, EDGX co-founder and CTO Wouter Benoot shared with the LinkedIn community that EDGX had been selected for the imec.istart accelerator program (to find out more, see
https://www.imecistart.com/en/faq),
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A fresh cohort has just joined the imec.istart ranks, and we're thrilled to introduce these emerging Champions of Change to the world! We've handpicked 8 promising companies keen on revolutionizing society with their tech solutions. Armed with financial backing, mentorship, technological resources,…
www.imecistart.com
Meet the imec.istart Autumn 2023 cohort
PROGRAM NEWS - 23 NOV 2023
A fresh cohort has just joined the imec.istart ranks, and we're thrilled to introduce these emerging Champions of Change to the world! We've handpicked 8 promising companies keen on revolutionizing society with their tech solutions. Armed with financial backing, mentorship, technological resources, and a close-knit imec.istart network that feels like family, they are primed for success!
Sports Tech and Construction Tech Take the Lead
The presence of startups in the domains of Sports Tech and Construction Tech stands out prominently. Moreover, we observe a kaleidoscope of business domains, spanning aerospace, restaurant packaging, media tech, and building construction, among others. Program Manager Elise Descamps explains:
“We notice a rich diversity in domains that extends to experience and age within this new cohort. It includes student rookies as well as well-versed entrepreneurs with many years of experience. This is right up the ally of the imec.istart accelerator program, where a one-size-fits-all philosophy definitely does not apply.”
Resubmissions and imec.istart’s Pre-Acceleration Program
Our open call selections often consider one or two resubmissions—these are companies whose business projects were previously not accepted but have taken the opportunity to reapply in subsequent calls.
Notably, since July 2023, imec.istart has incorporated a
new pre-acceleration program, taking over all startup-related activities of the former Blue Health Innovation Center. This program extension allows us to nurture startups in an early developmental stage that might otherwise slip through the cracks, aligning with our mission to support all budding businesses, regardless of their stage.
Startup Autumn 2023 cohort
Let’s delve into the 8 startups that make up our Autumn 2023 cohort and explore the exciting businesses they are engaged in.
BORRO: offers an easy cashless deposit system for reusable take-out and event packaging.
CALQI: provides a SaaS platform that streamlines architects' and construction contractors' tendering process into one efficient end-to-end experience.
CLIPIDO: is a smart B2B cloud storage for media files (image, video, visual PDFs) using AI.
EDGX: envisions a world where thousands of intelligent satellites provide real-time data connectivity for man and machine on Earth. EDGX designs an AI-based data processing unit for satellites, enabling faster data processing and onboard AI algorithms.
OLYMPX: provides precision biomechanical insights of athletes in real-time to optimize their performances and prevent injuries on the field.
ONTRACX: offers a wearable tech solution to runners and healthcare professionals, aiming to prevent overuse injuries or assist in the return-to-run phase of rehabilitation.
TOOLMASTER: developed a shared customizable project management software with specialized tools for engineering and inspection firms, bridging the communication gap between field visits and offices.
WISE PEOPLE: helps organizations become faster, better, and smarter in their application process by (re)connecting organizations and applicants transparently through social proof.
Interested to join these startups in our imec.istart Acceleration Program?
Don't miss the chance to secure preseed funding ranging from 50K to 250K and become part of a vibrant community like-minded tech entrepreneurs. We hold three open calls annually in January, May and September.
Register now for our
upcoming online info session webinar about our program.
Fast forward to September 2024….
At imec.istart’s annual BBQ on Thursday, the EDGX team was presented with the leading Belgian business accelerator’s
Next Unicorn Award (in a 2023 imec.istart post, this award was described as “
𝘔𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮 𝘷𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴”).
Congratulations to our friends from Belgium who signed a non-binding MoU with BrainChip in Oct 2023 (just in case you had forgotten and were scratching your head why I would post about their award here; you can also refresh your memory by reading the following article by EDGX CEO and Co-Founder Nick Destrycker about their EDGX-1 DPU architecture:
https://brainchip.com/edging-into-space/)
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https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7108031138102693889/
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For those who are not familiar with the term unicorn
in business speech (even though I am unsure whether or not imec.istart might actually use the term more loosely):
While the concept of unicorn startups may carry a mythical allure, the journey to billion-dollar valuations is grounded in innovation, strategic decision-making, and market adaptation.
venturecapital.com
“The term "unicorn" holds a special allure for startups. Coined by venture capitalist Aileen Lee in 2013, a unicorn refers to a privately held startup valued at over $1 billion. This exclusive club represents the pinnacle of entrepreneurial success, capturing the imagination of founders, investors, and the general public alike.
Aileen Lee, founder of Cowboy Ventures, introduced the term "unicorn" in a 2013 TechCrunch article. The analogy likens these rare and mythical startups to the legendary creatures due to their scarcity and the perceived difficulty of achieving a $1 billion valuation. Lee's term sparked a cultural phenomenon, transforming the startup landscape by creating a shared metric for success.
Unicorn startups share common traits that distinguish them from their peers. Innovation is a linchpin, as these companies often bring disruptive solutions to the market. Achieving scale is another key factor, with unicorns demonstrating the ability to grow rapidly and capture substantial market share. Additionally, potential for sustained growth and profitability is crucial, positioning them as not just momentary successes but long-term industry leaders.”
What a serendipitous 2021 coffee talk it was indeed…
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