imec.istart's podcast

Grégoire de Hemptinne reveals how Shayp uses real-time data to tackle one of the world's most overlooked sustainability problems: water loss. He reflects on finding product-market fit in a slow-moving industry, using storytelling to scale climate tech, and building the partnerships and persistence needed to create systemic change in how cities, companies, and households manage water.  

Christina Hadinoto shares how she transformed personal insecurities into Contour Lab, an AI-powered fashion platform helping people feel confident in their own skin. She reflects on female entrepreneurship, tackling the flaws of traditional fashion systems, and building a mission-driven team creating impact in an industry overdue for change.  

Senne Bonnaerens explains how OnTracx evolved from biomechanics research into a health-tech startup tackling running injuries through data and movement science. He shares the realities of spinning out from university labs, building a balanced founding team, and transforming academic knowledge into a product that empowers athletes and prevents injuries at scale.  

Niki De Schryver shares how COSH ! is transforming fashion through transparency, circularity, and verifiable sustainability data. She opens up about the resilience required to scale a mission-driven company, translating consumer behavior to measurable impact, and navigating the realities behind making an entire industry more accountable — far beyond surface-level sustainability claims.  

Rosanne Warmerdam explains how HealthBlocks is reinventing preventive health through data ownership, behavioral science, and community-driven motivation. She explores how healthier habits are built, why gamification can effectively nudge behavior, and what it takes to design technology that empowers individuals while safeguarding their privacy — all while leading a purpose-driven startup focused o...

In this new episode, we highlight the importance of strategic funding, team dynamics, and the evolving role of investors in supporting startup growth, with insights from our three phenomenal guests: Kris van der Berck ( imec.istart Future Fund), Isabelle Tenstedt (Seeder Fund), and Tim Clijmans ( DEO.care ).     Discover key insights on:   • Balancing ownership and external funding   • The risks o...

Ever wondered how a simple idea blossoms into a booming SaaS business? Our latest podcast episode handles  all about that !     W e invited Lore Aerts ( Yeat ) and Gilles Mattelin ( Henchman ) and Smartfin's seasoned investor , Thomas Depuydt to share their keen insights and experiences .       This one's for you if you'd like to know more about the intricate web of scaling operations, customer en...

Networking is more than exchanging business cards—it's about creating lasting connections that fuel growth. This episode unravels the power of networking through the eyes of portfolio founders Rutger Bevers (Conversation Starter), Gérôme Vanherf (La Grand Poste), and Christina Hadinoto (ContourLab).   Learn more about strategies for overcoming obstacles with a strong network, the importance of cre...

In the 10th  imec.istart podcast episode, we dive head first into the highs and lows of hardware innovation. Portfolio founders Michael Broes ( Moonbird ) and Senne Gorris (Hippo Dx )  share why exactly hardware is hard .     Topics include :      ▸ why the integration of hardware and software is a complicated love affair   ▸ avocados, stress balls and undesired prototype designs   ▸ the importanc...

In this podcast episode, we explore strategies for navigating "hype markets". Imec.istart portfolio founders Jen Rossey of Lopos and Tiebe Parmentier of Tekst.ai share their perspectives. Lopos, a spinoff from the University of Ghent and imec, initially concentrated on ultra-wideband technology for precise distance measurement. However, they made a pivotal shift during the COVID-19 pandemic, devel...

In this podcast, Jonathan Schreiber (Neuroventis), Karel Callens (Cumul.io), Luc Burgelman (Miles Ahead) sit down for an in-depth conversation about what really goes down in the boardroom. From how they convinced people to join their board, to the crucial role of independent members, to navigating tricky crises between members, our guests spill all the tea. A must-listen for everyone who wants to...

The second episode of the imec.istart Series#2 Podcast discusses the triumphs and setbacks founders encounter in the first 100 days as an entrepreneur. Guests: Maura Nachtergaele ( Payflip ) Simon Temmerman ( dScribe ) Host: Maarten Weyn

The first episode of the imec.istart Series#2 Podcast discusses how entrepreneurs can grow their tech startup into a scaleup. Martijn Joris (Twikit) and Ewout Meyns (ex-PieSync) will discuss the transition from founder to manager. Martijn started as a business developer and later a business development manager at Materialise before founding Twikit in 2012. Ewout is the executive chairman and is st...

When and how to take the leap of turning a research project into a company? How to validate an idea? What are the pros and cons of starting a company or spinoff as a researcher? How to step out of your comfort zone? How to do sales and marketing? Get the answers in this conversation with two co-founders who started spin-off companies based on their research and an imec.istart venture acceleration...

How do you get started with sustainable entrepreneurship? What are the pitfalls and opportunities to look out for? How to stay motivated? How did participating in the business acceleration program imec.istart help launching these ventures? Listen to this conversation between three start-up founders with companies aiming to make the world a better place.  Guests:   Stefanie Broes, founder moonbird ...

Startup tips: Learn from cryptocurrency startup founder Ruben from NGrave, they only started in 2018 and are working with a 25-person team with clients from all over the world and imec.istart Venture Acceleration Managers share tips and stories about:  big and international ambitions,   bull and bear markets   addressing a global B2B market,   learning and applying from business books,   setting u...

Learn  about corporate partnerships and international growth for  startups   Speakers:    Lisa Pattyn,  startup  coordinator   iminds  2011-2016  Now Team Lead Integrations and Partnerships  Deliverect .  Hendrik  Dacquin ; Business Owner  Teledroom , ex founder Zender/Small Town Heroes.  Lies  Boghaert  - Internationalisation Officer  imec.istart  2016 - 2021, now Inbound Sales Specialist & FOOD...

How and why did  imec.istart  begin ten years ago?  Learn from  key people who have been there from the start to this present moment .   Sven de  Cleyn  - program director  imec.istart  + MD  imec.istart  Fund Wim De  Waele  was Chief Executive Officer of IBBT, later renamed  iMinds  (www.iminds.be), headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, until 2015. Lodewijk De Meester -  Service & Program Manager Offs...