2017 is off to a great start for imec, Flanders’ premier knowledge center for IT. The center has just expanded its imec.istart business incubation program with a brand-new track for startups active in media, telecom and entertainment technologies. As a visualization expert, Barco is supporting the new track, along with other major Flemish media players - from Telenet and Medialaan to VRT Sandbox, among others.

Helping startups in Flanders to thrive
The imec.istart Business Incubation Program helps (future) entrepreneurs set up their tech business, by offering in-depth start-up coaching, facilities, support and funding. The program is praised by experts: in 2015, imec.istart secured the 2nd place in the European 'Top University Business Accelerators' ranking by UBI Global, and the 4th place in its global ranking, after a screening of more than 500 incubation programs from all over the world. In addition to the tracks on Logistics and Mobility and Healthcare, imec has now launched a dedicated media track.

Media and entertainment
“As one of the world’s premier centers of expertise in digital tech, we have to continue to reinvent ourselves to make sure we keep bringing added value to every startup that joins our program. Our newest special track incorporates the expertise of diverse media and entertainment companies,” says Sven De Cleyn, iMec.istart Program Manager.

“Connecting with the new innovators in the digital world is key to ensure future growth. We feel privileged to be able do this with a globally recognized innovation platform such as iMec ,” says Guy Van Wijmeersch, Director Innovation and Design Thinking at Barco. “We are happy to coach and support start-ups that deliver innovating solutions related to our business.”