Start it Hardware

An accelerator program for hardware startups

Grow your network & business
Join our Hardware ecosystem

Apply now Online infosession 11.02.2025

Turning Hard work into Hardware Success together

Hardware entrepreneurship comes with specific challenges. Start it Hardware is an accelerator program tailor-made for hardware startups and scale-ups to soften their roadmap.

This is a hands-on collaboration between Start it X and Leuven MindGate, the most relevant B2B network in the Leuven Innovation Region.

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Why apply?

Expand your network, business, skills, and market reach with personalized coaching and bootstrapping support, all with no strings attached. Join our hardware community.

A founder centric community

Become part of a hardware founder community of +200 founders that experienced similar challenges and will give you shortcuts to accelerate your startup.

Access to the Leuven Innovation Region network

The Leuven Innovation Region is Belgium’s N°1 hardware hub with a lot of organisations and companies active in or delivering services or being supplier to the hardware industry (Smart Manufacturing, Medtech, Climate tech, Automotive, Energy). There is also an vibrant student ecosystem active in hardware development (e.g. Technovationhub)

Prototyping space and support

We will help you to get access to the right space, equipment and support for all your prototyping needs.

Insights from our mentor network

We connect entrepreneurs with industry leaders and mentors that have experience in product and business development. On all these topics our mentors and partners help fill skills gaps, including marketing, legal and finance.

Exposure

Gain visibility for your startup. We believe that hardware startups need to make more noise and claim leadership in the media. Startups is not only about SaaS.

A specialised program added on top of the existing Start it @KBC accelerator program, tailored to the specific needs of hardware startups:

Matchmaking services to talent, expertise, prototyping spaces, manufacturers, suppliers, investors,...
6 workshops focused on hardware challenges on top of regular training offer
Hardware-specific networking events organised by Leuven MindGate & Start it @KBC
42 hours of coaching, spread across 12 months (15 more than the standard program)
Specific mentor rooms focussed on themes related to hardware businesses

Hardware in Leuven Innovation Region

The Leuven Innovation Region is Belgium’s N°1 hardware hub with many impactful start-ups and scale-ups combined with a vibrant and mature hardware ecosystem.

Application process

Infosession11.02.2025Discover how to accelerate your hardware business. Get your questions answered by experts and our program manager.

Application Deadline20.02.2025Applications are open

Pitch day18.03.2025Pitch your startup in 3 minutes to a jury in Leuven. Prove your innovation and scalability.

Start your 1-year journey03.04.2025After the selection and pitch days, we start your journey with a 2-days Bootcamp

Full one-year program

01 BootcampThe new cohort is invited to a mandatory 2-day bootcamp to take part in workshops, mentor mayhem, partner introductions, and get to know the Start it @KBC team better.

02 AccelerateDuring the first 3 months of acceleration we focus on challenging you on what you really need, introduce you to experts and mentors who can help you, and follow up closely on your progress.

03 Progress BoardAfter 3 months in the program, you will update the Boardroom on your status and the hurdles you still face. The Board will respond with feedback, connections and hands-on advice.

04 GrowAfter passing the Boardroom, it’s on to the following 9 months of the program! You will expand your network and work with our team to continue growing your business. We’re here for you!

05 Progress BoardAfter 9 months in the program, you give the Boardroom another update on how you’re progressing. The Board will help you along with more feedback and support, as long as you are still motivated.

06 MatureOur coaches help you build plans and navigate challenges. Meanwhile our Academy builds your baseline skills through mandatory & optional sessions to master advanced skills as you progress.

07 WorkshopsThroughout the entire year our awesome coaches give next-level workshops on sales, marketing, finance, fundraising, pitching, legal, tech and more, tailored to your startup’s growth phase.

08 GraduateAfter 12 months, it’s time to spread your wings and fly out into the world. As a Start @KBC community member for life, you can still count on our network and get a reduced rate on co-working space.

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Powered by Leuven MindGate

What starts in Leuven, always goes far beyond. Leuven MindGate is a true booster of the hardware ecosystem in the Leuven Innovation Region. They have 400 members specialised in health, high-tech, and creativity, and they are moving towards growth, networking, and innovation.

Proudly supported by the LEF proposal (Leuven Entrepreneurs Fund).

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