Start it Hardware
An accelerator program for hardware startups
Grow your network & business
Join our Hardware ecosystem
Applications for 2026 are closed, subscribe to the waitlist for the next cohort.
Program details
Key data
- Start: 01.04.2026
- Info session: closed
Application deadline: closed - waitlist
Location
Investment
FREE (no strings attached!)
We only expect your 100% commitment
Format
12 full-months
Specialized program added on top of regular program with workshops, networking and prototype space
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 @KBC and LeuvenMindGate, the most relevant B2B network in the Leuven Innovation Region.
Inside look
26 hardware startups from across Flanders gathered in Leuven to pitch their innovations to our expert jury panels.
Our hardware community
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 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
Full one-year program
Supported by a community of Hardware Founders & Experts
Filip Dehing
ASKA Founder
Kris Verdonck
Uze Founder
Liesbeth van Oeffelen
Biosensource Founder
Laurens De Vos
Frolight Founder
and many more ...
Got questions? Join our info session
Pitch Days | Spring Cohort 2026
After our review team reads the applications and makes their selections, we invite the whole founder team to pitch for 3 minutes to our jury.
Sales Sprint | Online Infosessie
Sales Sprint! Hét #1 salesacceleratie programma van Start it Accelerate en VLAIO
Start it @KBC at SuperNova
Join us at SuperNova - get a ticket here. Use our Discount-code: STARTIT@KBC_20@SN26
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).