Job title

About imec.istart

imec.istart is a globally recognized business accelerator with pre-seed fund that believes in the power of entrepreneurship and technology. Our mission is to support tech founders as they take the leap, providing them with a world-class coaching program, backed by imec’s technical expertise, and an initial investment to accelerate growth and attract additional funding. With our strong network and hands-on guidance, we help startups turn bold ideas into successful ventures.
 
imec.istart was launched in 2011 in Belgium as one of Europe’s first startup accelerators. More than ten years later, we are a globally recognized program with a portfolio of over 300 startups and scaleups, including an exhaustive partner and mentor network. Imec.istart is currently active in Belgium, The Netherlands, Italy … and scaling their activities to Bulgaria with our Launch program!

To support the expansion, we are looking for a startups/innovation enthusiast, motivated to soft-landing our activities in Bulgaria by representing imec.istart, building / interconnecting ecosystems, and coordinating our Launch program, a 10 week coaching program to validating first business concepts up to TRL 4, towards success. 

Read more about imec.istart on www.imecistart.com/en.

What you will do

• Join a leading accelerator: Become part of the imec.istart team, a powerhouse in scaling tech startups across Europe since 2011. Contribute to our mission of empowering entrepreneurs and driving innovation forward.
• Softlanding the Launch Program: Become the main Point of Contact for Bulgaria from our Belgian offices to support our Bulgarian Team with a successful program delivery of the Launch program by supporting the Bulgarian team with outlining the overall strategy, monitor and guide overall program excellence, together with the Bulgarian team, support from imec.istart.BE and local / international experts.
• Bridge Belgium and Bulgaria’s startup ecosystems: Become the key connector between Belgium and Bulgaria, with a strong focus on business and startup development in Bulgaria.
• Expand our network & influence: Build a robust network in Bulgaria and introduce imec.istart to key stakeholders, ensuring our presence and impact grow within the local ecosystem.
• Foster strategic partnerships: Develop relationships with both local and international partners, playing a pivotal role in setting up and executing projects that always keep tech startups at the core.
• Strengthen our Bulgarian engagements: Establish, nurture, and accelerate our existing and new initiatives within Bulgaria’s thriving entrepreneurial landscape.
• Boost awareness & visibility: Champion imec.istart’s acceleration programs within the local ecosystem, making sure founders and stakeholders understand the value we bring and execute excellence.
• Inspire & empower entrepreneurs: Motivate aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap, guiding them as they launch and scale their tech startups.
• Be the face of imec.istart Bulgaria: Represent imec.istart on both local and international stages, working closely with our diverse network of partners to fuel startup success.
• Be physically part of our team: Attend/facilitate your meetings with the team in person. The headquarters of imec is located in Leuven and your next team will be mainly based in Antwerp and Ghent. You will have to travel occasionally to Bulgaria and coordinate with local players.

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at either or Ghent or Antwerp office. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth. 

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits. 

Who you are

• You work and think at Master level. 
• You have at least 3 years of relevant work experience, preferably in an entrepreneurial environment. 
• Experience in running a start-up or working with start-ups is definitely a plus. 
• Experience in the Bulgarian / Balkan tech start-up ecosystem is a superplus. 
• You have good communication skills with excellent knowledge of English and Bulgarian. Notions of Dutch are useful. 
• You have a genuine interest in and understanding of advanced technologies, innovation, and business. 
• You are a natural and enthusiastic networker, as well as a builder of bridges with persuasive power. 
• You are a true team player and have experience working in a multidisciplinary team. 
• You combine a hands-on approach with a helicopter view and achieve goals in an efficient manner. 
• You are looking for a varied job as an employee in a stimulating environment. 
  
  

IMEC and its affiliates will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. IMEC will consider unsolicited referrals and/or resumes submitted by vendors such as search firms, staffing agencies, professional recruiters, fee-based referral services and recruiting agencies (hereafter “Agency”) to have been referred by the Agency free of charge. IMEC will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have a prior written agreement with IMEC, validated by its HR department, in place regarding a specific job opening and allowing to submit resumes.