Start it @KBC offers a unique, founder-centric accelerator program designed to support courageous entrepreneurs in making an impact through their passion and ambition. This comprehensive one-year program is structured to accelerate growth with the support of vast expertise, an extensive global network, inspiring workspaces, and high-quality mentorship. Applications are currently open for the Fall 2026 cohort, inviting innovative businesses from all industries and growth phases to apply.
Program Overview
• Program Name: Start it @KBC Accelerator
• Duration: 12 months
• Start Date: October 28, 2026
• Capacity: 65 selected participants
• Format: A blend of one-on-one coaching, workshops, networking events, e-learning, and more.
• Investment: The program is free of charge, with no equity taken or fees required.
• Location: Access to 9 hubs in Belgium, with additional hubs in New York, Budapest, Gyor, and Prague.
Key Dates and Application Timeline
• Information Sessions: Week of August 31, 2026
• Online Info Session: September 8, 2026
• Application Deadline: September 14, 2026
• Pitch Day Invitations Sent: Around the first week of October
• Go for Pitch Selection Announcement: September 29, 2026
• Pitch Days: October 14 - 15, 2026 (Live in Antwerp)
• Final Selection Announcement: October 16, 2026
• Program Kick-off: October 28, 2026
One-Year Program Structure
• 01 Bootcamp: A mandatory two-day kick-off event with workshops, mentor sessions, and partner introductions.
• 02 Accelerate: The first six months focus on challenging your strategy, connecting you with relevant experts and mentors, and closely tracking progress through mandatory OKR meetings.
• 03 Pulse Session: A mid-program check-in to assess progress on key business metrics and commitment.
• 04 Grow: The following six months focus on expanding your network and continuing business growth with team support. Monthly OKR sessions become voluntary.
• 05 Graduate: After 12 months, participants graduate but remain community members for life, with access to the network and reduced rates on co-working spaces.
Ideal Candidate Profile
• Company Stage: Open to all stages, from ideation to scale-up.
• Industries: Welcomes innovative businesses from all industries.
• Founder Profile: Seeking committed, enthusiastic, and open-minded founders of all backgrounds, genders, ages, and nationalities.
• Core Criteria: Startups should be innovative and scalable, with a cutting edge in their product, technology, or business model that provides a competitive advantage.
Core Benefits and Support
• No Strings Attached: The program does not ask for equity, money, or require participants to become customers of partners.
• Network Growth: Access to the #1 Belgian ecosystem of startups, scale-ups, mentors, and experts.
• Business Growth: Receive guidance on funding strategies and connections to business partners and investors.
• Skills Development: Sharpen practical skills by learning directly from industry experts.
• Market Expansion: Support for moving beyond borders through international partners, hubs in New York and Budapest, and GAN membership.
• Personalized Coaching: A dedicated team member provides advice, matches you with mentors, and guides you to relevant opportunities.
• Resources and Perks: Access to co-working spaces and over $1 million in perks through GVN.
Application and Selection Process
• Application Language: Applications and pitches must be conducted in English, as it is the common language of the program.
• Pitch Day Format: Selected startups will be invited to a live pitch day in Antwerp. The format is a 3-minute verbal presentation (no slides) followed by a 12-minute Q&A with the jury.
• Confidentiality: All team members, partners, and jury members have signed an NDA to ensure business ideas remain confidential.
• Commitment: While it is possible to combine the program with a full-time job initially, a 200% commitment to the startup is expected, with significant progress required by the first 3-month update.
• Selection Criteria: Applications are scored based on the completeness of the file, innovation, scalability, team, and overall program fit.
This program is designed to provide startups with the guidance to overcome growing pains, the connections to secure partners and investors, and the resources to expand their market beyond borders. With applications for the Fall 2026 cohort now open, this is an opportunity for ambitious founders to accelerate their journey.