Sven De Cleyn

imec.istart Program Director

2020 - Current

imec.istart, imec’s open accelerator program, offers tech startups pre-seed funding and tailored support to succeed and grow globally. Since 2011, we have supported and invested in more than 250 tech startups. Every year, we select around 30 high-potential startups to join our 12-month program. And as an investor, we’re in it for the long run. Together with the imec.istart alumni network, we continue to help founders on their entrepreneurial journey ... and beyond. As Program Director, I'm managing the imec.istart team and program, and coaching and supporting the startups and alumni in fundraising ambitions to help them grow faster.

imec.istart Program Manager

2016 - 2020

imec.istart Fund - Managing Director, Member of the Board & Investment Committee

2017

Managing the pre-seed investment fund as part of the imec.istart acceleration program for young tech startups. Supported by private and public Limited Partners.

istart.nl Fund - Managing Director

2022

Observer to the Board of Directors

2022

Member of The Board of Advisors

2013

Coaching Enprove as part of their participation in the imec.istart acceleration program and (after graduating from imec.istart) advising Enprove as part of the Board of Advisors

Member of the Board of Directors

2015 - 2021

As representative of imec.istart

Guest Lecturer

2019 - 2020

Guest lecturer in the Master on Innovation and Entrepreneurship on corporate venturing and startups

Professor in Entrepreneurship

2005 - 2018

The research focusses on performance models and risk analysis of early stage spin-off projects (both academic and corporate) and high-tech product innovation projects. Since the start of the research in October 2005, I have been the (co-)author of over 30 scientific publications and 2 books (status: August 2011). From October 2007 till June 2011, I have received funding from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). Since 2010, my expertise on high-tech entrepreneurship is recognised in the function of expert for the Spin-Offs in Brussels (SOIB) funding program of the Institute for the Promotion of Scientific Research and Innovation of Brussels (Instituut ter Bevordering van het Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek en de Innovatie van Brussel - IWOIB). Additionally, I have been reviewer for the 2010 and 2011 RENT conference (Research in Entrepreneurship and Small Business) and ad hoc reviewer for the Journal of Business Venturing (Impact factor 2009: 2.260) and Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice (Impact factor 2010: 2.272). PhD obtained in May 2011. Professor since October 2015.

Incubation Programs Manager

2012 - 2015

As Incubation Programs Manager, I am mainly responsible for potential new spin-off or start-up dossiers, originating from either our research groups, partner companies or independent individuals. As partner in the commercialisation process, iMinds offers tailored guidance and coaching in cooperation with external experts and entrepreneurs in residence.

Tech transfer manager

2011 - 2012

As tech transfer manager, I was mainly responsible for all incubation projects (our iStart program) and the relationships with the partner universities in Flanders with regard to the commercialisation of iMinds (formerly IBBT) research outcomes and IPR valorisation.

Lecturer

2006 - 2013

In the Bachelor's and Master's studies Industrial Engineering, I am involved as lecturer for several course parts. The largest share of my teaching activities is directed towards business models, business plan development and similar courses in the specific profile of the entrepreneurial engineer (as part of the major The Company). Furthermore, I am teaching macro-economics for engineers. All courses intend to actively involve students to a maximum degree possible, amongst other through problem-based learning and the inclusion of case studies.