Startup and Ecosystem Manager – EU Chips Design Platform

Karlstad University; Heverlee; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Imec seeks a Startup and Ecosystem Manager for the EU Chips Design Platform. You will onboard startups, SMEs and research teams, guiding them from concept to silicon and connecting them with expert resources across Europe.

You will lead the Venture Development Program, mentor participants, and help secure FSTP funding, while promoting the platform and expanding partnerships with investors and industry players.

Qualifications

• Must have advanced degree or equivalent experience in microelectronics, electrical engineering, or physics.
• Strong ability to manage diverse stakeholders and communicate clearly.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset with customer-focused approach.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% of time, mainly across Europe.

Responsibilities

• Onboard and guide users of the EU Chips Design Platform across the innovation journey.
• Serve as the primary contact for startups, SMEs and research teams using the platform.
• Manage imec's Venture Development Program including mentoring, incubation and acceleration.
• Support participants in applying for FSTP funding opportunities.
• Promote the platform across the European semiconductor ecosystem.
• Build strong relationships with startups, investors, and industry stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve user experience and platform services.
• Contribute to shaping a thriving European chip design community.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

Travel readiness

Education

PhD/Master's in microelectronics or related field

Job description

Startup and Ecosystem Manager – EU Chips Design Platform

Help Europe’s most ambitious semiconductor startups move from breakthrough ideas to market-ready chips.

About the role

Europe is investing heavily in semiconductor innovation, and the EU Chips Design Platform is at the center of that transformation.
As a Startup and Ecosystem Manager, you'll become a trusted partner for startups, SMEs, research organizations and fabless innovators across Europe. You'll guide them through the platform, connect them with the right expertise and resources, and help accelerate their path from concept to silicon.

What you will do

In this role, you'll combine ecosystem building, stakeholder management and startup support.

You will:

• Guide and onboard users of the EU Chips Design Platform throughout their innovation journey.
• Act as the primary contact for startups, SMEs and research teams using the platform.
• Manage imec's contribution to the Venture Development Program, including mentoring, incubation and acceleration activities.
• Support participants in applying for Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) funding opportunities.
• Promote the platform across the European semiconductor ecosystem.
• Build strong relationships with startups, investors, competence centers and industry stakeholders throughout Europe.
• Identify opportunities to improve the user experience and continuously strengthen the platform's services.
• Help shape a thriving European chip design community.
  

Why this role is unique

This is more than an account management role. You'll help build the ecosystem that enables the next generation of European chip companies to succeed. It offers the unique combination of:

• Direct impact on Europe's semiconductor future.
• Daily interaction with ambitious deep-tech startups.
• Exposure to a broad network of innovators, investors and technology leaders.
• The opportunity to help build a flagship initiative under the European Chips Act.
• The reputation, expertise and global reach of imec behind you.

You'll have the chance to influence how tomorrow's chip companies are created, funded and scaled.

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven (Belgium), Eindhoven (The Netherlands) or Málaga (Spain). We align the work location with what suits you best.

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

We're looking for someone who combines technical understanding with a passion for helping innovators succeed, with:

• A PhD, Master's degree or equivalent experience in microelectronics, electrical engineering, physics or a related field.
• Knowledge of ASIC design and semiconductor development.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• A customer-focused mindset and entrepreneurial attitude.
• Willingness to travel frequently (10 % of your time) mostly in Europe.

It’s an asset if you also bring:

• Experience working with startups or innovation ecosystems.
• Familiarity with venture development, incubation or accelerator programs.
• An existing network within the European semiconductor ecosystem.
• Experience with multiple chip design flows or EDA tools.

Even if you don't tick every box, we'd still love to hear from you. Your potential and willingness to learn matter just as much as your experience.

Job details

Title

Startup and Ecosystem Manager – EU Chips Design Platform

Imec is the world’s trusted leader in chip-driven innovation - and a globally recognized research center at the forefront of digital technologies.