Young researchers and doctoral students in France with a startup-creation project based on their research and breakthrough (deep-tech) innovation.

What burden and restrictions apply?

No source-specific burden or use-of-funds rule was established in this review.

What evidence exists?

No source-specific outcome was established. The reviewed official corpus does not publish a comparable applicant denominator and acceptance rate for the next cycle.

Concours d'innovation i-PhD

Non-cash entrepreneurship support from September 2026 to July 2027; no cash prize · Bpifrance / French Ministry of Higher Education & Research (France 2030), with SATT network — France

National competition (Bpifrance with the SATT network) supporting young researchers/PhDs who want to create a deep-tech startup based on their research. Laureates receive a year of structured entrepreneurial support, coaching and visibility rather than a large cash grant. Current lifecycle: closed. Real economics: Non-cash entrepreneurship support from September 2026 to July 2027; no cash prize.

Tier 3francedeep-techbpifrancephd

Apply Official site Open in the live directory

Key facts

Funder	Bpifrance / French Ministry of Higher Education & Research (France 2030), with SATT network — France
Amount	Non-cash entrepreneurship support from September 2026 to July 2027; no cash prize
Decision time	No dependable comparable application-to-decision interval was published in the reviewed public corpus.
Eligibility	Young researchers and doctoral students in France with a startup-creation project based on their research and breakthrough (deep-tech) innovation.
Restrictions	Non-dilutive support (primarily programme/coaching, not a large cash prize); deep-tech / research-based project required; annual competition.
Status	closed

Always confirm on the official page before applying — dates and terms change.

Application process

Apply with a research-based deep-tech startup project (often via a SATT)
Submit before the annual deadline
Jury evaluation
Selection of laureates
Enter the ~1-year individual + collective support cycle

Background

Bpifrance / French Ministry of Higher Education & Research (France 2030), with SATT network — France operates Concours d'innovation i-PhD. This pass separates direct cash, repayable finance, credits, incentives and umbrella programs so later ranking does not compare unlike instruments. No source-specific outcome was established in this review.

How the application really works

Apply with a research-based deep-tech startup project (often via a SATT) → Submit before the annual deadline → Jury evaluation → Selection of laureates → Enter the ~1-year individual + collective support cycle

Tips

Show direct fit with innovation.

Watch out for

Current lifecycle is closed.

Frequently asked questions

Is this actionable now?: closed. null
What is the real economic value?: Non-cash entrepreneurship support from September 2026 to July 2027; no cash prize
Who is eligible?: Young researchers and doctoral students in France with a startup-creation project based on their research and breakthrough (deep-tech) innovation.
How does selection work?: Apply with a research-based deep-tech startup project (often via a SATT); Submit before the annual deadline; Jury evaluation; Selection of laureates; Enter the ~1-year individual + collective support cycle. No dependable comparable application-to-decision interval was published in the reviewed public corpus.
What burden and restrictions apply?: No source-specific burden or use-of-funds rule was established in this review.
What evidence exists?: No source-specific outcome was established. The reviewed official corpus does not publish a comparable applicant denominator and acceptance rate for the next cycle.

Sources

www.bpifrance.fr/nos-appels-a-projets-concours/concours-dinnovation-i-phd — Official programme page reviewed for eligibility, economics, lifecycle and application route (checked 2026-08-10)