i-Demo 5: funding for R&D and innovation projects
The call for projects Generic i-Demo n°5, as part of the France 2030 plan, is a major lever for innovation funding for industrial and service companies developing research, development and innovation (R&D&I) with a strong economic, technological and environmental impact.
This scheme is designed to support companies throughout the entire innovation cycle, from the early stages of industrial research through to the advanced stages of technological development and pre-industrialization.
i-Demo 5 call for projects: objectives and scope of the scheme
The aim of the i-Démo 5 call for projects is to sustainably strengthen french scientific, technological and industrial capabilities, while actively contributing to energy, ecological and digital transitions.
It supports the development of particularly innovative products and services, high value-added products designed to address strategic markets and structure industrial sectors.
In concrete terms, i-Démo 5 can be used to finance :
- Projects for industrial research (IR) ;
- Projects for experimental development (ED) ;
- Pre-industrial demonstrators, prototypes or pilots; ;
- Projects aimed at market launch or industrialization in the medium term.
What kinds of projects are expected to be launched under i-Démo 5?
Projects must meet minimum requirements in terms of budget, technological maturity and industrial ambition.
Expected projects include
- A expense base :
- Greater than 2 M€ for single-partner projects (SMEs only),
- Greater than 4 M€ for collaborative projects ;
- Positioning on work that will enable us to move from a Initial TRL between 3 and 6 to a Target TRL of 7 to 8, where this scale is applicable ;
- A clear perspective of value creation, competitiveness and sector structuring.
i-Demo 5: project sponsors and eligibility criteria
Individual projects
Single-partner projects are strictly reserved for SME.
Main conditions:
- Company registered in France (RCS) on the date of filing ;
- SMEs only eligible as an individual carrier ;
- The ETI and large companies cannot carry out individual projects.
Collaborative projects
i-Démo 5 also supports projects initiated by consortia involving industrial players and research partners.
Collaborative projects must :
- Associate at least one SME or ETI ;
- Gather up to 6 partners maximum (excluding specific European projects) ;
- Identify a lead company ;
- Integrate, where appropriate, one or more end users.
Particular attention is paid to emerging players and to projects with strong industrial structuring potential.
Ecological transition and societal impact: a central evaluation criterion
Taking environmental and social issues into account is a key priority for the determining factor in the selection of i-Demo 5 projects.
Each project must demonstrate its contribution by presenting the effects of the project on the environment. quantified as far as possible, positive or negative, on the following axes:
- Mitigation and adaptation to climate change ;
- Ecodesign and carbon footprint over the entire life cycle ;
- Transition to a circular economy; ;
- Pollution prevention and reduction ;
- Protecting biodiversity and ecosystems; ;
- Societal impact.
These elements can influence both the project selection and the level of public intervention granted.
How can i-Démo 5 be financed?
Maximum aid rates vary according to :
- The company size ;
- The type of work ;
- The character collaborative or not of the project.
In general :
- The aid takes the form of a grant completed by a repayable advance ;
- The subsidy portion is 50 % in the general case ;
- No aid under 500 000 € is granted to large companies and ETIs, unless an exception is justified.
i-Demo 5 timetable and application forms
The call for projects i-Demo Generic 5 is open from October 22, 2025 to September 9, 2026.
Applications must be submitted exclusively on the Bpifrance platform, on the following dates:
- November 24, 2025
- February 24, 2026
- May 19, 2026
- September 9, 2026
A specific relief is planned in september 2026 for projects co-financed by european institutional partnerships (EURO HPC, CHIPS JU).
i-Demo 5 and links with European programs
The i-Démo system can be a source of co-financing for projects that are part of European calls for projects. he specific terms and conditions of articulation are specified in the call specifications.
Securing your application for i-Demo 5
Given the technical, financial and environmental requirements of the system, the structuring your project and application is a key challenge. Our experts are with you every step of the way: eligibility analysis, consortium structuring, securing the technical and financial file to maximize your chances of success.
FAQ - i-Demo 5 call for projects
What is the i-Démo 5 call for projects?
i-Démo 5 is a France 2030 call for projects aimed at supporting structuring research, development and innovation projects led by industrial and service companies.
Who can submit an i-Demo 5 project?
Projects can be carried out by a single SME or by a consortium of industrial companies and research partners, with at least one SME or ETI.
What is the minimum project size to be eligible?
The minimum budget is €2 million for individual projects (SMEs) and €4 million for collaborative projects.
What are the i-Demo 5 financing rates?
Rates vary according to the size of the company and the collaborative nature of the project, with grants of up to 60 % for small collaborative companies.
Is the ecological transition compulsory in i-Démo 5?
Yes, each project must demonstrate its contribution to environmental and social issues, as these criteria influence the selection and level of support.
Would you like to explore other financing options?
In addition to i-Démo 5, there are many other ways to support your growth and innovation. G.A.C. Group can help you identify and seize the best opportunities.
