Innovative startups: The i-Lab 2026 competition is now open. Apply before February 3!

What is the i-Lab Innovation Contest?

Since 1999, the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research organizes each year a competition to create innovative, sustainable technology companies in France: the i-Lab innovation competition

The aim of i-Lab is to detect and support business projects - pre-creation or start-up phase - with significant potential for growth and impact from innovative technologies. Bpifrance and its partners provide additional financial support.

Financing supports the R&D program and market research related to it. Visit terms and conditions of support for the i-Lab competition are :

  • The eligible expenditure is limited to €1 M
  • Assistance is provided in the form of grants up to a maximum of 600 k€.for a maximum project duration of 3 years.

Am I eligible for i-Lab?

Our experts are here to answer them. Make an appointment to discuss them.

What are the i-Lab eligibility criteria?

The project owner may be :

  • A company : if the company is created, it must not be more than two years old. It must not be more than 25% owned by another company. The applicant must be a shareholder in the company.
  • At the project stage (prior to company creation)

The project must involve an innovative, sustainable technology with an established proof of concept.

In their i-Lab application, project leaders must :

  • Demonstrate market potential and economic viability;
  • Showcase a complementary team and demonstrate the candidate's ability to carry out the project;
  • Master the intellectual property and freedom to operate;
  • Demonstrate positive environmental and social impacts and sustainability criteria in the design and implementation of the project.

Although the criterion of public research is no longer explicit in the i-Lab competition specifications, the link with academic laboratories, in a logic of technology transfer or partnerships, remains a bonus in the evaluation of projects.

When should I apply for the 28th edition of the i-Lab competition?

The 28the The competition is now open, and you have until February 3 to apply.

Would you like to check that your project meets the scheme's specifications and prepare your application with complete peace of mind?

Our experts are at your disposal to accompany you and maximize your chances of success. Book a 20-minute appointment with one of our experts in Aid and Subsidies !

Accelerate your projects and your innovation by taking advantage of public grants and subsidies!

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