Building on the success of its first edition, the PUI Innovation Competition returns in 2025 to accelerate the most innovative projects in research and entrepreneurship. Organized by the Lille University Innovation Cluster (PUI), this competition aims to promote the development of deep tech projects in five priority areas, in close collaboration with the region's socio-economic partners, both private and public. Applications are open from April 23 to June 16, 2025.
The PUI Innovation Competition aims to inspire and support entrepreneurial spirit.
This competition is an essential component of the regional and national strategy to promote the development of deep tech in France. Its ambition is to intensify the flow of deep tech projects within the scope of the PUI Lille, and in line with five priority issues for the region: Energy solutions, Chemistry, materials, and production systems for a world in transition, Cultural and creative economy, Digital technology, robotics, and electronics, Health and well-being technologies and innovations.
As such, the PUI innovation competition is open to doctoral students, engineers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and students affiliated with one of the founding members of the PUI, inviting them to put their deep tech project ideas to the test.
The winners will receive:
Cash prizes ranging from €1,000 to €20,000*
Visibility at regional and national level
Expertise and networking opportunities with economic players in the five areas of intervention of the PUI Lille
A tailor-made pathway to access the support programs of the founding members of the PUI
A PUI Entrepreneurship Training Cycle for the winners and finalists of the competition
*The financial prizes awarded will be paid and managed by the institutions from which the winners originate.
What support is available for projects?
A tailor-made support program will be rolled out from January to June 2026 for the three winners and the five candidates shortlisted in phase 2. This program will include personalized monitoring to identify their needs, track the progress of their projects, help them develop their entrepreneurial spirit, and keep them informed of the latest innovation news. In addition, a PUI Lille Training Cycle ("From Research to Entrepreneurship") will be organized to bring the eight project leaders together in an inspiring and stimulating environment conducive to innovation.
During the second phase of the competition, a creative day will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, to accelerate the eight issues addressed by the selected projects.
Professionals in innovation and innovation financing, entrepreneurs, will challenge the projects.
For more information and to apply:
https://www.eurasante.com/projets/concours-pui-pole-universitaire-dinnovation/