To meet the major challenge of doubling the number of deep tech startups in France, the government, in partnership with Bpifrance, has launched the i-PhD competition as part of the Deep Tech Plan. It aims to reward young researchers with entrepreneurial projects that use disruptive technologies.
Call for applications opens on November 24
The competition is opento young researchers or doctoral students who wish to create or co-create a deep tech startup through technology transfer that leverages research results:
Who can enter?
– "Young Doctor": in their second year of doctoral studies or doctors who have defended their thesis less than three years prior to the application deadline. There are no nationality or age requirements for applicants, provided they meet the legal and regulatory requirements for starting a business in France. The competition is open to young researchers or doctoral students who wish to create or co-create a deep tech startup through a technology transfer that leverages research results:
– "Leveraging research results" means working with a public research laboratory that supports the project by contributing the results of its research.
– "via a technology transfer": means for the purpose of developing and marketing the identified product or service and, as such, supported by a Technology Transfer Structure (TTS).
The triptych Young Doctor – Public Research Laboratory – Technology Transfer Structure (STT) is a necessary condition for the project's eligibility. It is therefore essential for a young doctor to be supported by a laboratory before being able to submit their application to an STT.
Projects without financial support are not eligible. This competition is part of a continuum of innovation competitions (upstream of thei-Lab innovation competitionandi-Nov innovation competition).
What type of project is expected?
Any project to promote an innovative technology that could lead to a deep tech startup and give it a high barrier to entry and a strong competitive advantage.
The innovation targeted is one based on technology developed in a public research laboratory that can be exploited commercially. This exploitation must be based on intellectual property rights: patents, copyright (typically computer programs), and know-how.
The projects sought are "deep tech" projects that have not necessarily demonstrated their technological and/or commercial viability and require significant support to achieve initial proof of concept. The Technology Transfer Structure associated with the project provides financial support and assistance to enable the project to reach this stage through pre-maturation.
How are the winners selected?
The evaluation will take into account, on the one hand, the ability to significantly advance technological maturity (progress already achieved and expected progress) and, on the other hand, the potential for commercializing the technology in the form of a deep tech startup. This assessment will be supplemented by the associated implementation resources: the entrepreneurial motivation of the young doctor, the laboratory resources mobilized to support the project, and the funding to be committed, as decided by the TTO, to support pre-maturation for 6 to 12 months.
The winners (including Grand Prize winners) will be selected by a national jury composed of entrepreneurs, investment professionals, and startup mentors.
What are the prices?
The i-PhD winners will receive individual and group support over a period of 12 months.
This support will be provided by entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals in deep tech and entrepreneurship, with the aim of inspiring young PhD graduates and, above all, maximizing the business potential of each project.
This support will be punctuated by several key moments:
- Immersive group experiences to inspire young doctors and enable them to test their projects against market realities.
- Individual mentoring by a Deeptech entrepreneur, tailored to the maturity and needs of each project.
- Practical workshops and training sessions led by entrepreneurs and business development experts to help young PhD graduates take their projects to the next level.
The i-PhD competition also means becoming part of the network of innovation competition winners, joining the Bpifrance network, and benefiting from high visibility, particularly among investors.
The jury will select up to 10 Grand Prize winners from among the winners. They will have the opportunity to benefit from the creation of a fictional video communication kit, bringing their innovations to life through a few concrete use cases!
There is no monetary prize for the award, nor is there any financial compensation if the winner does not wish to receive the award.