The 14th wave of the i-Nov Innovation Challenge 2024 is open until October 1, 2024, at 12:00 PM (Paris time). This competition is specifically designed to encourage innovative projects from startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are based in France. Bpifrance, in collaboration with ADEME, aims to support projects that have the potential to become global leaders in their respective fields, particularly within sectors that are crucial to the French economy.
Bpifrance will select projects through a competitive process that focuses on innovative research, development, and innovation solutions. Selected projects can receive co-financing for total project costs, which typically range between €1 million and €5 million. This initiative contributes to the rapid development and market introduction of groundbreaking solutions and technologies.
The i-Nov challenge aligns with other innovation initiatives such as the i-PhD and i-Lab programs, forming a continuum of funding opportunities for the most innovative national startups and SMEs, especially those working in deep tech fields. Proposals are expected to be non-collaborative and led by a single company.
Focus Areas of the i-Nov Innovation Challenge 2024
The i-Nov competition is open to SMEs involved in one of the following four thematic areas, which are assessed by Bpifrance in collaboration with ADEME:
- Digital Solutions
- Healthcare
- Transportation, Sustainable Cities, and Buildings
- Energy, Resources, and Natural Environments
Each thematic area provides a pathway for innovative solutions aimed at transforming industries while supporting sustainable development goals.
Eligibility Criteria
For projects to be considered eligible for the i-Nov Innovation Challenge 2024 e, they must meet the following requirements:
- Application Submission: Applications must be submitted via Bpifrance’s official platform before the October 1, 2024 deadline. The full proposal must follow the outlined format, with all required sections and signatures in place.
- Project Focus: Projects must align with one of the specified thematic areas and should be innovative in nature. Projects should also demonstrate a total cost between €1 million and €5 million, with expenditures incurred within France. Pre-application expenses will not be covered.
- Do No Significant Harm Principle: The project should not significantly harm the environment, as per the European DNSH (Do No Significant Harm) principle.
- Single Company Rule: Applications must be submitted by a single company that is registered in France. The company must be a recognized SME as per European standards, up-to-date with tax and social obligations, and not considered “in financial difficulty” under European law.
Selection Criteria of the i-Nov Innovation Challenge 2024
Projects will be selected based on several key factors, ensuring they contribute to both economic and technological advancements:
- Innovation and Added Value: Projects should demonstrate clear innovation, either technologically or in terms of business model, and provide a significant competitive edge on an international level. The project should result in the development of new products or services with strong market potential and a clear roadmap to commercialization.
- Economic Impact: The project’s business model must be robust, with a clear path to profitability and a well-documented market analysis. Projects should demonstrate potential for creating economic returns, including job creation and regional economic development.
- Project Viability: The applicant’s operational and financial capacity to execute the project is critical. Projects must demonstrate sound financial planning, a capable project team, and the ability to scale the solution for broader market adoption.
- Environmental Performance: Each project must outline its contribution to sustainable development, with a focus on mitigating climate change, promoting resource efficiency, reducing pollution, and protecting biodiversity. The project should also assess and quantify its positive and negative environmental impacts.
Competitive Edge Through Certification
While not mandatory, companies may choose to have their projects certified by one or more competitiveness clusters. Certification provides valuable recognition of the project’s strategic importance to key industry sectors and markets, offering additional insights from experts in the field. This can significantly boost the project’s chances during the selection process.
The certification is reviewed by the competition jury and is a factor in preselecting projects for the next phase.
Application Process and Selection Timeline
Applications should be submitted through Bpifrance’s digital platform. After the competition closes, a preliminary evaluation of eligibility will be conducted by Bpifrance in collaboration with ADEME. Shortlisted projects will then proceed to an interview round, where applicants will present their projects to a panel of experts.
- Key Dates:
- Competition Closes: October 1, 2024
- Preselection of Projects: November 2024
- Auditions: December 2024
- Final Selection Notification: March 2025
During the interviews, project leaders will have 20 minutes to present their proposals, followed by 40 minutes of Q&A with the jury. Following this step, the jury will finalize the list of projects entering the next phase of evaluation.
Funding Mechanisms
Selected projects will receive partial funding, based on the eligible project costs, with funding intensity capped according to European Commission regulations:
- Small Enterprises: Up to 45% of eligible project costs
- Medium Enterprises: Up to 35% of eligible project costs
Funding will consist of a combination of subsidies and repayable advances, with a maximum of 60% of the total aid provided as a subsidy. For projects receiving less than €400,000 in aid, at least €100,000 will be in the form of repayable advances.
How to Apply for the i-Nov Innovation Challenge 2024
Interested applicants can submit their proposals through Bpifrance’s official portal:
Submit Your Application Here
Discover More Opportunities
Looking for more funding opportunities? Check out other available competitions for African startups and entrepreneurs, including those in the agribusiness and agriculture sectors, at this link.