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Top 10 Government Grants for Startups in France in 2025

Top 10 Government Grants for Startups in France in 2025
France is a thriving hub for innovation, offering a wide range of government grants to support startups.

These grants are designed to foster innovation, sustainability, and economic growth without requiring founders to give up equity.

Below is a detailed guide to the top 10 government grants available in 2025, including eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and application deadlines.

1. French Tech Grant

  • Funding Amount: Up to €30,000 equity-free funding, covering up to 70% of startup costs.
  • Eligibility: Startups incorporated within the last year, with fewer than 50 employees and a balance sheet under €10 million.
  • Benefits: Supports early-stage startups, including sole proprietorships and entrepreneurs in accelerators or incubators.
  • Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
  • Official Website: French Tech Grant
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2. French Tech Emergence Grant

  • Funding Amount: Up to €90,000 equity-free funding for deep tech startups.
  • Eligibility: Deep tech startups incorporated within the last year, with fewer than 50 employees and a balance sheet under €10 million.
  • Benefits: Focuses on high-potential deep tech projects.
  • Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
  • Official Website: French Tech Emergence Grant

3. French Tech Seed Fund

  • Funding Amount: €50,000 to €500,000 in convertible notes (7% interest p.a.).
  • Eligibility: Startups incorporated within the last 3 years, with fewer than 50 employees, and having raised at least one equity round.
  • Benefits: Co-invests with other investors in tech-enabled businesses.
  • Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
  • Official Website: French Tech Seed Fund

4. Aide Au Développement Deeptech (ADD)

  • Funding Amount: Up to €2 million per project, with a mix of grants and repayable subsidies.
  • Eligibility: Deep tech startups with fewer than 2,000 employees.
  • Benefits: Supports personnel costs, IP expenses, overheads, and Capex for deep tech projects.
  • Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
  • Official Website: Aide Au Développement Deeptech

5. Crédit d’Impôt Recherche (R&D Tax Credit)

  • Funding Amount: Up to 30% of claimed R&D costs as a tax credit.
  • Eligibility: Businesses of all sizes investing in R&D, regardless of profitability.
  • Benefits: Encourages innovation by reducing corporate tax liability.
  • Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
  • Official Website: Crédit d’Impôt Recherche
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6. i-Lab Competition

  • Funding Amount: €600,000 equity-free grant for projects costing up to €1 million.
  • Eligibility: Startups incorporated less than 2 years ago with a proof of concept.
  • Benefits: Funds technology projects with high innovation potential.
  • Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
  • Official Website: i-Lab Competition

7. i-Nov Competition

  • Funding Amount: €200,000 to €2.25 million, covering 35-45% of project costs.
  • Eligibility: SMEs with projects costing between €600,000 and €5 million, lasting 12-36 months.
  • Benefits: Supports deep tech, health tech, and other high-impact industries.
  • Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
  • Official Website: i-Nov Competition

8. French Tech 2030

  • Funding Amount: Varies by project, focusing on societal challenges.
  • Eligibility: Startups addressing major societal challenges like climate change, health, and digital transformation.
  • Benefits: Provides funding and support for high-impact innovations.
  • Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
  • Official Website: French Tech 2030

9. Start in France Program

  • Funding Amount: Non-financial support, including training and immersion in French innovation ecosystems.
  • Eligibility: Researchers and entrepreneurs with deep tech projects, residing in the USA.
  • Benefits: Offers access to French innovation ecosystems and networking opportunities.
  • Application Deadline: March 28, 2025.
  • Official Website: Start in France Program

10. French Tech Community Fund

  • Funding Amount: €1.5 million for initiatives led by French Tech Communities.
  • Eligibility: French Tech Communities in France and abroad.
  • Benefits: Supports projects promoting diversity, ecological transition, and market access for startups.
  • Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
  • Official Website: French Tech Community Fund
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Conclusion
France’s government grants for startups in 2025 provide a robust framework for innovation and growth.

From equity-free funding to tax incentives, these programs cater to a wide range of industries and project sizes.

Startups are encouraged to explore these opportunities to accelerate their growth and contribute to France’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
2025-01-14 06:21 Top in 2025