I-NOV Competition: How to Apply and Get Accepted in 2024?

The I-NOV competition is funded by the France 2030 plan, which aims to stimulate innovation among French startups and SMEs. It provides the government with an opportunity to identify and fund promising projects that, given their economic potential, are capable of competing in the markets of the world’s leading economies.

I-NOV in 2024: A National Innovation Competition?

This national competition is a call for proposals that identifies and funds promising projects from French companies to help them break into the global market. It offers ambitious entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to advance their projects with the support of the French government.

Wave 14 is currently underway

For its 14th round in 2024, the competition is open until October 1, 2024, with several million euros in funding available to support projects aligned with the country’s economic and technological objectives. Companies can submit projects in various key sectors such as digital technology, healthcare, transportation, and renewable energy.

The Role of BpiFrance

The I-NOV competition, managed by BpiFrance, offers an online platform for submitting and evaluating projects. In collaboration with organizations such asADEME, they ensure a fair and responsible evaluation of proposals. They provide financial support to innovative startups and SMEs, offering technical and strategic assistance, thereby contributing to the objectives of the France 2030 plan.

Who is eligible to apply?

The I-NOV competition is open to French startups and SMEs looking to develop innovative projects. Companies must be registered in France, meet the EU’s SME criteria, be in good standing with tax and social security authorities, and not be in financial difficulty.

What kinds of projects are we looking for?

The I-NOV competition aims to fund projects that stand out for their innovative nature and their potential to have a positive impact on the French economy.

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As mentioned earlier, the themes of the projects sought for the 14th round are:

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1. Digital: Projects that push the boundaries of digital technology, including, but not limited to, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and big data.

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2. Health: Innovations in the medical field, including new diagnostic technologies, groundbreaking treatments, and digital health solutions.

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3. Transportation, mobility, sustainable cities and buildings: Solutions that improve the sustainability and efficiency of urban infrastructure and transportation systems.

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4. Energy, resources, and the natural environment: Projects aimed at optimizing the use of natural resources and promoting renewable energy.

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As a general rule, across all rounds, projects must have a total cost of between €1 million and €5 million and an expected implementation period of between 12 and 36 months. They are typically evaluated based on their innovation, technological feasibility, and ability to generate tangible economic benefits, while meeting strict environmental sustainability criteria.

What are the selection criteria?

For the I-NOV competition, projects are evaluated based on criteria aligned with the France 2030 plan:

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1. Innovation and added value: Significant new features or improvements compared to existing solutions.

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2. Economic impact: The potential to generate economic benefits, such as job creation or increased revenue.

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3. Project capacity: The organizational and financial ability to carry out the project using the allocated resources.

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4. Environmental performance: Making a positive contribution to the environment through sustainable practices that minimize negative impacts.

What kind of funding is available?

The funding available through the I-NOV program is designed to provide substantial support for promising innovations. Selected projects may receive financial assistance of up to 45% of the total project cost, consisting of grants andrepayable advances.

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The allocation of funding is designed to effectively support businesses during their development and innovation phases:

• 75% of the financial support is provided in the form of grants, which offers direct and immediate support to projects.
• The remaining 25% is provided in the form ofrecoverable advances, meaning that repayment is contingent on the commercial success of the project.

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This financing structure is designed to reduce the financial risk for innovative SMEs and startups, while allowing the government to reinvest a portion of the funds to support new projects in the future.

Steps to participate and obtain the I-NOV

Compiling the application materials

To respond to this call for proposals, start by preparing your application by following these steps:

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1. Online registration: Register on Bpifrance’s dedicated platform.

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2. Compiling the required documents: Complete the detailed project proposal, which clearly outlines the objectives, implementation strategies, and expected outcomes. In addition, you must provide evidence of your financial and organizational capacity to successfully carry out your project.

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3. Compliance with formatting requirements: It is essential that you submit the documents in accordance with Bpifrance’s specifications.

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4. Review and validation: Before submission, we recommend that you review the application to ensure that it is complete and that the information provided is clear. Particular attention should be paid to the clarity of the description of the project’s innovations and its economic and environmental impacts.

Filling the impact grid

Please complete and include the impact assessment form with your application to outline the expected economic and environmental benefits. Here are the steps:

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1. Identification of impacts: Identify the major impacts on the economy and the environment, including jobs created and improvements in energy efficiency.

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2. Quantifying the benefits: Estimate each impact using realistic data to demonstrate the magnitude of the expected benefits.

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3. Detailed description: Explain how each impact will be achieved through the project. Be specific to demonstrate the link between the activities and the results.

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4. Data sources: Back up your claims with reliable sources or similar case studies to enhance credibility.

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5. Review and approval: Review the form before submitting it to ensure it is clear and accurate.

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By carefully completing the form, you demonstrate the effectiveness of your project and your commitment to the goals of the I-NOV competition.

Oral / Panel

The evaluation process for the I-NOV competition requires a presentation to a jury. This jury is composed ofindependent experts, as well as specialists from Bpifrance and ADEME. Their role is to review the shortlisted projects and make informed decisions regarding their potential and alignment with the competition’s objectives.

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Each shortlisted project is presented during a hearing session. Project leaders present their ideas and answer questions. These sessions allow the jury to understand the technical and strategic aspects of the proposals.

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The jury evaluates projects based on several criteria. These include innovation, economic impact, feasibility, and contribution to environmental sustainability. This rigorous evaluation ensures that only the most deserving projects—those aligned with national priorities—are selected for funding.

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After the auditions, the jury deliberates and makes recommendations for each project. Final decisions are made taking these recommendations into account, thereby ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.

Key Dates

The 14th round of the i-Nov Innovation Competition will open in the summer of 2024, with a deadline scheduled for late September or early October.

The I-PHD, I-LAB, I-NOV, and I-DEMO continuum

The I-NOV competition is not limited to a single call for projects. It is part of a series of innovation competitions that also includes the I-PHD, I-LAB, and I-DEMO competitions. These three other competitions, like I-NOV, are managed by Bpifrance and ADEME.

• I-PHD aims to foster entrepreneurship among doctoral students and recent PhD graduates by enabling them to develop an entrepreneurial project based on their doctoral research.
• I-LAB aims to support the creation of tech startups in France by providing financial support and tailored guidance to the winners.
• Finally, I-DEMO is designed to fund the demonstration and technological validation of innovative solutions.

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Dynergie, the firm that provides expert guidance to help you become an I-NOV award winner

For over 20 years, we have been helping companies secure funding for their innovations. Our experts can guide you through the entire I-NOV application process to maximize your chances of success.

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Over the past two years, we have worked with more than fifteen grant recipients, securing funding ranging from €500,000 to €2 million. You can find a detailed case study of Walterre among our client references.