Applications for the 2020 YEi Start in France programme are open

The Young Enterprise Initiative proposes the programme Start in France to help young, innovative enterprises accelerate their business perspectives in France and in Europe. Founded in 2005, the programme is organised by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and in cooperation with Business France, RETIS, Paris&Co and Paris Region Entreprises. These institutions are dedicated to promoting France as a place of opportunities for young companies, facilitating their establishment and encouraging innovation.

The programme is held in Paris and offers a tailored and extensive week of immersion. It includes training sessions, networking and one-on-one meetings that will allow each laureate to benefit from a personalised business network and connections to the best resources in Europe.

The programme provides the participants with a valuable package of knowledge and tips to start a business in France – courses about the French R&D environment, administrative procedures, legislation, tax system and finance as well as visits, mentoring and customised meetings with experienced innovators, potential partners and French leaders.

The laureates will discover what makes France a start-up-friendly environment, from financial support and administrative simplicity to competitiveness.

To be eligible, the young companies must fulfil some selection criteria (go to YEi’s website for more information). Norwegian start-ups are eligible to the programme if they comply with the following requirements:

• The project remains at its early development stage
• The team is formed by at least two persons but less than 30 employees
• The start-up earns less than $2 million per year
• Its project is deep-tech: it relies on a scientific discovery, advanced technology, complex engineering process or innovative application of an existing technology
• The start-up is developing a project based on artificial intelligence, in any industry

Applications are open until October 31^st: apply now!

The eligible candidates will go through a selection process and be evaluated by a committee.  

The French-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce is a partner of the YEi Start in France programme alongside The Research Council of Norway, Innovation Norway and the French Institute in Norway.