Changed on 27/04/2023
Inria Startup Studio is a comprehensive programme designed to provide end-to-end support for deep tech start-up creation projects. It is supported by teams specialising in transfer and innovation and dedicated to entrepreneurs within each Inria research centre. A method centred around project co-design.
Startup Studio, a pivot initiative centred around the co-design method, has a number of primary objectives
To analyse each project individually, working with company creators to determine the route leading from software ideas to the market; to help researchers become entrepreneurs and to explore the resources they have within them, helping them to translate technology into products and services by devising a method of funding and a marketing strategy; and, lastly, to put researchers and entrepreneurs in contact with future investors.
Whether PhD students, postdoc researchers, interns, seasoned engineers or researchers, academic partners or leaders of projects external to Inria, everyone can benefit from this tailored support, becoming “entrepreneurs in residence” within the institute.
In the dedicated space within the Inria research centre, and in constant interaction with the relevant ecosystems, entrepreneurs follow a comprehensive programme in sequences one to three years long. Supported by Startup Studio, they are guided at each stage of the process and on any issues they may encounter, giving them the best possible conditions for moving from their original idea to the creation of a start-up.
Inria Startup Studio expertise
- An expert eye on opportunities for the creation of start-ups from projects.
- A selection process that is open to risk-taking, giving a chance to all projects felt to be promising.
- A formal framework for launching start-ups: the maturation contract stipulates entry into the programme in accordance with agreed conditions, including the future operating contract. This lists the rights held by the project leader, including in terms of support and funding, in addition to their obligations (step by step commitments).
- An operational contribution to projects through co-design and access to a specialist network.
- The ability to source the requisite funding from Inria stakeholders and the wider ecosystem. e.g. Bpifrance, the SATT (Sociétés d’Accélération du Transfert de Technologies - Technology Transfer Accelerators), networks of business angels and investment funds.
- Access to other leading figures in France in creation and innovation, such as the EM Lyon, HEC, ESSEC or the Kedge network.
Within Startup Studio, budding entrepreneurs can turn to specialists in the creation of digital deep tech start-ups, with further support from a team and a local structure through Inria research centres. Each Inria research centre is a major player within its regional ecosystem, helping to drive forward innovation and entrepreneurship.
Support is provided in conjunction with all parties involved in transfer and innovation (accelerators, incubators, etc.) as well as Inria’s academic partners (universities and research bodies).
Contacts
