Start in France program for early-stage scientific talent in innovation is back for its 2nd Edition in 2026: deadline March 31, 2026
Good news! The #StartinFrance program is back for its second edition in 2026!
Are you a scientific project leader or proof-of-concept developer based in the USA and eager to explore the dynamic French innovation ecosystem? This program is made for you!
Start in France offers a unique training and immersion experience tailored to early-stage scientific talents in innovation. Selected laureates will gain firsthand exposure to France’s expertise and dynamism, while connecting with leading innovation hubs. They will be able to assess France’s attractiveness in terms of innovation and research and identify relevant support programs for their potential development.
The program is open to PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, scientists, engineers, professors, entrepreneurs, and anyone carrying out an innovative project supported by a proof of concept (and not associated with a startup incorporated at the time of participation).
Applications are open from January 5 until March 31, 2026!
Applying is free of charge. For selected participants, travel and accommodation will be covered by the Science and Technology Service (SST) of the Embassy of France in the United States.
To apply and learn more about the program and selection process:
Program details
Application form
For this second edition, participants will discover one of three French innovation ecosystems partnering with Start in France. Project alignment with the technological domains of these ecosystems will be a key selection criterion:
- Aix-Marseille-Provence: Health & medicine; Energy & environment; Aerospace & mechanical engineering; Maritime & logistics; Creative, digital & electronics industries. Learn more
- Grenoble: Electronics & digital technologies; Energy; Cleantech; Medicine & health. Learn more
- Toulouse: Aeronautics; Space; Industrial biotechnologies (medicine/health); Artificial intelligence. Learn more
Start in France offers its laureates a training and immersion program in three stages:
- Virtual preparation seminar (one full day or two half-days), consisting of workshops led by French experts (innovation, intellectual property, regulation, etc.) to raise awareness among laureates about French specificities, administrative procedures, and existing support programs.
- Immersion in France (1 week). During this immersion, laureates will participate in personalized meetings, take part in workshops, individual meetings with various stakeholders (such as scientists, startups, local actors in economic development, innovation, attractiveness, international relations, etc.), and, when relevant, local events related to their technological field. The objective of this immersion is to develop, with the support of local stakeholders, a roadmap for a possible future establishment in France or for building collaborations with scientific actors.
- Individual follow-up three months after the immersion.
The program is organized by the Science and Technology Service (SST) of the Embassy of France in the United States with the support of Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
✨ This initiative is part of La Synapse, launched in November 2023 to accelerate innovation along the transatlantic axis.
Join us in shaping the future of innovation!
Contacts:
Pascale Cohen
Attaché for Science and Technology, Coordinator of Start in France
Service for Science and Technology, Embassy of France in the United States
attache-univ@ambascience-usa.org
Chiara Pero
Deputy attaché for Science and Technology
Service for Science and Technology, Embassy of France in the United States
deputy-univ@ambascience-usa.org