French Tech & French Tech Emergence Grants: The Launchpad for Your Tech or Deeptech Project
French Tech Grant: Funding From Day One
Looking to launch an innovative tech or deeptech startup? Before you even think about your Series A, you need to validate your technology, structure your business model, and secure your first funds. That’s exactly where the French Tech Grant comes in..
It’s designed to support young innovative companies (less than 1 year old) in their early days, financing the first steps of their R&D strategy.
What Exactly Is the French Tech Grant?
The French Tech Grant (BFT) is a subsidy from Bpifrance of up to 30 000 €covering up to 70% of your projected expenses.
Its goal: help you validate your technological concept, test a prototype, refine your go-to-market strategy, or prepare a solid business plan.
- Eligibility criteria:
- French company less than 1 year old (Bpifrance’s decision date is what counts)
- High innovation potential
- Project in a technological maturation phase
- Eligible uses:
- Technical or feasibility study
- Structuring your funding plan or go-to-market
- Hiring key expertise (providers, consultants…)
BFTE: The Deeptech Version of the French Tech Grant
The French Tech Emergence Grant (BFTE) is a more substantial version for deeptech projects €90,000 subsidy,still covering up to 70% of eligible expenses.
- Deeptech eligibility is determined by your Bpifrance contact and typically involves:
- Technology stemming from R&D, often linked to a research lab
- Hiring researchers or recent PhD graduates
- Hiring researchers or recent PhD graduates
- If your project is highly technical, with strong scientific challenges, and still in feasibility validation, you may qualify for the BFTE.
Why Apply for the French Tech or Emergence Grant?
Because it’s one of the few 100% non-dilutive public funding programs available from the very start.
- Main objectives:
- Identify and overcome technological barriers
- Test your technology’s feasibility (prototype, proof of concept)
- Structure your business model and go-to-market plan
- Lay the foundation for further funding with Bpifrance (innovation aid, PIA, loans, equity rounds)
- Beyond funding, these grants also help build credibility and secure future access to other public programs or private investors.
How to Build a Strong French Tech Grant Application
- A solid application includes:
- A clear pitch highlighting the project’s innovative nature
- A structured presentation of your spending plan
- Detailed supporting documents (quotes, contracts, job descriptions…)
- An R&D or technology roadmap with clear milestones
Timeline: from preparation to submission to Bpifrance’s decision, expect 1 to 3 months..
At Flag, we’ve prepared dozens of BFT and BFTE applications with a high approval rate.
2024: A Widely Used Growth Lever
According Bpifrance, more than 600 projects were funded in 2024 via the French Tech Grant or its Emergence version.
Sectors range from ICT, health, biotech, and mobility to energy and aerospace—a clear sign that this funding is recognised and strategic for building a strong startup foundation.
Flag is here to help
Flag is here to help
- Verify your eligibility
- Choose the right program (BFT or BFTE)
- Build a complete, well-structured application
- Anticipate your next funding steps
Conclusion: A First Step in Your Funding Strategy
The the French Tech Grant is a powerful tool to launch your tech project. Whether you’re in the idea stage or already prototyping, it can help you accelerate without dilution, backed by a strong partner like Bpifrance.
As always, having the right support is key and that’s where we come in.
Flag: Your Financial Co-Pilot
- Our services include:
- Equity fundraising
- Non-dilutive financing: Bpifrance, grants, loans, etc.
- Tax optimization (CIR, CII, JEI)
- CFO support (CFO-as-a-Service)
Not sure where to start? Reach out, we’ll walk you through it.
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