Paris: 6 Fantastic Startup Projects You Don’t Want To Miss

Paris, a city well known for fashion, art and landmarks, is also grown to be the European finance, business and technology centre. Currently, as innovation becomes one of the mainstream matters in Paris, more and more talents tend to jump out of box, actively take part in different kinds of innovation projects, events and competitions and urge to achieve their ambitions. Many startups are created and developed quickly with this background. The leading ridesharing BlaBlaCar, for instance is one of the best known successful examples of a startups in Paris and has – more or less – changed the way we travel the world.

With the growing numbers of startups and entrepreneurs gathering in Paris, more projects and events are established and more preferential policies for entrepreneurs are realized by the government, making it possible for the French capital to be a paradise for entrepreneurs and startups in Europe. Besides that, Paris is also one of the most important education centers in Europe, inhabiting several world-class universities and institutions which provide outstanding platforms for the cultivation of innovation and new ideas, accelerating the pace of transformation of prototype ideas and models into large scale applications in industry. Overall, all of its important contributors make Paris an important hub for innovation and startups in Europe.

Therefore, we list some interesting and large-scale projects and events to provide inspirations for those who are interested in being game-changers but find it hard to find excellent platforms.

#1 Halle Freyssinet Projects

Located in the south-east of Paris, the Halle Freyssinet project is supported and developed by city officials who hope to put Paris on the international technology map. It is intented to become the world’s largest business incubator and attracting more than 1000 French and foreign technology startups and entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, this project is also financed by private investors who want to create a platform and give young people a chance to make the world different through their ideas. It is expected to be finished at the end of this year and to attract entrepreneurs across Europe to bring their ideas and startups to Paris. Then if you either have your team and preliminary business models ready, or already launched your startup, and now are looking for a platform or working place to take a step forward, you should keep an eye on Halle Freyssinet where your dream might come true.

#2 Techinnov Event

This year we celebrate the 10th aniversary of the Techinnov Event, which is viewed as the biggest European event dedicated to the innovation sector. The event will be held in Paris-Orly airport today (February 11th). More than 1600 industrial participants will join and 9500 one to one business meetings covering 5 business conventions (industry, R&D, energy, funding, and robotics) will be held during this event. Furthermore, four thematic villages are offering participants to meet the representatives of contractors with ease, allowing participants to ask their questions in informal meetings. This high level conference is led by innovators and will give you a priority to the up-to-date breakthroughs and will make you become inspired by these ideas. All in all, it is a ‘’must-attend event’’ for all game changers.

#3 Australian eChallenge France

Australian eChallenge France is more than just an international competition for innovative startup concepts – it is also an online study program that you follow quietly in teams and a schedule that fits your needs. Another advantage of this competition is that you can take up to 9 workshops as a supplement of the online courses (given in France). With regards to the semi-finalists, they will be awarded with additional support from Australian mentors who will help you optimize your model into a viable project that is ready for launch. All students are allowed to participate in this competition.

#4 Microsoft Ventures Accelerator Paris

Paris is the home to the first Microsoft Ventures Accelerator in Europe. Located in the heart of Paris’ startup district, Microsoft Ventures Accelerator now is open for all entrepreneurs, especially for early-stage startups, to apply. It’s 3-6 months mentor-driven program is aimed at empowering you to do more and helping you to transform great ideas into promising startups. During this period of time, you will learn how to go through the challenges of optimizing your idea, launching the company, finding potential customers, and expanding the market – all through guidances from top business mentors, tech and marketing experts. So bring your ideas and team to Microsoft Ventures Accelerator Paris and receive the best tutoring as the fullest preparation for your career.

#5 The Cantillon Program

The Cantillon is one of the most advanced entrepreneurship training and startup launch program in Paris. The program is organized as a 4-months course program including training, mentoring and business-building assignments to help you turn your model into a company. Most courses will be taught in top business schools and combined with existing tools and models used in United States. As their slogan states: ‘The Cantillon is serious about entrepreneurship and we are looking for the best people’, so if you think you are the right one, give this opportunity a shot! The program has started January 29th, 2016, new application starts soon.

#6 50 Partners Paris

50 Partners is a mentorship program for innovative young startups aimed at providing resources and expertise through an established network of successful entrepreneurs. The 50 experienced entrepreneurs will select and offer long-term mentorship for several of the most promising startups each year and then, provide one-on-one work sessions for them. Meanwhile, they also offer a co-working environment, fully furnished offices and a series of events for all selected startups to grow fast and in the correct direction. Furthermore, an international exchange program might be available for you also to get access to the global market and extend your business.

As one of the international metropolises, there are many opportunities in Paris for those who have fantastic ideas and want to make a difference in the world. Trying to find a fantastic platform to develop your ideas and accepting most professional tutoring from successful entrepreneurs will make you more productive, bring you closer to your ambitions and eventually, a game changer.

 

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