Apply for Batch #22 of the X-UP incubator at École Polytechnique!

Reach for X-cellence: Join X-UP CREATE!

Are you seeking an incubation program for your innovative deeptech project in Healthtech, Greentech, Future Industries, ASD (Aeronautics, Security & Defense), or Edtech?

X-UP Create is a comprehensive 10-month program open to founders from all backgrounds, targeting early-stage startups with a validated or maturing Proof of Concept (POC). Our mission is to accelerate your launch and drive your venture’s go-to-market success.

What are the objectives of the programme ?

• To structure and make viable an entrepreneurial project;
• Move from a proof of concept to a company with a product adapted to its market and initial commercial traction;
• Facilitate the operational, human, technical and financial development of an early-stage start-up;
• Develop your start-up network (experts, mentors, start-ups, industrial partners, financial players, advisory board, etc.). 

Who can apply ?

• Open to all start-ups with a strong innovative technological dimension, including those from outside the École polytechnique, OPEN TO ALL BACKGROUNDS (Both Polytechnique alumni and external founders);
• Dedicated full-time team with expertise in the proposed technology and dedicated to their business creation project;
• At the start-up stage, with a valid proof of concept (POC) or one in the process of being validated.

Priority target sectors, predominantly HARDWARE

#GreenTech | #HeathTech |  #Industries of the future |  #EdTech | ASD (Aeronautics, Security, and Defense

How does the programme work ?

• Intensive training/workshop programme;
• 1 week "Sandbox" to challenge and diagnose the start-up ;
• 10 months of personalised support;
• Free of charge, in exchange for a 5% stake in the company's creation.

The strengths of the incubator ?

• A comprehensive programme of multi-expertise workshops dedicated to your project: business, scientific expertise, manufacturing, legal, communications, marketing and finance;
• 1 initial week in the sandbox;
• An in-residence coaching team to monitor, guide and challenge you;
• Potential access to non-dilutive funding via unsecured loans, averaging €40,000;
• A personalised mentoring programme for each start-up;
• A collaborative workspace dedicated to your team within the incubator;
• Access to the X-FAB, our prototyping and pre-industrialisation facility (more than 50 machines available over 1,000 m2) with 5 areas of expertise: 3D printing, lasers, general mechanics, machining and electronics;
• Access to our LIVING LAB IP Paris bioengineering prototyping area;
• The training and expertise of engineers and technicians dedicated to prototyping and design;
• Regular investment and multi-theme network meetings with our entrepreneurial partners;
• Proven experience in supporting start-ups: 160 to date with great success;
• Connection to the ecosystem of the École Polytechnique and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris (alumni, students, startups, partners, investors, experts, entrepreneurs in residence, etc.);
• Proximity to our research centres, our partners and access to internal and external events.

How do I apply ?

• Submit your application
• For more information

Dates to remember ?

• 21 june 2026 > Call for applications closed
• Early july 2026 > 1st selection pitch to a jury
• Early september 2026 > Week of initial Sandbox coaching
• Mid-september 2026 > Final selection pitch to a panel of judges
• 05 october 2026 > Entry into the promotion with a welcome seminar
• Late august 2027 > End of support program

For any information ?

Do not hesitate to contact us : incubateur.xup@gmail.com