X-UP, Deeptech incubator

Supporting future-shaping entrepreneurs

Three targeted incubation and support programs for innovative and Deeptech projects.

Apply to X-UP CREATE

X-UP Create focuses on the critical launch phase of Deeptech startups.

Open to startups with a strong technological focus from all backgrounds
With a clear entrepreneurial ambition aligned with one of our key themes
At the creation stage, with a validated proof of concept or one in progress
Led by entrepreneurs fully dedicated to their startup project

We help founders turn a proof of concept into a market-ready product.

Structure and validate your entrepreneurial project
Move from a proof of concept to a market-ready company with a product-market fit and initial commercial traction within two years
Facilitate operational, human, technical, and financial development throughout the journey

We cover all aspects of early-stage startup development, leveraging our unique ecosystem.

A 10-month incubation program at the X Novation Center
Product development support through X-FAB, a 1000 m² prototyping and pre-industrialization facility
Ongoing guidance from a multidisciplinary team, including a dedicated startup manager and an entrepreneur-in-residence
Weekly mentoring and access to top-tier experts, covering all key startup topics
Connection to our extended ecosystem of alumni (mentors), investors (VC funds, business angels), funding bodies (BPI, French Tech…), and research centers (labs, interdisciplinary institutes)
Access to major innovation events such as Spring, Vivatech, and Demo Day and other themed trade shows
Preferential rates for 2 years post-incubation (office space, prototyping lab, acceleration programs) — to continue your journey with us

Place : Drahi-X Novation Center - Palaiseau
Incubation period : 10 months
Program starts twice a year, in October and April
A rigorous four-step selection process, including one week of coaching in September and March
No fees — in exchange for a minority equity stake (5%) in the startup at the time of incorporation

>> Download our brochure !

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Apply to X-UP Create BLAST

X-UP Create BLAST focuses on the critical launch phase of Deeptech startups.

Open to startups with a strong technological focus in AERONAUTICS, SPACE, and DEFENSE
With a clear entrepreneurial ambition aligned with one of our thematic areas
At the creation stage, with a validated proof of concept or one currently being validated
Led by founders fully dedicated to their startup project

We support entrepreneurs move from proof of concept to first market launch.

Enable startups to better qualify their access to the ASD (Aerospace, Security & Defense) market
Reach the maturity required to create long-lasting impact
Establish strong collaborations within the French aerospace and defense ecosystem

We cover all aspects of early-stage startup development by leveraging our unique ecosystem.

18 months of incubation with two dedicated modules hosted at the X- Novation Center
ASD Module : Mentorship, business support, learning expeditions, events and pitch sessions, technical and technological guidance
X-UP Create Module : Entrepreneurial curriculum, product development support via X-FAB (1,000 m² prototyping and pre-industrialization space), and hands-on coaching by a multidisciplinary team

Place : Drahi-X Novation Center
Duration : 18 months
Program start : september 2025
A rigorous four-step selection process, including a coaching day on June 5, 2025
A free-of-charge program in exchange for a 10% minority equity stake at the time of the startup’s incorporation

Download the brochure

Apply to X-UP Scale

X-UP Scale targets the critical scaling phase of Deeptech startups.

For already established startups seeking support in their structuring: commercialization phase and first clients or paying POCs, first funding rounds secured or in progress, initial hires and team strengthening
Open to Deeptech startups from all backgrounds

Support the development and scaling of startups in the commercialization phase
Provide assistance in fundraising by connecting with potential investors and financial partners
Offer the resources and expertise needed to structure and strengthen the startup in all its components

>> Downl o a d o u r brochu re !

An experienced duo by your side: a dedicated startup manager and an experienced entrepreneur-in-residence, available for up to 30 hours over 6 months, to support your acceleration goals (sales, hiring, board structuring, product, fundraising, etc.).
An expert ticketing system: to address the specific needs raised with your support duo, with up to 10 hours of expert input over 6 months.
Access to our powerful ecosystem: participation in major ecosystem events (Vivatech, Spring, Ecosystem Days, Demo Day…), connections to the extensive X network and mentorship program, the incubator’s investor network, and close proximity to IP Paris research labs.
Access to our workshop and training program to support the key structuring challenges of your business.
Optional: office space at X-Novation Center and product development support through X-FAB.

>> Download our brochure !

Place : Drahi-X Novation Center
Duration : 6 months renewble
Start available each month (except july-august)
Prices : 4500€ /excl. VAT /start-up = 750€ /excl. VAT / month during 6 months
Potential funding through the Innov’Up scheme, subject to eligibility
Optional office space : from €100/month per workstation (excl. VAT)
Possibility to renew workspace access without support (transition to the X-UP Access offer)

>> Downl o a d o u r brochu re !

Download the brochure

X-UP Access offers accommodation and immersion within the École polytechnique environment.

It is open to any growing startup or innovative technology company that wishes to be hosted within our entrepreneurial ecosystem

Host and support the development of your company

Offer access to the entrepreneurial ecosystem of École polytechnique and the Plateau de Saclay

Offices from 12 to 35m², meeting rooms, Wi-Fi, free parking, etc...
Co-working in open space possible (subject to availability)
Thematic workshops, connections with our ecosystem (startups, legal, financial, investment, students, etc.), and our events (Demoday, Ecosystem Day for investors, etc.)
Proximity to laboratories and interdisciplinary centers
Optional: Access to the X-FAB prototyping space, and the possibility of support from the incubator team (X-UP Scale)

Place : Drahi-X Novation Center
Possible to start every month
Offices: Starting from €400 (excl. VAT) per square meter per year.
Co-working: €100 (excl. VAT) per month per workstation.

Download the brochure

Any questions ? Feel free to contact us !

Our key figures

145+

Startups supported since 2015

250

Mentors and experts from the X ecosystem

600M€+

raised by our incubated startups

80%

Survival rate of our
startups at 5 years

A full ecosystem to fuel your startup’s growth

Some great entrepreneurial success from our incubator

"The X-UP incubator was an encounter with a multidisciplinary team that challenged us and provided solutions throughout the year. We also had valuable exchanges with other startups from the incubator, experts, business leaders, and professors. We have grown significantly, with access to the excellence of the École Polytechnique campus and its teams".

Mube, the green connected mast : Discover innovative deeptech technology !

Mathieu Jacobs & Romain Bourdais | Mube co-founders

Explore all startups from École polytechnique

Mentorship: Bridging your expertise with our entrepreneurs

Participate in the launch and development of one or more innovative deeptech startups !

This involves a volunteer commitment of 2 hours per month per startup for 10 months.

Mentoring our early-stage startups means :

Sharing your expertise : technology, specific industry knowledge, sector insights, business & management, and/or your network
Challenging projects based on your skills
Contributing to a global and forward-thinking vision
Opening doors to privileged and personalized opportunities and connections
Participating in networking events
Becoming part of the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem of École polytechnique

Ready to start the adventure? Get to know us !

Promo d'incubation X-UP #16 et l'équipe de l'incubateur