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X-UP, Deeptech incubator
Supporting future-shaping entrepreneurs
Three targeted incubation and support programs for innovative and Deeptech projects open to profiles from all backgrounds.
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
X-UP Scale targets the critical growth stage of Deeptech startups.
- For already established startups seeking support in their structuring: commercialization phase and first clients or minimum 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
Experts by your side: a dedicated startup manager (3h/month) and an experienced entrepreneur-in-residence (2h/month) to support your acceleration goals. 2 choices available :
1/ Business Track : strategic & business structuring
2/ Product Track : product maturation & technology choices
- An expert ticketing system: to address the specific needs.
- 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 and partners 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 to 1 year, renewable
- Start available each month (except july-august)
- Prices : from €750 excluding tax per month. Preferential conditions for 18 months for startups coming from the X-UP Create program.
- Potential funding through the Innov’Up scheme, subject to eligibility
- Optional office space : from €120/month per workstation (excl. VAT)
You have the option to continue your development after the program at the Drahi-X Novation Center with the X-UP Access offer.
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: €120 (excl. VAT) per month per workstation.
Our key figures
160+
Startups supported since 2015250
Mentors and experts from the X ecosystem650M€+
raised by our incubated startups80%
Survival rate of ourstartups at 5 years
10 months in the X-UP incubator : hear the testimonials of those transforming their ideas into startups
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
From Mentorship to Impact: The Journey of a Startup Expert.
Support l'X