Join the PEPITE Deeptech 2026 cohort!

[Call for Proposals] - Published on November 13, 2025 in Entrepreneurship

The PEPITE Deeptech 2026 program is open to undergraduate and graduate students, doctoral candidates, early-career researchers, and alumni who are developing innovative projects in the fields of food, healthcare, and safety.

This program supports a new cohort of candidates
who wish to turn their research findings or technological ideas into
high-impact projects.

A customized support program

For four months, participants will receive:

personalized support to turn an idea into an impactful innovation project;
group training sessions that allow participants to apply what they have learned to their own innovative projects;
opportunities to interact with experts and entrepreneurs from the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship, or from the innovation ecosystem;
pitch exercises to help you present your project with impact and conviction;
a collaborative environment where you can find inspiration, share ideas, and move your project forward.

Program Objectives

learn about scientific entrepreneurship and the opportunities it offers;
provide support for projects applying to innovation competitions (i-PhD, i-Lab, etc.);
identify the appropriate funding options for each stage of their innovative project’s development;
turn a research-based idea into a product or service that makes a difference.

Target audience

The program is open to:

students;
doctoral researchers
recent PhD graduates (up to five years after completing their dissertation);
alumni of the University of Montpellier and partner institutions of the University Innovation Hub.

Eligibility Requirements

be available to participate in weekly training sessions, workshops, and group events
organized between February and May 2026;
submit an innovative idea related to one of the three thematic pillars:
nourish, care, protect;
pre-selection of applications by a committee of experts in innovation and science from the five research clusters at the University of
Montpellier (Agriculture, Environment, Biodiversity, Biology-Health, Chemistry,
Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Systems, Social Sciences) based on the following criteria: the innovative nature and originality of the project;
the motivation and availability of the project leader;
individual interviews with candidates who have passed the preliminary selection process prior to the final decision on admission to the program.

Learning formats:

group entrepreneurship training: weekly 2-hour sessions to structure and develop a Deeptech project;
hands-on workshops: practical exercises lasting one hour per week that allow participants to make direct progress on their own projects (pitches, market research, roadmaps, legal protection, etc.);
DeepTalks: project presentations held two to three times over the course of four months in front of experts, who provide feedback, advice, and guidance on the development of their innovations;
social gatherings and networking.

Training Focus Areas

Entrepreneurial mindset: developing the mindset and personal skills
needed to lead and advance a Deeptech project.
Roadmap and objectives: to structure the process and plan the key steps in their innovation
.
Market research: identifying needs, the target market, the competition…
Legal and Intellectual Property Protection: Safeguarding Innovation (patents,
trademarks, contracts, NDAs).
Funding: Identify funding sources appropriate for each stage of the project
and optimize the financial strategy.
Pitch: Learn how to effectively promote and present an innovative project to partners or investors
.

Benefits of the program

access to a dedicated coworking space;
connections with the Initium community (alumni, portfolio companies, partners, and expert
);
participation in exclusive events: Challenge Day, Ini’Dej, networking and “
” sessions, etc.