Turn research into a real‑world venture with structured programmes, hands-on coaching, and funding access to build, launch, and scale within planetary boundaries.
Da Vinci Launchpad is a structured venture studio programme guiding aspiring founders through the first critical steps of building a deep tech startup.
Designed for researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs, it transforms early-stage ideas into validated, investor-ready ventures aligned with planetary boundaries.
Talk to the Launchpad TeamOpen call for individuals and research teams with breakthrough ideas
Profile matching and curated team formation
Identification of complementary scientific, technical, and business skills
The best startups start with the right team. We help participants build strong, balanced founding teams around promising technologies, increasing the odds of long-term success from day one.
Intensive design sprint to test feasibility and strengthen product vision
Coaching from industry mentors and technical experts
Early prototyping or simulation work, tailored to deep tech domains
Deep tech innovation needs hands-on iteration. The hackathon accelerates learning, exposes technical and strategic gaps, and fosters creativity under pressure, key skills for resilient founders.
Workshops on market analysis, business modeling, and storytelling
Training in impact strategy, value proposition, and customer discovery
Participation in a business plan competition with expert feedback
Turning science into a startup means building a clear, credible plan. This step helps teams articulate their vision, assess market potential, and develop a structured approach to execution.
A 6 to 12-month programme including an 8-week core curriculum
Individual coaching and mentoring sessions
Access to a regional grant of up to €50k for startups incorporated in Centre-Val de Loire
Connections to investors, partners, and public funding programmes
This step turns projects into companies. Founders leave with a formal legal structure, early funding, a support ecosystem, and the momentum needed to join our Acceleration Programme or raise their first investment round.
Da Vinci Labs’ Acceleration Programme is tailored for startups that already have a technology prototype and are ready for the next step of the journey.
Whether preparing for their first major fundraising round, building strategic partnerships, or entering new markets, founders in this programme receive bespoke support from our team and network of mentors.
In some cases, Da Vinci Labs may also invest
directly in selected companies
Strategic mentoring tailored to each startup's maturity and goals
Support on team structuring, governance, and leadership alignment
Guidance on regulatory pathways, risk analysis, and IP strategy
Deep reflection on societal impact and ethics
Deep tech startups face complex challenges that can’t be solved by speed alone. This step ensures the company is built on solid foundations, with a clear roadmap and leadership aligned for long-term growth.
Pitch refinement and investor deck reviews
Support with financial modelling, cap tables, and data room setup
Warm introductions to early-stage VCs, family offices, and strategic investors
Possibility of direct investment from Da Vinci Labs
Fundraising is about more than capital, it’s about credibility. We help founders speak the language of investors, identify aligned backers, and position themselves for sustainable growth.
Full-spectrum support to apply for public funding (Bpifrance, France 2030, Horizon Europe, etc.)
Consortium building, budget structuring, and proposal writing
Access to our in-house grant experts (Zaz Ventures) with a €1.7B+ track record
Non-dilutive public funding is essential in deep tech. We help startups secure grants that reduce risk and extend runway, without giving up equity too early.
Access to Da Vinci Labs demo days, roundtables, and thought leadership platforms
Introductions to strategic partners: corporates, labs, regulators, and other accelerators
Co-branding and media exposure via our communications team and European network
Being visible in the right places opens doors. Whether it’s finding your first industrial partner, recruiting top talent, or attracting follow-on investment, this step helps you stand out in a crowded space.
