PSL-Valorisation launches the 2026 call for “Prematuration” projects, with the support of the Institut Carnot IPGG Microfluidics.
Proofs of concepts, prototypes, market research, business creation, transfer of results and knowledge to the socioeconomic world… This call is open to all PSL research teams, and its aim is to select innovative projects with strong socioeconomic potential. All disciplines and areas of application are eligible, from engineering to humanities and social sciences or design, and from health to energy or arts & culture.
PSL Valorisation and the Institut Carnot IPGG Microfluidique are joining forces to support up to 10 innovative projects with high socioeconomic potential.
This call is open to any project originating from one or more PSL research teams (with external partners, where applicable), and covers all disciplines and fields of application, with particular attention to the priority areas of the Pôle PSL Innovation (AI and applications in digital health; Biotherapies; Biomedical Engineering; Quantum; Energy-Industry-Recycling; Social Sciences and Humanities - Cultural and Creative Industries), as well as to the priority areas of the Stratégies Nationales d'Accélération in which PSL is involved in a prematuration/maturation consortium (see list at the link above).
Selected projects must demonstrate strong potential impact, both economically and/or societally. They may aim to create a start-up or pursue any other form of transfer to the socio-economic sector. Co-prematuration with a company (start-up, SME, mid-sized company, or large corporation) is encouraged.
The Institut Carnot IPGG Microfluidics is once again joining this call for projects to provide additional funding to selected projects within its scope, following a review of their funding needs and validation by the Carnot Steering Committee.
The purpose of this funding is to prepare and facilitate the transfer of knowledge, results or inventions from the research teams involved, in order to promote economic and/or societal impact. Each selected project will receive funding up to €100,000 for a maximum of 18 months (exceptions are possible regarding the duration or the funding amount, for projects with special needs).
Funding that is awarded is to be used for proofs of concept, technical, economic or legal studies (intellectual property, regulatory issues). It may cover expenses concerning :
- recruitments
- equipment (whatever the depreciation period),
- operational costs (e.g. consumables),
- external contracting for technical services,
- market research,
- specialized coaching (business, legal, etc.),
- training
- intellectual property (patentability study, freedom to operate, etc.).
This new call for pre-maturation projects follows the continuity of calls published since 2018, which have enabled the launch of 75 high-level interdisciplinary projects with diverse objectives. These include water treatment, data analysis related to rare diseases, immuno-oncology, textile recycling, the development of a prototype for analyzing painted artworks, the production of thermal batteries for building electrification, and a decentralized factoring protocol using blockchain technology.
Selection Process
The selection of projects will be overseen by the PSL-Valorisation team.
Projects will first be reviewed by 2 independent specialists, chosen for their expertise in the relevant fields ; they will then be assessed by a Selection Committee, taking the following criteria into account:
- Scientific and technological quality (where applicable)Innovative character and added value added in relationwith respect to the state of the art
- Socioeconomic impact, transfer potential, identified markets
- Technical and economic feasibility (resources, calendar, environment, partnerships)
Contacts are possible and may be organised between project teams promoters and members of the selection committee to discuss their applications.
Provisional Schedule
- February 23, 2026: Publication of the call for projects.
- March - April 2026: Information sessions for all PSL researchers and technology transfer officers, held via videoconference:
- Wednesday, March 25 - 5:00 PM - Registration
- Tuesday, April 7 - 9:30 AM - Registration
- Tuesday, April 14 - 1:00 PM - Registration
Provisional timeline
- May 5, 2026: Deadline for submitting a non-confidential summary and a list of three experts who can evaluate the submitted project.
- May 19, 2026: Final deadline for application submissions – call for projects closes.
- (Signatures from the unit director and the institution head may be provided within two weeks after the call closes.)
- May–June 2026: Project evaluations.
- July 2026: Announcement of results.
Applications must be submitted by e-mail to PSL-Valorisation by sending two files, in Word and PDF formats, using the template provided, which can also be obtained from the technology transfer services of PSL institutions and schools, or from PSL-Valorisation.
Please contact the technology transfer department in your PSL institution or PSL-Valorisation for further information and to inform us of your application.