A unique support program to help you structure and fund your project
The SEED program is designed to support technology and industrial startups during the critical early stages of their development. Over six months, selected companies receive strategic guidance, privileged access to VINCI Group’s expertise, and financial support.
The selected start-ups will join the 44 innovative projects already supported since the program’s inception in 2019. Applications are open until October 3, 2025.
Startups will be able to experiment in the field, test their offering against market expectations, fine-tune their solution’s business model and make it easier to secure investment.
The SEED program is built on a comprehensive approach combining strategic support, top-tier training, and immersion in the VINCI ecosystem:
- One of the program’s key strengths lies in the direct connection with VINCI Group experts. This close collaboration allows startups to test their solutions against real-world challenges, receive valuable feedback, and lay the groundwork for future industrial partnerships.
- In parallel, Leonard organizes a series of thematic workshops focused on the key drivers of startup growth:
>business model definition,
> positioning strategy,
> market access,
> fundraising preparation, and more.
These workshops are designed to help entrepreneurs shape their vision and test it against real operational challenges.
- Financial contribution of €60,000 through a SAFE agreement (€30,000 in cash and €30,000 in services).
- To foster synergies and networking opportunities, startups are hosted at Leonard:Paris, VINCI Group’s innovation hub located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, just a 10-minute walk from Gare de Lyon.
- Entrepreneurs also benefit from privileged access to Leonard’s network of partner investors, including business angels and venture capital funds specializing in the sectors covered by the program.
Finally, throughout the six-month program, selected startups receive a certified entrepreneurship training delivered by the prestigious Stanford Center for Professional Development, equipping them with essential fundamentals to develop high-potential projects.
The SEED 2025 promotion in a few figures.
- 7 startups supported
- 258 hours of meetings with VINCI experts
- 117 VINCI business units met
- 7 contracts signed with VINCI
Since its creation in 2019, the SEED program has enabled the start-ups it supports to raise €53 million and create over 200 jobs. The program is increasingly popular with project leaders: for the class of 2025, Leonard received almost 400 applications. What’s more, at the end of the support program, selected start-ups join a network of alumni, enabling them to keep in touch with emerging technologies in VINCI’s fields of activity.
This year, particular attention will be paid to solutions integrating robotics, artificial intelligence, Deep Tech – including Climate Tech and Water Tech – as well as new financing models for the energy transition.
The application deadline is October 3, 2025.
The selection process for the 2026 cohort follows the schedule below:
- June 17, 2025: applications open for SEED program
- October 3, 2025: closing date for applications
- End of November 2025: selection committee
- Early January 2026: launch of the promotion
Applications are open to all startups less than two years old, with an initial proof of concept, a committed founding team, and a project aligned with VINCI Group’s areas of activity.
Apply to the SEED 2026 program
Looking back at Demo Day 2025: Concrete projects and signed contracts
On June 17, the seven startups from the SEED 2025 cohort showcased their projects during Leonard’s annual Demo Day. After six months of support, these young companies pitched their ideas to dozens of investors, experts, and VINCI Group collaborators.
Three main themes emerged:
- Adaptation to climate change with Albedya, Climera and Newable,
- New technologies for construction (ConTech) with Sillant and Enlaye,
- Technologies for maintenance with Hylight and Bluespine.
This day marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one for these startups. Several have already signed contracts with operational entities within VINCI.
What if next year, it’s your startup taking the stage?
