Are you developing a startup in energy services, mobility infrastructures, construction, or real estate? Do you have a technology, a strong conviction, maybe even a first prototype, and the desire to test it in real-world conditions?
Apply for the SEED 2027 PROGRAM
Six Months to Accelerate Your Project
For six months, selected startups join Leonard to develop their projects in direct contact with real-world field conditions and market realities.
Within the Leonard ecosystem, VINCI’s innovation hub in Paris, startups benefit from immersion sessions and an environment designed to accelerate key stages of their development:
Throughout the program, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to engage with VINCI Group experts and business lines, identify early use cases, and challenge their value proposition alongside professionals facing daily operational industry challenges.
To give startups an initial boost, Leonard also supports selected projects with €60,000 in funding through a BSA Air structure, including €30,000 in cash and €30,000 in services.
Backed by a group present in over 120 countries, the program is open to solutions from around the world and fosters connections between international innovations and local operational challenges.
How to Apply?
The program is open to all early-stage startups with a prototype or market-ready solution, a fully committed founding team, and a project aligned with VINCI Group’s business activities.
The selection process for the 2027 cohort follows the timeline below:
- June 11, 2026: Applications open.
- October 4, 2026: Application deadline.
- November 26, 2026: Selection committee and final interviews for shortlisted projects.
- Early January 2027: Onboarding and official launch of the program for the new cohort.
Apply for the SEED 2027 PROGRAM
More Than a Program: Access to an Ecosystem
One of the key strengths of Leonard’s SEED program lies in its direct connection to VINCI’s operational ecosystem. This unique proximity gives startups the opportunity to test their solutions in real-world conditions, receive qualified feedback, and lay the foundations for large-scale partnerships.
To support this growth, Leonard provides a comprehensive support system. Through a series of thematic workshops, startups work on key drivers of development such as business model definition, positioning strategy, market access, and fundraising preparation.
Beyond skills, SEED is a powerful network accelerator. Startups benefit from privileged access to Leonard’s partner investors, including business angels and specialized venture capital funds.
The experience extends well beyond the six months: by joining Leonard’s alumni community, startups become part of a strong network that keeps them connected to emerging technologies and maintains a lasting link with the VINCI Group.
Within this dynamic, startups are also invited to participate in major partner events and innovation ecosystem fairs such as Contech Connect, Building Beyond, or Slush, opportunities to increase visibility, test their positioning, and unlock new international collaboration opportunities.
SEED Success Stories
Since 2019, the program has been driving forward future-oriented solutions. As evidence, many startups that have taken part in our cohorts now collaborate at scale with VINCI Group business units.
HyLight: To provide a sustainable alternative to helicopter inspections, this startup has developed an automated airship drone that is silent and produces no greenhouse gas emissions. It enables high-precision data collection on large infrastructure such as power lines and railway networks. Through SEED, HyLight was able to validate its technology in new testing environments and initiate strategic discussions with VINCI Concessions, VINCI Energies, and VINCI Construction.
Discover HyLight Through Video
Enlaye: This software platform uses artificial intelligence to help builders and developers anticipate and manage risks associated with large-scale projects. The SEED program gave Enlaye the opportunity to test its solution in real conditions within VINCI Group companies. This was a key step in understanding how AI can be integrated into operational processes and in building a strong technological partnership.