The ecological transition represents a major challenge for citizens, businesses and the public sector. Launched in 2020, the French Tech for the Planet dynamic aims to highlight environmental issues in the French Tech strategy, with certain startups having the capacity to become international leaders in this field. Focus on French Tech Green20 and its ability to help French Greentech.
Accelerating the development of Greentech in France and abroad
Greentech refers to start-ups whose disruptive technologies are helping to accelerate the ecological transition. Long neglected by investors, this asset class is now strategic in view of the urgent need to combat climate change.
Convinced that the ecological transition requires innovation, the government launched a program in 2020 called " French Tech Green20 ". Under this scheme, 20 high-potential French startups in the field of Greentech and the acceleration of the ecological transition are selected to benefit from the support of Mission French Tech, which works in collaboration with the Ministry of Ecological Transition.
The 20 selected startups benefit from enhanced visibility and direct access to the network of "French Tech correspondents". These correspondents can help them with financing, international development, talent recruitment, regulations and protection, and public purchasing. Support also includes access to experts in technology and data transfer, as well as Greentech issues. Young companies therefore receive the same support as that offered to startups that have entered the French Tech 120 and Next40 rankings.
French Tech Green20: over 200 applications reviewed
In all, for the last edition, nearly 200 applications were examined by a jury of qualified personalities. The main criteria were their environmental impact, and their ability to develop rapidly and on a large scale. Among them were Marc Simoncini, CEO of Angell Bike, Daphni Partner; Christel Heydemann, CEO of Schneider Electric France; Marie Mawad, journalist at Sifted and Pierre-François Thaler, Co-CEO EcoVadis.
Among the 2021 winners is startup Lhyfe, which has developed a unique production process to ensure the availability of decarbonized hydrogen at a competitive price for the mobility and industrial sectors. Then there's Lactips, which has designed the only 100% bio-sourced and biodegradable plastic-free polymer, a real alternative to today's packaging. Greenly, a free application that tracks the carbon footprint of individuals and businesses, was also selected.
The results show that half of the selected companies are based outside the Paris region, and 25% are founded by women. The startups represent 7 different regions, testifying to the territorial dynamism throughout France. These companies now have to prove their ability to combine ecology and economic development to join the select circle of unlisted Tech companies with a valuation in excess of one billion dollars.