Innovation Support Program

The French government has implemented an innovation support program composed of several organizations that each have different conditions for funding R&D projects. This French program functions in parallel with that of the European Commission.

Each French organization has determined its own eligibility criteria for funding and project selection, as well as the means of cooperation with Lyonbiopôle.

For an overview of the innovation support program and various forms of funding,  : download the diagram - PDF 140 Ko

The Enterprise Competitiveness Fund (FCE) – managed by the Ministry of Industry’s Directorate General for Enterprise (DGE)

The FCE can be used for collaborative innovative industrial R&D projects (involving at least 2 firms and 1 laboratory) that can be commercialized within 5 years following the end of the work.

- Eligibility criteria for funding and project selection PDF - 20 Ko

• Lyonbiopôle accreditation is taken into account for project selection
• Assistance in compiling application files
• Participation in interviews with project initiators
• Short-listing of detailed application files
• Development of funding agreements and finalization of the project

- Funding provided

Subsidy of 30% of the eligible amount for firms (45% for SMBs) and 100% of the marginal costs for research organizations.

Nation Research Agency (ANR)

The ANR finances fundamental research projects, either with or without public/private partnerships, initiated by a laboratory or a company in collaboration with a laboratory, involving a quantum leap technology that is destined to be commercialized in the long term.

- Eligibility criteria for funding and project selection PDF - 20 Ko

- Means of cooperation with Lyonbiopôle

• A project accredited by the cluster and selected by the ANR in one of its calls for projects can be given additional funding by the ANR
• Lyonbiopôle provides a letter of accreditation to the project coordinator, who must then send it in within two months after the call for projects has closed
• The ANR supports the accreditation process by providing annual funding to the association to help cover its operating expenses.

- Funding provided

Subsidies of up to 50% for firms and 100% of the marginal costs for research organizations.

Industrial Innovation Agency (AII)

The AII is involved in industrial innovation projects undertaken by large firms that exceed these firms’ typical R&D expenditure, in order to help them achieve a global dimension.

The AII has two main aims: creation of highly skilled jobs and exports.

- Eligibility criteria for funding and project selection PDF- 20 Ko

- Means of cooperation with Lyonbiopôle

An agreement with the French State in order to give special attention to projects accredited by the cluster.

- Funding provided

Reimbursable advances and subsidies.

OSEO - Innovation

OSEO-Innovation (Previously Anvar) is involved in innovation projects undertaken by SMBs, which may or may not include collaboration with laboratories, as part of their industrial development and growth.

- Eligibility criteria for funding and project selection PDF- 20 Ko

- Means of cooperation with Lyonbiopôle

• Cluster accreditation is taken into account in allocating funding and determining the amount allocated.
• Collaborative work in setting up projects and providing assistance to SMBs.

- Funding provided

Reimbursable advances at 0% interest, with sharing of the technical and commercial risk, and funding of up to 50% of the internal and external expenses.

Local authorities: Greater Lyon, the Rhône-Alpes Region, Grenoble-Alpes Métropole, and the Rhône and Isère General Councils

Local authorities participate in funding projects and take into consideration Lyonbiopôle’s areas of research in existing programs such as:

- Regional research Cluster 10 (infectious diseases, immunology and cancer), NanoBio, Canceropôle LRA (virally-induced cancers)

- The Oseo-Anvar / Rhône-Alpes Region partnership in support of innovation

- The technical platforms of Rhône-Alpes Génopole and the Institute of Analytical Sciences

- Arteb (economic intelligence and databases)

- BioVision (a program focused on infectious diseases)

- Training programs

Upcoming projects to be funded:

- Multidisciplinary collective projects: the Infectious Disease Center, training

- Occasionally, core R&D projects: strengthening of R&D potential, creation of value and jobs

Setup/relocation projects for R&D facilities and personnel within the cluster’s geographical area.

The Finance Commission: its role and composition

A Finance Commission has been established.

It meets at least twice a year, with Lyonbiopôle representatives in attendance.

Composition:

• Ministry of Industry (DGE), ANR, AII
• Prefecture, DRIRE, DRRT
• Local authorities: Regional Council, Rhône and Isère General Councils, Greater Lyon and Grenoble Alpes Métropole
• OSEO-anvar and CDC.

Role: to enable better coordination of the cluster’s requests for project funding from the various potential public funding sources.

The commission requires:

- Presentation of the all projects to all of the stakeholders at one meeting

- Preparation of an initial project presenting one or more suitable funding procedures.