France launches Worldwide Innovation Challenge

The French government has launched the Worldwide Innovation Challenge open to both French and foreign companies whose projects are of great interest to the French economy and present a strong potential for growth.
Through the Public Investment Bank (B.P.I.), the state is investing 300 mln euros to co-finance innovative projects within seven sectors constituting the pillars of the future development of France: energy storage; recycling of metals; development of marine resources; plant proteins and plant chemistry; personalised medicine; the silver economy – innovation in the service of longevity; Big Data.
The first selection stage, during which a hundred projects will be selected, opened on December 2 and will be subject to interim deadlines on January 30, 2014 and on March 31, 2014. The selection process is quick (up to 6 weeks) and is based on a hearing for projects that have met the eligibility criteria.
Further information is available from the French embassy in Nicosia http://www.ambafrance-cy.org/