Pre-maturation and maturation funding

Pre-maturation

Pre-maturation funding enables the transition from a research-based idea to a technological proof of concept. 

 

The initial funding phase of a technology transfer project is essential for completing research with a more applied focus, validating a proof of concept, protecting or strengthening an intellectual property asset, and identifying one or more potential applications. Funding typically ranges from €50,000 to €150,000 over 12 to 18 months.

How can you support the different stages of your technology development?

There are tools for measuring technological maturity. The best-known are the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale and, for the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS), the Societal Readiness Level (SRL) scale. The pre-maturation stage generally falls between TRL/SRL 2 and 4. 

Some projects may benefit from one or more pre-maturation funding rounds, the funding terms of which are described below. Upon completion of these stages, a project may also receive maturation funding. The maturation stage falls between TRL/SRL 4 and 6. 

Below, you will find details on the funding programs dedicated to the technological development of high-potential emerging projects. 

Get funding for the early stages of your technology development through pre-maturation funding and for the subsequent stages through maturation funding. 

Funding the pre-maturation phase of your transfer project

You can fund the early stages of the technological development of your transfer project through the various funding programs available within the PSL Innovation Cluster ecosystem, or through other funding sources such as the European Commission's ERC Proof of Concept program. 

For each type of funding, you can contact your lab's "correspondant valorisation", a liaison who can guide you to relevant technology transfer office or Research Suppport Division to learn about eligibility requirements.

In addition to this funding, project leaders receive support under each funding program from a dedicated project manager who helps them develop their transfer strategy, whether through the creation of a startup or an industrial technology transfer.

Below you will find all the pre-maturation calls for proposals available within the PSL Innovation Hub and at the European level:

 

Available co-funding sources

► Stratégies Nationales d'Accélération (SNA)

The Stratégies Nationales d'Accélération (SNA) within France 2030 provide additional resources to support and co-finance pre-maturation and maturation projects that have been selected for funding. The goal is to accelerate the development of innovative technologies and solutions in areas covered by the SNA. 
To access this funding, contact the technology transfer organization that funded your pre-maturation project.
 

► Bourse FrenchTech Lab

Launched by Bpifrance, the Bourse French Tech Lab is a grant that strengthens the entrepreneurial and business skills of the founding team behind an innovative technology project originating from public research. The goal is for the project team to take ownership of all the entrepreneurial and business aspects of the project, rather than delegating them to external service providers. This will prepare them for the future creation of a startup under the best possible conditions. 
To access this funding, contact the technology transfer organization that funded your pre-maturation project. 

Would you like more details?

Feel free to watch this video from the PSL Innovation Hub webinar series. It provides a more detailed explanation of the pre-maturation funding opportunities available through the PSL Innovation Hub. 

You will also find examples of funded projects. 



 

Discover the stories of researchers who received pre-maturation funding

Michaël Tatoulian

Functionalization of heavy molecules in medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry 

PSL Valorisation Pre-maturation 

Lydéric Bocquet

Easily deployable, cost-effective, and more sustainable desalination solutions to preserve water resources

PSL Valorisation Pre-maturation 

Charlotte Hauser



Tools for detecting language disorders in sign languages, enabling healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat deaf patients

PSL Valorisation Pre-maturation

Raphaël Rodriguez



A new class of molecules targeting cancer cells that are resistant to conventional treatments

CNRS Pre-maturation

Maturation

The maturation of an innovation project is defined as the process by which it reaches the level of maturity necessary for transfer to the socioeconomic sphere. This transfer takes the form of a licensing agreement for an intellectual property asset or secret know-how with an existing company, or the creation of a startup. 
PSL Valorisation offers a continuum of funding to support research projects as they move toward the market, structured around two key stages: pre-maturation (presented above) and maturation. 

What does maturation funding from PSL Valorisation involve?
PSL Valorisation's maturation funding is intended for research projects originating from laboratories at Université PSL that have completed the pre-maturation stage and demonstrate significant socioeconomic potential. It covers TRL level 4 to 6, corresponding to the phases of technology consolidation and validation in preparation for industrial transfer or the creation of a startup. 

Who can apply?
Any project led by a research team affiliated with a Université PSL laboratory and consisting of at least one permanent member is eligible. All disciplines are eligible, from engineering sciences to the Humanities and Social Sciences. At the time of application, the project leader must have a formal affiliation with a PSL laboratory. 

How can you apply?
Applications are submitted through PSL Valorisation, which supports project leaders throughout the process. Each project is evaluated by three independent experts and then by a selection committee based on scientific quality, innovation, socioeconomic impact, and feasibility criteria. 

For any questions or to submit a project, you can contact PSL Valorisation at: psl.valo@psl.eu