HEC Paris Startup Launchpad: Program highlights
A new cohort of the HEC Paris Startup Launchpad kicked off on January 19, 2026. This year, the program supports 38 startup projects across a wide range of sectors, including Banking & Finance, Education & Training, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Construction, and Consulting & Business Services, to name just a few.
These projects are led by 118 participants from various HEC Paris programs, including the MSc X‑HEC Entrepreneurs, the MSc Data Science & AI for Business, the Master in Sustainability & Social Innovation, and the Digital Innovation & Acceleration major. This edition also welcomes students from partner institutions: NYU Stern, Université Paris‑Saclay, and ESA Business School.
Running from January to April, the HEC Paris Startup Launchpad is an intensive, hands‑on entrepreneurship program designed to help aspiring student entrepreneurs turn their ideas into real startups. From the kick‑off to the learning expedition in London and the high‑energy Demo Day, the program offers one of Europe’s leading entrepreneurship training experiences for students.
And now that a new cohort has begun, it’s the perfect moment to look back at the 2025 edition to see what this new group of students can expect in the months ahead.
The HEC Paris Startup Launchpad fundamental strength lies in its ability to blend academic excellence with practical execution, offering an unparalleled environment for budding entrepreneurs. It prepares students to launch successful startups, but also to support them in driving both impactful and meaningful change in the world.
Kick off with the Vibrant Welcome Day
The program officially begins in January with a dynamic Welcome Day at HEC Paris campus, marking the commencement of the 11-week long journey.
On this day, students are introduced to the overarching goals and vision of the program by Guillaume le Dieu de Ville, founder of Lingueo and executive director of the program. They also meet the core team, the cohort patron, and engage in team-building sessions to foster collaboration. Alumni also take the stage, offering honest feedback and valuable insights to help newcomers navigate the road ahead.
In 2025, for the very first time, the program has integrated two refugee entrepreneurs through the HEC Imagine Launchpad initiative, to foster inclusivity and impact within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Intensive Design Sprint
A pivotal component of the Startup Launchpad is the Design Sprint, which embodies the essence of rapid innovation and practical learning. Scheduled in early February, this sprint is an immersive experience where student teams refine their startup concepts. During the five-day sprint, participants dive deep into understanding problems, defining value propositions, sketching solutions, choosing a final concept, and creating a prototype. This concentrated effort culminates in a presentation, serving as a preparatory stage for pitching to real investors.
In the 2026 edition, the design sprint is scheduled to take place from February 9 to 13, 2026.
London Learning Expedition & Grand Pitch Night
Next on the journey is the London Learning Expedition (LEX), a significant milestone aimed at broadening the participants' horizons. In March, students travel to London, an opportunity to engage directly with the British vibrant startup ecosystem. Participants attend workshops, network with entrepreneurs, and gain insights into international market trends. To wrap up the journey, all participants come together at the iconic Curzon Soho Theatre for the Grand Pitch Night, where five standout teams pitch their ventures live on stage. In front of a packed audience and an expert jury, two teams are honored for their bold ideas and great execution. The experience fosters a global perspective, critical for startups aiming to scale internationally.
Add to the agenda that the London Learning Expedition 2026 is scheduled to take place from March 23 to 26, 2026, with the Grand Pitch Night at the Curzon Theatre on the evening of Wednesday the 25th!
Demo Day at Station F
The program reaches its zenith with the Demo Day, a defining moment for participants when they present their startups to a prestigious jury. Beyond showcasing innovation, this event provides entrepreneurs with an opportunity for investment and recognition. Only the top-tier projects, refined through rigorous mentorship and iteration, earn the chance to pitch at the Demo Day. Winners receive extended incubation opportunities at the Incubateur HEC Paris, gaining access to resources and networks, essential for growth.
Demo Day 2026, April 3rd: Save the date for our traditional pitch competition that brings the program to a brilliant close!
Key Figures
Since its launch in 2016, the HEC Paris Startup Launchpad has delivered measurable impact through concrete entrepreneurial outcomes.
- More than 1000 entrepreneur students
- More than 500 projects supported
- 40 different industries covered
- More than 140 startups from Launchpad are still active
- More than 20 successful exits
The program helped some successful startups to emerge, such as Revolty, Simio, Veeton, Bluco and Solteo.
What’s next? A true launchpad to success
Post-Demo Day, the journey continues for many startups, as they are now part of the HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute ecosystem. The program acts as a true launchpad with several teams joining leading incubators such as Incubateur HEC Paris, Station F, and Y Combinator - specifically designed to provide startups with critical resources, expert guidance and networking opportunities helping them nurture their growth.
Beyond support and mentorship, the HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute ecosystem offers numerous high-visibility platforms for startup founders to gain recognition and connections:
- VivaTech Showcase: Startups earn opportunities to pitch and exhibit at Viva Technology, Europe's premier startups and tech rendez-vous, gaining global exposure to investors, corporate partners, and media.
- Paris-Saclay Spring: A privileged event bringing together the entire Paris-Saclay ecosystem at the HEC Paris campus to celebrate innovation and discover pitches from HEC-supported ventures.
- International Demo tours: Organized trips to global tech hubs including London, Berlin, and Silicon Valley, where startups pitch to international VCs and potential partners.
Corporate Innovation challenges: Startups earn opportunities to collaborate with major corporations seeking innovative solutions through HEC Paris corporate accelerators, often leading to pilot programs and commercial partnerships (TotalEnergiesON, L’Oréal Beauty Tech Atelier, Meta AI Startup…)
The ecosystem is both a launchpad and a true catalyst for startups: Through the HEC Paris Startup Launchpad program, we’ve had the privilege to support standout ventures like Veeton, Revolty, Simio, Solteo, Bluco, Redesk… and many more on their journey from idea to impact.
About HEC Paris Startup Launchpad
HEC Paris Startup Launchpad stands as one of the leading accelerators for student entrepreneurs, empowering you to create and launch your own startup in just 11 weeks. The program offers a unique format that combines a 'learning by doing' approach with an exceptional community of experts in the startup ecosystem. Leverage their expertise to validate the early stages of your project and skyrocket your startup!
About HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute
The institute supports entrepreneurs from all walks of life. Through our Incubation & Acceleration, Deeptech, and Social Entrepreneurship centers, we assist students with innovative ideas, budding startups, rapidly scaling SMEs, transforming large enterprises, and social or environmental entrepreneurs to grow efficiently and with impact. Here, the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem of HEC Paris comes together to help you Make it Happen, Make it Big.