The University Innovation Pole (PUI) Valiotech and the University of La Réunion have joined the national Starthèse program, led by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space.
This affiliation allows the region to launch Starthèse Réunion, a challenge dedicated to doctoral students and young researchers (those who have defended their thesis less than five years ago) who want to enhance their research by envisioning innovative solutions to social, environmental, economic, or cultural issues. This initiative highlights the growing emphasis on translating academic research into real-world applications, a key driver of regional economic development.
– Training Young Researchers in Entrepreneurship –
As part of the challenge, participants will benefit from an entrepreneurship training program organized by PUI Valiotech. The goal is to enable them to transform their scientific expertise into projects with high potential for commercialization.
Doctoral students and young researchers will receive support to:
– develop an entrepreneurial mindset;
– identify innovation opportunities based on their research;
– become familiar with the fundamentals of project creation (business model, intellectual property, funding);
– strengthen their communication and pitching skills.
– Regional Final on September 3, 2026 –
Following the program, ten projects will be selected to participate in a public final evening held on September 3, 2026, at the University of La Réunion.
Candidates will present their projects to a jury comprised of actors from the socio-economic world, innovation, entrepreneurship, and research.
Three projects will be awarded prizes, and the public will also award a Public Prize.
One of the winners will represent La Réunion in the national selection of the Starthèse program.
– A Rapidly Growing National Program –
Launched in 2023, the Starthèse Challenge is experiencing rapid growth: 31 territorial entities are affiliated in 2026, compared to 8 at its creation.
Since 2024, it has already mobilized:
– 785 young researchers, including 40% women;
– 439 projects stemming from the latest scientific advances;
– 44 national laureates.
The projects presented cover numerous fields – health, digital technology, ecological transition, space, or cultural industries – and more than 70% focus on disruptive technological, process, or service innovations. The program’s expansion demonstrates a growing commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the French academic community.
