UNIgreen Innovation Challenge: Final in Paris

Innovation Challenge Students at SupBiotech - September 2025

The SURES (Start-Ups for Research) Programme promotes entrepreneurship and supports the creation of innovative start-ups in the fields of Sustainable Agriculture, Green Biotechnology, Environmental and Life Sciences. It does so through the establishment of start-up incubators within each of the 8 JRC Research Units.

In essence, the SURES Programme connects UNIgreen JRCs with support offices to engage students at different stages and guide them toward entrepreneurship.

JRCs identify advanced projects aligned with their strategic priorities and provide access to expertise, knowledge, and technological facilities necessary for start-up development.

The UNIgreen SURES Innovation Challenge is organised across UNIgreen HEIs, inviting students and recent graduates to turn bold ideas into impactful solutions.

The Challenges focus on innovative projects in key areas such as:

biotechnology
sustainable agriculture
environmental and life sciences
food technology
biodiversity
agroecology

Designed to foster creativity and entrepreneurship, the Challenge supports participants in developing their ideas, testing new approaches, and contributing to the green transition. It offers a unique opportunity for both academic and professional growth while working on solutions that address real-world challenges.

The initiative also brings together participants from across the UNIgreen Alliance, encouraging international collaboration, interdisciplinary teamwork, and knowledge exchange. In doing so, it helps build a strong and connected community of young innovators.

Projects can be submitted at an early stage, even at the idea level, no prototype or market-ready solution is required. What matters most is a clear innovative approach, a solid scientific or technical foundation, and a vision for future development.

Local competitions at each partner university select finalists, who then compete in the UNIgreen Innovation Challenge Grand Final, held at SupBiotech in Paris on 26-30 October 2026

Hotel Information

Event Registration

Erasmus BIP Information

Innovation Challenge: Event Programme

Day 1 - 26 October 2026

Icebreaker & Networking Games

02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
📍 Location: SupBiotech Amphitheater, Building C

Kick off the afternoon with an engaging student-led icebreaker session designed to help participants connect, collaborate, and build new friendships. Through a variety of interactive games and team activities, students will have the opportunity to get to know one another in a fun and welcoming environment, fostering a strong sense of community from the very start of the programme.

Innovation Pitch Practice Sessions & Mock Jury

04:00 PM - 05:30 PM
📍 Location: SupBiotech Amphitheater, Building C

Prepare for the Innovation Challenge by participating in dedicated pitch practice sessions. Students will have the opportunity to refine their ideas, strengthen their presentation skills, and receive valuable feedback from a practice jury. This session is designed to help participants improve their communication, confidence, and ability to effectively present innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

Day 2 - 27 October 2026

Climate Fresk Workshop

09:00 AM - 12:30 PM
📍Location: Room C101, Building C

Join the Climate Fresk, an interactive workshop designed to help participants better understand the causes and consequences of climate change through a collaborative and engaging approach. This globally recognized educational tool promotes awareness and encourages collective action toward a more sustainable future.

SupBiotech's Campus in Villejuif

Lunch Break

12:30 PM - 01:15 PM

📍 Location: Cafeteria, Building B

Enjoy lunch and networking with fellow Innovation Challenge Participants.

International Incubator Visit - Genopole

1:30 PM - 06:00 PM

Visit Genopole, France's leading biocluster dedicated to biotechnology and life sciences innovation. Discover its international incubator, meet key stakeholders in the biotech ecosystem, and learn more about entrepreneurship, research, and innovation in the field of biotechnology.

📍 Location: Genopole, Évry-Courcouronnes, France

This visit offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Europe's most dynamic hubs for biotech startups and research-driven innovation

Day 3 - 28 October 2026

Round Table: Innovation

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Room C101, Building C

Join experts, researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators for an engaging round-table discussion on innovation. This interactive session will explore emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in technology, sustainability, biotechnology, and entrepreneurship, while encouraging dialogue and knowledge sharing among participants.

Entomophagy Workshop with Les Minuscules

12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
📍 Location: Room C101, Building C

Discover the fascinating world of entomophagy, the practice of consuming insects as a sustainable food source. Led by Les Minuscules, this interactive workshop will explore the environmental, nutritional, and cultural dimensions of insect-based food, offering participants a unique perspective on the future of sustainable nutrition. Participants may also have the opportunity to engage in tastings and discussions throughout the session.

Lunch Break

01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

📍 Location: Room CO4A, Building C

Innovation Pitch Competition

2:00 PM - 04:30 PM

📍 Location: Room C101

Students will present their innovative ideas and solutions before a jury and fellow participants. This exciting session highlights creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial thinking, providing an opportunity for students to showcase the projects they have developed throughout the programme while receiving valuable feedback from experts and peers.

Keynote Speaker Session

04:30 PM - 05:30 PM
📍 Location: Room C101

Gain insights from UNIgreen's keynote guest speaker, Quentin Sannié.

Quentin Sannié is a French entrepreneur, co-founder and former CEO of Devialet, which he led from 2007 to 2018 and helped establish as a global leader in audio innovation.

He then founded Genesis, a pioneering company in the scientific measurement of soil health. By combining field analysis, data and technology, Genesis helps companies better understand the condition of the soils on which their activities depend, measure changes over time and manage their transition towards more resilient models.

Genesis has now joined SGS Group, the world leader in testing, inspection and certification, with the ambition of becoming its global platform dedicated to soil health and the measurement of impact on nature. Quentin is married and has four sons.

Welcome Cocktail

05:45 PM
📍 Location: Hall C

Conclude the day with a welcome cocktail and networking reception. This informal gathering offers participants, speakers, UNIgreen staff, and JIC guests the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Day 4 - 29 October 2026

Student Innovation Poster Presentations

Morning Session 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

📍 Location: 100s Hallway Building C

Participating students will visit the campus and discover the innovative projects developed by students throughout the programme. Students will present their ideas, research, and solutions through dedicated workshops and presentations, fostering exchange, inspiration, and collaboration between participants and french students.

Innovation Pitch Competition

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

📍 Location: Room C101

Students will deliver their final innovation pitches, presenting creative and sustainable solutions developed during the programme. This session celebrates teamwork, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking while providing participants with the opportunity to showcase their work to peers, experts, and invited guests.

Lunch Break

01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

📍 Location: Room CO4A, Building C

Innovation Pitch Competition

02:00 PM - 05:00 PM

📍 Location: Room C101

Official Dinner in Paris

07:30 PM

📍 Location: Bateaux à Roue, Port de Javel Haut, 75015 Paris

Enjoy a memorable evening in the heart of Paris during the programme's official dinner. This special event offers participants, staff, and guests the opportunity to connect in a relaxed and friendly setting while celebrating the achievements and experiences shared throughout the Innovation Challenge.

Day 5 - 30 October 2026

Reflection and Presentation Session

09:30 AM - 11:00 AM
📍 Location: SupBiotech Amphitheather - C Building

Participants will come together to reflect on their experience throughout the programme. Through guided discussions and group exchanges, students will share key learnings, challenges, achievements, and memorable moments, helping to identify valuable insights and future opportunities for growth.

Wrap-Up & Conclusions

11:30 AM - 01:00 PM
📍Location: SupBiotech Amphitheather - C Building

Join the final plenary session bringing together students, coordinators, and members of the Joint International Center (JIC). Participants will reflect on the programme's outcomes, share key takeaways, and discuss future opportunities for collaboration within the UNIgreen community and beyond.