⚠ Summarised by AI based on an external source. Last updated: 1 May 2026. Starthubs is not liable for any inaccuracies. Always consult the official challenge information.
Applications are open for the 2026/27 cohort of Creative Destruction Lab — Paris (CDL-Paris), a non-profit accelerator run in partnership with HEC Paris for seed-stage science-based startups with massive scale ambitions. The programme charges no fees and takes no equity, and is funded entirely through philanthropy. Founders pitch their ventures to a hand-picked group of exited entrepreneurs, scientists and angel investors who set 8-week objectives across five focus streams: Climate, Space, AI, Next Gen Computing, and Carbon Removal.
What is CDL-Paris looking for?
CDL-Paris targets ambitious deep tech founders building businesses around emerging technologies in five streams:
- Climate — mobility, renewables, foodtech, agritech, circular economy, new materials
- Space — satellite communications, earth observation, planetary exploration, space logistics
- AI — process automation, drug discovery, machine learning operations, NLP, cybersecurity
- Next Gen Computing — quantum, neuromorphic, edge and high-performance computing
- Carbon Removal — carbon sequestration, biochar, BECCS, CCS, mineralisation
Founders go through quarterly objective-setting sessions with mentors who challenge their strategy, sharpen execution and open doors to capital. The programme runs over 9 months in an online format. Full details on streams and selection are on the official CDL website.
Who is this for?
The programme is open to seed-stage science- or technology-based ventures from anywhere in the world, including Dutch startups. CDL is looking for founders working on disruptive deep tech with the potential to scale globally — whether the venture is a recent spin-out from research, an early-stage startup raising its first capital, or a technical team transitioning from lab to market. There is no formal revenue or stage cap, but the focus is firmly on pre-Series A companies that can benefit from intensive mentorship and an objectives-driven framework.
What's in it for you?
- Focused mentorship from accomplished entrepreneurs, scientists and investors over 9 months
- Personalised 8-week objectives to sharpen strategy and accelerate execution
- Access to CDL's global network of founders, funders and researchers across 16 locations in 10 countries
- Embedded support from 30 HEC Paris MBA students working on financial models, market analysis and scaling strategy
- Pathways to raise capital from North American and European investors
- Visibility within a programme that has helped graduate over 1,700 ventures generating CAD $60B+ in equity value
- No fees, no equity taken — fully funded through philanthropy