Polytechnique Ventures is a Paris-based investment fund created in 2021 by the alumni of École Polytechnique to strengthen the school’s entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. The fund was born from the alumni community’s commitment to supporting the growth of high-potential startups emerging from the institution’s incubator and research programs. It serves as a professional financing tool dedicated to accelerating innovation and reinforcing the international visibility of the École Polytechnique ecosystem.
Polytechnique Ventures invests in early-stage deep-tech startups that originate from or are closely tied to École Polytechnique. Eligible companies must be founded by alumni, incubated within the school’s X-Up or X-Tech programs, or spun out from one of its 23 research laboratories.
The fund prioritizes projects that demonstrate unique technological innovation, strong founding teams, and measurable societal impact. Its portfolio spans key areas such as deep tech, cleantech, life sciences, and advanced industrial technologies.
Launched with an initial €20 million, Polytechnique Ventures is targeting a total fund size between €30 million and €40 million. The fund focuses on pre-seed and seed investments, with initial cheque sizes averaging €250,000 to €500,000, and follow-on capacity of up to €2.5 million per company.
Operating in co-investment with other institutional and private investors, Polytechnique Ventures aims to catalyze early financing for research-driven startups emerging from the school’s ecosystem.
The fund’s first two disclosed investments were in Néolithe, which recycles industrial and non-recyclable waste into mineral aggregates for the construction sector, and Okomera, a precision oncology company developing prognosis tools for personalized cancer medicine.
Leadership
Polytechnique Ventures is advised by Polytechnique Ventures SAS, chaired by Denis Lucquin, Partner and former President of Sofinnova Partners, one of Europe’s leading life sciences venture firms. The fund is managed by Equitis Gestion, with governance aligned closely to École Polytechnique’s entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives. The alumni-driven advisory network brings together experienced entrepreneurs, industrial leaders, and researchers committed to mentoring and financing the next generation of technology founders.
Investment Strategy
The firm follows a co-investment model that leverages the combined expertise of the École Polytechnique alumni community, the school’s incubator network, and external venture partners. Its strategy emphasizes deep-tech innovation with high industrial and societal impact, particularly in sectors that can reshape energy, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and advanced materials. The fund aims to transform early scientific research into commercially viable startups and strengthen France’s and Europe’s leadership in science-based entrepreneurship.
Notable Investments
Polytechnique Ventures’ first portfolio companies include Néolithe, which converts industrial waste into usable construction aggregates, and Okomera, a healthtech company developing cancer prognosis and treatment optimization tools. These early investments reflect the fund’s focus on sustainability and deep-tech applications rooted in research excellence.
Notable Exits
As the fund was launched in 2021, there are no public exits yet, though several of its portfolio companies are advancing toward commercialization and global partnerships.
Other
Polytechnique Ventures operates at the intersection of academia, industry, and finance, providing not only capital but also mentorship and access to the extensive École Polytechnique alumni network. The fund’s model is aligned with the school’s broader mission of cultivating innovation with societal purpose.
