France Unveils €13 Billion Funding Plan to Boost European Tech Sovereignty

France has announced a major new investment initiative aimed at strengthening its technology sector and reducing Europe’s dependence on foreign innovation ecosystems.

The French Finance Ministry revealed that an additional €13 billion ($14.9 billion) has been mobilized from institutional investors under the third phase of the country’s Tibi initiative, a program designed to accelerate funding for French and European technology companies.

The announcement was made during the VivaTech technology conference in Paris, one of Europe’s largest events focused on startups, innovation, and digital transformation.

Funding Target Reaches €15 Billion by 2030

The third phase of the Tibi initiative aims to increase the total investment envelope to €15 billion by the end of 2030.

Since its launch in 2020, the program has already mobilized significant private capital, and the latest commitments bring the total funding secured under the initiative to nearly €31 billion.

French officials see the program as a critical tool for ensuring that promising technology companies can scale globally while maintaining their headquarters, talent, and strategic assets within France and Europe.

Deeptech Companies to Receive Major Support

A key focus of the new funding phase will be deeptech innovation.

According to the Finance Ministry, approximately 50% of all investments under the latest program will be directed toward deeptech companies, including businesses developing advanced technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, cybersecurity, aerospace, biotechnology, and next-generation communications.

French policymakers increasingly view these sectors as essential for long-term economic competitiveness and technological independence.

Major Institutions Join the Initiative

Several prominent French organizations have joined the latest funding round as new participants.

Among them are:

• Carac, the French mutual insurance group
• SNCF, France’s national railway operator
• RATP, the Paris public transport authority
• Naval Group, a leading defense and naval technology company
• MBDA, one of Europe’s largest missile system manufacturers
• Eutelsat, the satellite communications operator

The participation of major industrial and strategic organizations highlights the growing importance of technological sovereignty as a national and European priority.

Strengthening Europe’s Technology Ecosystem

French authorities say the initiative is not only designed to support startups but also to strengthen the broader European technology landscape.

One of the primary goals is to encourage more technology companies to pursue public listings in France and Europe rather than relocating to foreign markets. The funding will also help small and medium-sized technology firms access larger financing rounds needed to compete globally.

Unlike previous phases, the new program places greater emphasis on pan-European investment funds capable of supporting companies throughout their growth journey, from startup stage to large-scale international expansion.

Europe’s Response to Global Competition

The latest investment drive comes as governments across Europe seek to strengthen their position in strategic technologies amid increasing competition from the United States and China.

European leaders have repeatedly expressed concerns that many promising startups leave the region due to limited access to growth capital, often relocating to larger financial markets abroad.

By mobilizing billions of euros in private investment, France hopes to create a stronger ecosystem capable of retaining innovation, attracting talent, and building globally competitive technology champions.

As artificial intelligence, semiconductors, defense technology, and digital infrastructure become increasingly important to economic and national security strategies, the Tibi initiative is expected to play a central role in shaping France’s long-term technology ambitions.

Source: Reuters

Tags: France, Technology, Deeptech, Artificial Intelligence, European Union, Startups, Venture Capital, Tibi Initiative, Innovation, Reuters