There were nine winners in 2024 (out of 90 applications received!) and already two in 2025: these Montpellier start-ups, ready to revolutionize Global Health, were put in the spotlight on January 30 at the Cap Alpha incubator (in Clapiers) as part of the Boost Invest program.
Linked with the MedVallée initiative (director: Michaël Chekroun), this certificate identifies and supports startups in search of funding. It also reveals the importance of the local talent pool of innovative young companies in the fields of health, food, and the environment.
Boost Invest provides “a decisive guarantee for investors and bankers in terms of credibility and reputation, in a market that has become very difficult and competitive,” explains Stéphanie Gottlib-Zeh, MedVallée ambassador.
€30 million in funding
The nine promising companies assisted in 2024 are seeking to raise a total of €30 million:
- NBX Therapeutics: development of a bacterial drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
- Nervosave Therapeutics: (gene therapy) planning to set up a gene and cell therapy center in Montpellier with CILCare and Sensorion.
- Regenlife: neuro-intestinal stimulation technology for treating Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions. A round of funding for €10 million is planned for the spring of 2025 to “prepare the launch of a clinical trial and expansion into the United States,” says Guillaume Blivet, Innovation Director.
- Stentup: endovascular treatment for cerebral aneurysms.
- Greenphage: precision antibacterial solutions to fight against antibiotic resistance. The target is to raise €2 million, notably to finance a bacteriophage factory. “Boost Invest made it possible for us to move faster in raising funds, and to attract the interest of several partners,” points out engineer Pascal Peny.
- AI Stroke: using AI to detect strokes. “Joining Boost Invest was essential for us to gain more visibility and successfully raise the funds we are targeting for 2025,” explains CEO Cédric Javault.
- E-Ethylène: producing green Ethylene from industrial CO2 emissions. “We are looking to raise €2 million to get closer to target industries and recruit talent to overcome technological barriers,” says engineer Robin Gueret.
- Novagray a blood test to assess patients’ tolerance to radiotherapy and to personalize treatment. “We are the only company to offer this blood test. We need more exposure to promote the test,” explains Audrey Salvador, Sales Director.
- Aporepair: cardioprotective therapies. “Being a laureate of this program brings additional credibility, which will make it easier for us to raise €2.5 million,” highlights CEO Stéphanie Barrère-Lemaire.
Neurinnov and Load Stations, first laureates for 2025
Two rising stars have already been selected in 2025: Neurinnov, which is developing an implantable device that enables quadriplegic patients to regain hand grip; and Load Stations, whose electric mobility management solution promotes respect for the environment.
“Participating in Boost Invest acknowledges our technology to investors and the outside world,” says Nicolas Serandour, executive director.
Selected companies are evaluated by a committee of scientific, financial, and entrepreneurial experts. The process helps startups secure financing ranging from €100,000 to €15 million.
“Competition is global and we need to be visible,” concludes Michaël Delafosse, Mayor of Montpellier and President of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole.
