Innovation is steering the future of mobility, and Paris is once again at the heart of it.

The Automobile Club de France together with the Automobile & Mobility Club of ESSEC Alumni have officially launched the 9th edition of the Grand Prix ACF AutoTech, a free and independent startup competition that celebrates innovators transforming the automotive and mobility ecosystem.

A Growing Network of Partners and Supporters

This year, the competition welcomes AVP Capital, an international investment fund managing over €2.5 billion, joining eight existing partner funds.

BPI France / La French Fab has also come on board and, alongside the French Automotive Platform (PFA), will introduce a new Industrialization Award, recognizing the achievements of a former finalist since 2018.

Leadership and Esteemed Jury

Founded and coordinated by Richard de Cabrol, the competition operates under the high patronage of Yann de Pontbriand, President of the Automobile Club de France, and Thierry Peugeot, President of the ESSEC Automobile & Mobility Club.

A distinguished jury, including industry veterans from automotive and finance sectors as well as past award-winning startup founders, evaluates the competing startups.

A Track Record of Success

Since its inception in 2018, the Grand Prix ACF AutoTech has selected 46 finalist startups, which together have raised over €650 million, with only a single venture not succeeding.

This track record highlights the competition’s ability to spot and nurture promising innovation.

Three Awards Driving Innovation

The competition features three main awards to recognize excellence at different stages of development:

Grand Prix ACF – for startups at a mature stage of development.
ACF Pioneer Award – for early-stage startups (Seed stage).
GPACF GreenTech Mention – for the finalist whose product best addresses environmental challenges.

Comprehensive Support for Winners and Finalists

Winning the Grand Prix ACF AutoTech means more than a trophy.

Recipients gain visibility, personalized financial and legal support, and strategic coaching.

Finalists also receive privileged access to investors, industry decision-makers, and business opportunities that help accelerate growth and international expansion.

Tailored Application Reviews

Applicants can choose which partners review their submission, including names like Crédit Agricole Personal Finance & Mobility, Forvia, OPmobility, FIDAL, MOTUL, and Renault Group, among a total of 33 partners, including 9 investment funds.

This flexibility allows startups to connect with the partners most aligned with their mission, regardless of the competition’s final results.

Mark Your Calendars for 2026

The key dates for the Grand Prix ACF AutoTech 2026 are:

November 28, 2025 (11:59 p.m.) – Application deadline
January 8, 2026 – Announcement of semi-finalists
February 10, 2026 – Announcement of finalists
April 15, 2026 – Live final and awards ceremony at the Automobile Club de France