The SHINJU call for projects selects start-ups with a positive environmental impact, aiming to maximise environmental benefits in the fields of food, agriculture, forestry and biotechnology. Selected start-ups receive seed funding in the form of a subordinated loan of up to €50,000.
In practice
In partnership with AgroParisTech, the SHINJU call for projects:
- focuses on early-stage companies (pre-seed & seed) with strong impact ambitions in the fields of food, agriculture, forestry and biotechnology.
- provides 3 to 4 start-ups (in France and Belgium) with seed funding in the form of a subordinated loan of up to €50,000.
- gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to refine their projects based on constructive feedback from a jury of experts from a range of sectors.
- provides visibility and access to an extensive network of impact-focused organisations and individuals.
A subordinated loan is a form of financing in which the lender takes on the highest level of risk, as they are the last to be repaid. Banks consider this type of loan as quasi-equity, which can help them provide additional financing. This type of funding allows founders to focus on developing their project without having to worry from the outset about equity dilution.
The loan is interest-free for the first 18 months. From the 19th month and for a period of four years, an annual interest rate applies, based on the 12-month average interbank rate, reviewed annually, plus 4%. From the 67th month onwards, this additional rate increases from 4% to 9%. Interest is paid annually.
For start-ups that achieve significant success, a solidarity-based mechanism provides for an additional philanthropic contribution.
Why this call for projects?
Launched in 2022 by the Foundation for Future Generations in partnership with AgroParisTech (France), the Shinju call for projects is supported by the Shinju Fund.
Created in 2022 by Jérome Partos within the Foundation for Future Generations, the Shinju Fund aims to foster the emergence of innovative and exemplary entrepreneurial solutions in the life sciences, demonstrating strong potential for positive environmental impact through a 360° approach to sustainability challenges.
The support:
- Comes at a key stage in the entrepreneur’s journey: the launch phase of their start-up (pre-seed & seed stage).
- Provides crucial leverage to convince other investors of the project’s potential positive environmental impact and the team’s ability to deliver.
“Shinju’s support marks a key milestone in our development: it will enable us to strengthen our product from a technical perspective, structure our marketing strategy and increase our visibility. With this support, we can lay the foundations for a scalable model, professionalise our commercial approach and accelerate the roll-out of our dispensers in companies.”
Thibaut Sonnet
Co-founder of KIWO, Shinju 2025 laureate
The stages
1. Launch of the call for projects
Submission of written applications.
2. Pre-selection of projects based on written applications
A jury of experts, including impact investors, entrepreneurs and professionals, reviews the applications and pre-selects the projects to be presented to the jury.
3. Pitch to the jury and selection of projects
The pitch is delivered to an independent jury of inspiring experts in sustainable entrepreneurship. Each year, the jury selects 3 to 4 start-ups.
Future Generations Summit
The Foundation’s laureates are showcased at the must-attend event for impact projects and start-ups, organised by the Foundation for Future Generations at the end of each year.
Previous editions
- Laureates of the latest edition
- Jury of the latest edition
- Partners of the previous edition