Bpifrance 2025 Diagnostic Design: Complete Guide & Funding for SMEs/Startups

In a world where innovation and user experience play a key role in the success of a product or service, design holds a strategic position. To meet the needs of SMEs, mid-sized companies, and startups seeking performance and continuous improvement, Bpifrance offers the Design Diagnostic program, a structured and co-funded initiative to support companies in evaluating and optimizing the design of their products or services.

At Selego, a startup studio specializing in rapid MVP development and innovative solutions, this diagnostic perfectly integrates with our expertise to support companies through all phases of their growth. In this article, we explore how Bpifrance's Design Diagnostic works and how Selego can enhance its impact.
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What is Bpifrance's Design Diagnostic?

The Design Diagnostic is a program for innovative or industrial companies, aimed at improving the impact of their products or services design on users and, where possible, on the environment. This program takes place in two key phases and includes partial funding from Bpifrance, subject to certain conditions.

Design Diagnostic Objectives:

1. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the product or service design.

2. Propose improvement or creation axes based on usage scenarios, market trends, and sustainable development goals.

Eligibility Criteria:

The program is available to companies registered in France or in DROM-COM, meeting the following thresholds:

• Startups: Created less than 8 years ago, revenue < €10M, and workforce < 250 people.

• SMEs: Workforce < 250 people, revenue < €50M, or total balance sheet < €43M.

• Mid-sized companies: Workforce < 2,000 people.

Excluded are companies in financial difficulty, individual or real estate civil companies, and those whose capital structures do not meet autonomy criteria.

The Two-Phase Process

1. Understanding and Analysis:

This phase consists of an in-depth analytical evaluation of the company's products or services, including:

• Company and Market Analysis:

  • Competition study.

  • Target persona definition.

  • Distribution channel analysis.

  • Research on new uses and consumption trends.

  • Environmental impact assessment (materials, lifecycle, etc.).

• Design Diagnostic:

  • Identification of product/service strengths and weaknesses.

  • Brand and range consistency.

  • Eco-design opportunities.

2. Recommendations:

Based on the conclusions from the first phase, the design consulting expert proposes:

• Improvement axes based on usage scenarios.

• Strategic intentions for future design.

• Recommendations to reduce environmental impact.

• A methodology and monitoring schedule.

Terms and Funding

Duration and Cost:

• Service: 3 days of service, for a maximum cost of €3,000 excluding tax.

• Product: 4 days of service, for a maximum cost of €4,000 excluding tax.

Bpifrance covers 50% of the total cost, subject to application approval. Travel expenses are not included.

Deliverables:

• Final report submitted to the company and Bpifrance, containing diagnostics and recommendations.

• Delivered within 10 days following the service, completed within 3 months after request approval.

Selego's Expertise: A Complement to Design Diagnostic

As a startup studio, Selego supports companies in developing MVPs, digital platforms, and custom solutions. Here's how we collaborate with Bpifrance's Design Diagnostic to maximize the impact of this initiative:

1. Strategic Support: We help companies formulate their needs and prepare their Design Diagnostic applications, considering Bpifrance's requirements.

2. Operational Follow-up: Once the diagnostic is completed, Selego intervenes to implement design recommendations through agile methodologies and an expert network.

3. Eco-design Integration: In alignment with sustainable development trends, we offer innovative solutions to minimize environmental impact throughout the product or service lifecycle.

To learn more or initiate your Design Diagnostic process with Selego, contact us today!