FAEA 2026 Opens Applications for the 17th Edition, Spotlighting the Next Generation of French Entrepreneurs Scaling in the US.

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NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 18, 2026--

The French American Entrepreneurship Award (FAEA) has opened applications for its 17th edition, continuing its mission to support and elevate French-led startups building in, or expanding into, the US.

Founded in 2008, the FAEA was created to help French entrepreneurs navigate the scale, complexity, and opportunity of the US. Over nearly two decades, it has become a recognized platform for founders seeking visibility, credibility, and access to the Franco-American business community in New York and beyond.

Each year, the FAEA identifies and celebrates promising French entrepreneurs whose companies demonstrate strong potential in the US. Finalists benefit from exposure to corporate leaders, media, and strategic partners, while gaining access to a powerful ecosystem designed to accelerate growth.

“The FAEA is about much more than a competition,” said Sylvain Ardiet, Co-President of the FAEA. “It is a launchpad for French entrepreneurs who want to grow in the US, connect with the right partners, and become part of a vibrant Franco-American business community.”

The 2025 edition recognized three standout ventures - Olyzon, Enlaye, and Optimalex - reflecting the breadth and ambition of French innovation in the US.

The 2026 edition will culminate on June 2, 2026, with an award ceremony hosted at the Consulate General of France in New York, highlighting the enduring strength of economic ties between France and the US. Tickets for the ceremony are available at faea-us.com.

The FAEA is organized by Club 600 with the support of leading French and Franco-American business and economic organizations in the US, creating a unique ecosystem to help French entrepreneurs succeed: Business France, the Consulate General of France in New York, FACC New York, FrenchFounders, French Morning, La French Tech New York, L’Alliance New York, the North American Committee of French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCE), and She the Movement. Together, these organizations provide founders with the visibility, expertise, and connections needed to navigate the US and accelerate growth.

The FAEA’s success is made possible through the generous support of its sponsors:

• Platinum Sponsor: Jade Fiducial
• Gold Sponsors: Corporate Suites, FrenchFounders
• Silver Sponsors: Air France, Comexposium, Pressario, Pitco Foods, Saint James, Transmark Partners
• Ceremony Sponsors: Angelina Paris USA, Dolce Brooklyn, Extend, Loop Seven, LR Paris,

How to Apply

• US-based startups led by French entrepreneurs, as well as French startups expanding into the US, are invited to apply at faea-us.com.
• Applications opened on March 3 and must be submitted by May 1, 2026.
• Selected finalists will be invited to present during a private pitch session in NYC on May 31, 2026.
• Winners will be announced on June 2, 2026, during the awards ceremony at the Consulate General of France in New York.

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CONTACT: Press Contact – Pressario US

Hortense Gregoire

[email protected]

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SOURCE: French American Entrepreneurship Award (FAEA)

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PUB: 03/18/2026 08:00 AM/DISC: 03/18/2026 08:00 AM

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