Lorraine's Student Entrepreneurship Program Tops French Rankings for 10th Year
The Pôle entrepreneuriat étudiant de Lorraine maintains its top rank in France's student entrepreneurship network for the tenth year, with growing participation and innovative support strategies.
Key Points
- • Pôle entrepreneuriat étudiant de Lorraine ranked #1 in Pépite-France for 10 years.
- • In 2025, 676 student-entrepreneurs participated, an increase of 100.
- • The Peel diversifies its focus to include doctoral students and social sciences.
- • The program emphasizes individualized support for developing entrepreneurial ideas.
The Pôle entrepreneuriat étudiant de Lorraine (Peel) has been ranked number one in the Pépite-France network for the tenth consecutive year, showcasing a robust framework for student entrepreneurship in France. In 2025, the Peel saw a remarkable participation of 676 student-entrepreneurs—an increase of nearly 100 from the previous year, reflecting a surge in interest and engagement among students.
Professor Christophe Schmitt, head of the Peel, attributed this success to a solid culture of entrepreneurship and the diversification of its audience, including efforts to reach more doctoral and social science students. "We are not just selecting projects, but rather providing individualized support to help transition ideas from a 'gaseous state' to fully realized concepts," Schmitt explained.
The Peel has focused on effective communication strategies, particularly through word-of-mouth and social media outreach, to enhance awareness and participation. Schmitt’s collaborations with program leaders in fields such as history and psychology emphasize a broader inclusion of academic disciplines, positioning Lorraine as a leader in nurturing future economic actors critically necessary for innovation in France.
This vibrant entrepreneurial environment has allowed Lorraine to outpace rivals like Bordeaux Aquitaine and Aix Marseille, which currently lag significantly behind in case numbers. The Peel's emphasis on strategic engagement and dedicated support illustrates a progressive model for fostering student entrepreneurship in the region.