Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange France and sponsor of the program, is driven by a clear conviction: diversity is a strength, and tech cannot be sustainable without active contributions from women. In 2025, the program enters its eighth season at a time when the entrepreneurial climate can be challenging, yet is also fueled by fresh optimism.
The goal?
To highlight innovations developed by women.
A true growth accelerator, Women Entrepreneurs helps business founders move to the next stage of their development. Unlike a traditional incubator, the program targets companies already launched, who have found their first customers and are looking to scale. The support lasts one year and is entirely free and personalized.
Since 2018, Orange has supported more than 700 women founders throughout France, including the overseas territories (La Réunion, Mayotte, Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana).
For this new edition, Orange has revisited the program to put greater emphasis on commercial growth and development strategy.
The program is built around four major levers to accelerate scaling
- Market access: business opportunities and commercial connections through the Orange network.
- Tech access: support on technological challenges and access to Orange experts.
- Capital access: fundraising preparation and identification of financing opportunities.
- International access: openings to foreign markets through Orange’s network.
Support is fully tailored — in concrete terms, more than 250 Orange employees volunteer each year to advise founders on strategy, financing, business plans and more. Masterclasses help entrepreneurs step back, refine their vision and anticipate their next phase of growth. The program also offers visibility: participation in events, networking opportunities and access to regional and international networks. When the time comes time to find customers or investors, Orange teams help structure the approach and open doors. The result: founders who are better equipped, more visible and prepared for what’s next.
- Follower Products (critical infrastructure security)
Solution deployed across Orange networks. - Igonogo (predictive AI)
Supported by Orange Business to accelerate internationally before raising €4M in Series A. - EX9 (supply chain) Automated logistics using autonomous tractors. Raised €2M in July 2025 and collaborates with Orange Lab on 5G applications.
- Open Sezam (cybersecurity and inclusion) Software publisher offering authentication solutions, including for people with disabilities. Partner of Orange Cyberdefense.
Orange is now searching for the 100 women entrepreneurs who will join the 8th cohort!
The key dates:
- Applications: November 3 to December 31, 2025 (midnight)
- Selection panels: January 2026
- Program start: February 2026
- Program end: November 2026
Who can apply?
The program is open to founders or co-founders who are majority shareholders of a startup in its development phase. The solution must place digital technology at the core of the product or service.
A key criterion: alignment with Orange’s values, especially ESG commitments (environmental, social, governance) and contributions to a safer, more inclusive digital world.
Regional juries will assess each founder’s vision, the relevance and maturity of the project and its growth potential.
Are you a founder ready to accelerate your business and join a community of passionate experts?
Apply now for the 8th edition of the Women Entrepreneurs program! For more information, follow the Women Entrepreneurs page on LinkedIn
