The ChangeNow summit hosted the unveiling of the 2026 promotion of the Impact 40/120 index. This ranking, led by the Impact Movement France, distinguishes companies capable of combining economic growth and ecological transition in the long term.
The 2026 edition of the Impact 40/120 index was revealed at the Grand Palais during the ChangeNow summit. This selection identifies the 120 most promising startups capable of transforming the French economy through their ecological and social utility on a large scale.
The current promotion shows strong health despite an uncertain economic climate. We see a total amount of 7.4 billion euros raised, averaging 65.3 million euros per structure. Energy sovereignty, responsible digitalization, and health dominate this ranking.
“Encouraging the development of impact startups is crucial to address the strategic challenges of energy transition, rational transition, resource scarcity, and social cohesion in our country,” emphasizes Digital Minister Anne Le Hénanff.
Occitania takes a significant part in the ranking, with nearly 40% of the winners being located outside of Paris. Occitania benefits from a particularly mature ecosystem.
In Toulouse, the startup Ilek has excelled in green energy since its inception. The company offers a model for supplying electricity and bio-methane gas that promotes short circuits. Transparency is the key for convincing new subscribers.
Montpellier also shines with the success of Sweep, co-founded by Rachel Delacour. The startup deploys its carbon data management platform for large accounts. This application provides advanced analytical tools for companies to precisely manage their transition.
The company Qair confirms its leadership in the renewable energy sector. “For 10 years, we have had impact companies that have been created and developed to bring innovations and new ways of producing, consuming, managing, and healing to the French economy,” explains Caroline Neyron, director of the Impact Movement France.
Criteria for selecting the winners are based on the concept of impact unicorns, developed in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group and ESSEC Business School. The jury examined non-financial performance indicators to validate projects like Synapse Medicine or Les Alchimistes.
“In a complex budgetary context, we are proud to highlight the crucial role played by impact startups in addressing the country’s major strategic challenges,” continues the Impact Movement France. “Our mission is to continue to prioritize these leaders among public and private decision-makers so that these startups become true European champions.”
