Paris

Home to many global luxury brands, perhaps a lesser-known fact about Paris is its bustling start-up scene

Building upon what Paris is often associated with - its chic fashion and top-notch cuisines – start-ups in Paris are known for reinventing retail through technology and coming up with the latest food technology innovations. Beyond these industries, Paris is also home to four of the largest banks in the world, making it the desirable place for entrepreneurs to develop fintech solutions. Additionally, Paris is known to be a pioneer in driving the switch to electric and shared mobility solutions. The combination of strong governmental backup and financial capability allows Paris to put forth more efforts in the sustainability sector.

At NOC Paris, you will get the chance to intern at a fast-growing start-up. Here, you will be able to immerse yourself in a culture of excellence and solve real-world problems alongside creative souls.

Our partner university, PSL (Université Paris), is a world-class research university that strives to provide talented students and researchers across the globe with resources to achieve their full potential in service of scientific, technological, economic and societal progress. Besides, with various international partnerships, PSL offers their students with ample global exposure to various fields of study and networks.

Find out more about Paris Ecosystem from these videos:

Video Credits: Choose Paris Region

Video Credits: PSL Innovation Fund

Video Credits: Paris Startups Ecosystem

NUS News:
NUS President Prof Tan Eng Chye conferred Knight of the French Order of the Legion of Honour

Read more about Paris startup scene:
How Paris is Squaring Up to the US Tech Scene
2022 Guide To Paris Startup Scene: Events, Accelerators and VCs
Paris’ startup ecosystem at a glance
Paris region start-up scene

Find out about students’ experiences:
https://www.instagram.com/noc.paris/

Alumni Voices

Harshni Priya _Paris Jul23
Harshni Priya

NOC Paris Alumna | Jul 2023 Intake
College of Design and Engineering | Electrical Engineering

My time at NOC Paris was an incredible and unforgettable experience. Those 6 months were packed with interning at a startup in the heart of Paris, attending entrepreneurial events, and learning at PSL Université, all of which gave me valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship. I also had the chance to explore different parts of France, which deepened my interest in French culture and language. The city’s vibrant energy, charm, and innovation broadened my perspective, and I’m definitely planning to return to explore even more!

Cornelius Lee

NOC Paris Alumnus | Jul 2023 Intake
College of Humanities and Sciences | Life Sciences

NOC Paris gave me an unforgettable and eye opening experience. This experience ultimately shape my decision to pursue my studies overseas.

Xie Niyun_Paris Jul23
Xie Niyun

NOC Paris Alumna | Jul 2023 Intake
College of Humanities and Sciences | Data Science and Economics

NOC Paris was truly a life-changing experience. During my time in Paris, I worked at Station F, the world's largest startup campus. I attended the most exciting events and fireside chats by top tech companies (Stripe, Mistral AI, Snapchat etc.) and connected with many individuals from diverse backgrounds who all shared the same passion to make a difference. Furthermore, the opportunity to work directly with my CEO stretched me intellectually and allowed me to learn a ton, both hard skills and soft skills. Most importantly, I met a bunch of other fellow cute humans in NOC Paris and learnt cooking from my lovely housemates!

Chia Ann Yao Eugene_Paris Jan23
Chia Ann Yao Eugene

NOC Paris Alumnus | Jan 2023 Intake
School of Computing | Computer Science

The NOC Paris programme was an eye opening and life changing experience. The programme was an excellent balance of guidance and exploration. We were given free-reign over our own learning, experiences and adventures. I learnt much about the startup ecosystem, culture, ideologies and practices of Paris.

As a MLOps engineer working at EvidenceB, I documented and deployed our ML features. I also built pipelines to ensure that our AI/ML features were behaving appropriately.

Coming back from the programme, I continued working together with EvidenceB and has since moved on to a Business Development role, building up the company's presence in Singapore. With much guidance, patience and support from my founders, I have managed to make much headway.

Since my return a year, we have consistently received interns. Expanding and continuing our partnership with the NOC programme.

There's no other programme like this.

Jeremy Chan Tse Ee_Paris Jan23
Jeremy Chan Tse Ee

NOC Paris Alumnus | Jan 2023 Intake
School of Computing | Business Analytics

When I applied for NOC Paris, I had no idea the journey that would be in store for me. That simple decision not only immersed me in the heart of European entrepreneurship but also introduced me to a rich cultural tapestry that deeply influenced my personal growth.
The entrepreneurial spirit in Paris is not just confined to startups; it’s woven into the very fabric of everyday life. During my time in Paris, I was inspired by the innovative strategies of local merchants—whether it was selling hotdog sausages on cold days near the Eiffel Tower or offering Paris-themed umbrellas during a surprise downpour. These small yet powerful examples taught me that entrepreneurship is about being resourceful, adaptable, and deeply connected to the needs of your customers. The Parisian approach to business showed me that slowing down and appreciating the nuances of life doesn’t hinder progress; in fact, it enhances creativity and innovation.
Paris also taught me the art of balance—something that is often overshadowed by the relentless pace of life in Asia. In Paris, I learned that taking time to enjoy a meal, savoring the moment, and truly being present can actually fuel your entrepreneurial drive. It’s in these moments of stillness that new ideas are born, and the mind finds the clarity it needs to solve complex problems.
Beyond the professional sphere, living in Paris brought out aspects of myself that I hadn’t fully explored before. I learned to appreciate the slower pace of life, to find joy in the simple pleasures like sitting down for a meal without distractions or taking a walk through the city just to observe and absorb its vibrancy. The culture of appreciating art, fashion, and the beauty of everyday life influenced my own sense of self-expression. I discovered the joys of thrifting, a popular practice in Europe where people take pride in finding unique, affordable pieces that truly reflect their personalities.
Being in Paris also heightened my awareness of the world beyond my immediate surroundings through networking and various startup events. I became more perceptive of global issues and more reflective about my place in the world. Conversations with locals and fellow entrepreneurs made me realize how much there is to learn, and how small my problems seemed in comparison to the challenges faced by others around the globe.
My time in Paris wasn’t just about learning to thrive in a new environment; it was about growing as a person. I made mistakes—plenty of them—but each one was a lesson that shaped me into a more confident, self-assured individual. The independence I gained while managing my life in a foreign country gave me the freedom to explore new interests, develop new skills, and, most importantly, to embrace the uncertainty of the journey.
In the end, my NOC Paris experience wasn’t just a chapter in my entrepreneurial journey; it was a pivotal moment in my life that taught me to slow down, to appreciate the richness of different cultures, and to understand that true growth comes from embracing both the highs and lows of the journey. I returned to Singapore not only as a more innovative thinker but as someone who is more connected to the world around me, more aware of my own potential, and more determined to make a meaningful impact in my future career.
Why not embrace the beauty of life and learning in Paris? Sign up today!