Facebook has announced its first start-up incubator will be in Paris, as part of the groundbreaking £219m campus Station F.
The plan, which will be known as Startup Garage, was announced at the TechCrunch Disrupt conference in London, in December – although not by Facebook.
Further details of the arrangement have been revealed by the social network’s COO Sheryl Sandberg, who said there will be 80 desks and space for 10-15 independent “data-driven” start-ups over a six-month period.
The first of these will be given access to “experienced” Facebook employees through workshops on design and user experience, marketing, and technical support.
Sandberg said: “France is home to some of the most innovative technology companies in the world.
“We’re excited to support a new generation of French start-ups with enormous potential to grow the economy and create jobs.”
Facebook will not take equity in the business it chooses to support, which are being invited to apply via the Startup Garage Facebook page.
Station F is due to be the largest start-up campus in the world when it opens in April, and the social network described its contribution as a “multi-million euro commitment over a number of years”.
Funded by French telecoms billionaire Xavier Niel, the development inside a former train will house over 1,000 small businesses.
Costing €195 a month, it will also contain a restaurant and bar, among other facilities.
Station F director Roxanne Varza said: “We are thrilled that Facebook chose Station F to house its very first on-site start-up initiative worldwide.
“We see this as a true partnership, which will provide the whole campus with access to Facebook’s teams and expertise.
“Facebook’s story continues to inspire entrepreneurs from around the world and the company is truly a great model for the thousands of young start-ups that will be working at Station F.”