Innovation on Display: Highlights from the French Tech Day
What do you get when you pack 2,000 tech enthusiasts into the Palais de la Bourse? A spicy cocktail of innovation, ambition, and a lot of hope for a better tomorrow—it’s like a tech-savvy church service, without the strict dress code or the fear of eternal damnation! This Thursday was all about celebrating 20 remarkable start-ups in the impact economy that are tackling issues in health, pollution, mobility, and finance.
This shindig, also known as French Tech Day, featured some serious star power with thirty speakers, all eager to address the destiny of technology and its role in societal growth. If only they had a time machine, right? And let’s not forget the nine promising start-ups that pitched their revolutionary ideas to a sea of eager onlookers. The anticipation was palpable. Future Shark Tank moments right here in Nouvelle-Aquitaine!
Meet the Game Changers
Let’s dive into the shining stars of this tech gala:
- Apha Biomat (La Rochelle): Revolutionary medical devices made from organic porcine dermis. Yes, you read that right—no more silicone nonsense!
- bYoRNA (Bègles): This is like the superhero of health tech, working on messenger RNA production using yeast. Move over viruses—it’s game time!
- Cosmoya (Canéjan): Sunscreen without synthetic chemicals—finally, a product I can use without feeling like a chemistry experiment!
- Screen&You (Bordeaux): Cancer screening at the speed of light, or at least, in the comfort of your workplace.
- Ecometric (Limoges): Sensors for measuring water pollution. Great, now I can stop wondering about that funky taste in my water!
- Gimmic Design (Bordeaux): Eco-responsible furniture made from recycled materials! Who knew being sustainable could look so good?
- GoCap (Hinx): Creating the mosquitoes’ worst nightmare with their Mostiglass product—because who has time for creepy crawlies?
- Green Gen Technologies (Bergerac): Bottles and containers made from renewable materials, making sustainability chic.
- The hectare (Castres-Gironde): Invest in eco-friendly agricultural practices. Finally, a way to put my money where my mouth is—literally!
- Invest Together (Angoulême): Renovating homes for those in need. Makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, doesn’t it?
- Louise (Bordeaux): Bringing doctors and pharmaceutical players together to crack the code on infertility.
- Lynxter (Bayonne): Tailored 3D printers for medical devices, providing bespoke health solutions.
- Maloric (Le Bouscat): Kite wings for vessels—perfect for when being a mariner just isn’t enough adventure!
- Marie Curry (Bordeaux): Cooking up social innovation and promoting culinary heritage—a recipe for success!
- Members (Saint-Michel): Bridging the gap between bikes and electric vans to reduce emissions—because riding a bike is just too straightforward.
- Mo.del (Le Haillan): The Viti-Tunnel! Sounds like a tent but actually covers vines when the weather plays dirty.
- Moon (Bordeaux): Electrifying Africa and solarizing New Aquitaine, one sunny day at a time.
- Feel Social (Bordeaux): Everyday purchases that actually help those in need. Because why not do good while shopping?
- Starfish Bioscience (Bordeaux): Fertilizing soil with a patented process that sounds like it belongs in a sci-fi movie.
- Vasco (Bordeaux): Making home renovations affordable—now that’s a dream come true for many!
And let’s not skip the awards ceremony where Moon received the Coup de cœur prize and Invest Together bagged the Regenerative prize. If only they had an award for the best hair—Ricky would definitely take that!
Impact Economy: The Future is Now
What these start-ups showcase is that innovation doesn’t always have to wear a white lab coat or come from Silicon Valley. Sometimes it can sprout right in our backyards, proving that we can tackle big societal and environmental issues with a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of entrepreneurial spirit. Who knew the future could feel this good?
So, as we applaud these brave souls taking on the world, let’s remember that behind every start-up is a group of people with a vision. Perhaps one day, you’ll be pitching your own genius idea alongside them. Until then, keep your eyes peeled and those thinking caps on. Who knows? The next tech revolution might just be around the corner. Or perhaps it’s already in your kitchen, waiting to be whipped into shape!
In a jubilant ceremony held at the Palais de la Bourse this Thursday afternoon, a total of twenty winners were celebrated in front of an enthusiastic audience of 2,000 attendees, showcasing the vibrant spirit of innovation. Credit: GR
The accomplished start-ups, all integral to the impact economy, were honored for their remarkable journeys and ambitious visions. Ranging across diverse sectors including technology, health, pollution control, mobility, and finance, each company had the opportunity to present their transformative projects to a captivated crowd.
The French Tech Day event gathered a dynamic crowd of 2,000 people, alongside thirty industry speakers who engaged in meaningful discussions about the pressing issues within the tech sector. Furthermore, nine promising start-ups took the stage to pitch their innovative projects. During this significant gathering focused on technology and digital advancement, the highly anticipated 2024 selection of the Impact NA20 was unveiled. This program, backed by seven French Tech ecosystems in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, shines a spotlight on twenty pioneering start-ups that are redefining the relationship between economic growth, job creation, and impactful societal and environmental contributions in the region. The ecosystem is counting on these innovators to serve as catalysts for change, fostering a spirit of entrepreneurial ambition.
Apha Biomat (La Rochelle) is revolutionizing the medical device industry with the innovative design of resorbable surgical instruments for digestive and breast surgeries. Utilizing organic porcine dermis and a 100% natural biopolymer, the company’s products effectively eliminate the need for silicone, addressing both medical efficacy and patient well-being.
bYoRNA (Bègles, 33) is leading the charge in medical innovation through the groundbreaking production of messenger RNA using yeast technologies. With aspirations to thwart viral and bacterial infections, bYoRNA offers potential treatments for diseases such as cancer and other rare ailments, positioning itself as a frontrunner in the biotech space.
Cosmoya (Canéjan, 33) is devoted to environmental sustainability by developing advanced formulas for sunscreen that significantly reduce the reliance on synthetic chemical filters, promoting healthier options for consumers and the planet.
Screen&You (Bordeaux) presents a pioneering cancer screening solution aimed at individuals and organizations. Their user-friendly, personalized digital platform guides users through a preventive care journey, enhanced by interactive workshops that foster a culture of health and awareness within companies.
Ecometric (Limoges) is making strides in environmental monitoring with its cutting-edge sensors for detecting water pollution. Targeted at community use, Ecometric not only measures contamination but also provides thorough data analysis to aid in formulating effective environmental policies.
Gimmic Design (Bordeaux) is at the forefront of eco-responsibility, designing and crafting returnable furniture that utilizes recycled and sustainable materials. Their commitment to responsible production helps mitigate waste while providing stylish, functional design.
GoCap (Hinx, 40) has developed Mostiglass, an innovative glazing solution designed to protect indoor spaces from mosquitoes while enhancing thermal comfort. This airy, transparent insect screen cools ambient air by several degrees and is wholly manufactured in Hinx, Landes, underscoring local production values.
Green Gen Technologies (Bergerac, 24) focuses on creating eco-friendly containers such as bottles and gourds crafted from renewable plant fibers. Their products, which are fully recyclable and made with biosourced resin, cater to the wine, spirits, and food sectors as well as cosmetic industries, promoting sustainable packaging solutions.
The hectare (Castres-Gironde, 33) supports sustainable agriculture by enabling individuals to invest directly in eco-responsible farming practices. People can invest as little as 500 euros in agricultural land, choosing both the land and specific farmers they wish to support with their investments.
Invest Together (Angoulême) specializes in the ecological renovation of urban housing in mid-sized towns across Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The organization aims to provide affordable rentals to individuals facing economic difficulties, including intermittent workers, students, and others in transition. Their efforts span five cities, encompassing a total of 22 renovated buildings.
Louise (Bordeaux) innovates in the medical field by developing collaborative software that aids healthcare professionals in gaining deeper insights into infertility treatment, enhancing the patient care experience.
Lynxter (Bayonne) is empowering healthcare and industrial sectors by providing 3D printing technology for custom medical devices, including orthoses and prostheses, tailored to individual patient needs.
Maloric (Le Bouscat, 33) is pushing boundaries in marine technology with the deployment of a versatile kite wing that can be integrated seamlessly into various types of vessels, enhancing their propulsion and performance.
Marie Curry (Bordeaux) is championing social innovation with a mission to celebrate and preserve culinary heritage, fostering community connections through the art of cooking.
Members (Saint-Michel, 16) is filling a critical gap in urban transport by developing intermediate vehicles that are lighter and more economical than traditional delivery vans. These vehicles significantly reduce CO2 emissions, making them an eco-friendlier alternative.
Mo.del (Le Haillan, 33) has created the Viti-Tunnel, an automated system designed to protect vineyards by covering them during inclement weather, thereby safeguarding crops from the detrimental effects of rain and extreme conditions.
Moon (Bordeaux, 33) is spearheading electrification initiatives across Africa while simultaneously promoting solarization and self-consumption options for individuals in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, driving sustainability and energy independence.
Feel Social (Bordeaux, 33) transforms everyday purchases into a force for good, where every item bought yields a donation to support disadvantaged individuals, working in partnership with organizations like Secours Populaire to drive social change.
Starfish Bioscience (Bordeaux) is utilizing its patented technology to enhance soil fertility by isolating beneficial bacteria, which it then reintegrates into the soil as a microbial biostimulant, thereby promoting healthier agricultural practices.
Vasco (Bordeaux) is revolutionizing the funding landscape for home renovations by allowing individuals to finance their projects without incurring debt, tapping into their real estate assets in exchange for a stake in the property.
Moon also received the prestigious Coup de cœur prize, while Investir Ensemble was honored with the Regenerative prize, celebrating their impactful contributions to the industry.
How does the Viti-Tunnel protect vineyards from adverse weather conditions?
Ichael) is tackling urban transportation challenges by creating a hybrid model that combines traditional bicycles with electric vans, aiming to reduce emissions and promote eco-friendly commuting options.
Mo.del (Le Haillan) has introduced the Viti-Tunnel, a protective solution for vineyards that safeguards grapes against the elements, ensuring quality harvests regardless of weather conditions.
Moon (Bordeaux) is on a mission to electrify parts of Africa and enhance solar energy usage in New Aquitaine, making strides toward a sustainable energy future.
Feel Social (Bordeaux) is pioneering a shopping experience that supports charitable causes, allowing consumers to make a difference with their everyday purchases.
Starfish Bioscience (Bordeaux) is revolutionizing soil treatment with a patented fertilization process designed to improve soil health, supporting sustainable agriculture practices.
Vasco (Bordeaux) is dedicated to making home renovations more accessible by offering affordable solutions that enable homeowners to improve their living spaces without breaking the bank.
Looking Ahead
These start-ups are not just businesses; they embody a movement towards a more sustainable and socially responsible future. By emphasizing innovation in health, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, they are setting a standard for what the business landscape can—and should—look like. As we move forward, it’s crucial to support these pioneers and their groundbreaking work. Who knows? One day, their ideas might inspire your next big venture.
So, join the conversation, explore, and embrace the entrepreneurial spirit that is alive and thriving in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The future is not just about technology; it’s about creating a positive impact through collaboration, creativity, and care for our planet. Let’s champion these innovators and cultivate an ecosystem that values both profit and purpose!
