For three days, from January 5 to 7, 2022, and following a completely virtual event in 2021, Las Vegas, the American city of entertainment and slot machines, will once once more welcome tech players from around the world and the general public. on the occasion of the 54th edition of the Consumer Electronic Show (CES). Initially focused on the latest electronics products – televisions, telephones, augmented reality headsets… – this show has gradually evolved into other products. Robotics, connected objects, cybersecurity, health have their place there.
In addition to large groups, some 130 start-ups have therefore chosen to take their tickets for Las Vegas, embarked under the French Tech brand and each carrying their regional flag: Auvergne – Rhône-Alpes, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Île-de-France … Fewer than in 2020 (they were 170), no doubt because of the health uncertainties linked to Covid-19, they nevertheless represent “the first international delegation following the United States”, confirms Eric Morand, the director of the tech department and services at Business France, the international development agency for French companies. “Being there is important to see each other, to meet people,” he insists.
Award-winning innovations
They all have the same goal: to gain visibility and market their solution. “We go to CES to reach everyone, including French customers that we cannot meet in France”, emphasizes Éric Morand. It helps them get the hang of it thanks to specific support: creating a buzz before and during the show, removing its 8 m² stand from the crowd and above all, protecting its innovation.
So much advice that Business France provides to twenty-four companies of its selection, such as Lify Air, the first preventive solution for people suffering from allergies to pollen. Alongside it, many other companies have invested in the health and wellness sector. The environment is also popular. Naïo Technologies’ wine robot and Cearitis organic solution to protect olive trees will even leave with an innovation prize in their luggage.
A spotlight that the French ecosystem can rejoice in, which, according to Éric Morand, “is increasingly popular abroad with a growing share of international investors”. And it is not this symbolic milestone crossed by the 10 billion euros of funds raised in 2021 that will contradict him.
