Attending French Tech Day 2024 in Bordeaux was undoubtedly one of the best days I’ve experienced since arriving in the city. The event, which took place at the historic Palais de la Bourse, was a gathering of over 2000 entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and tech enthusiasts from all over. It was a day filled with inspiration, fresh ideas, and powerful discussions on the role of technology in shaping the future.
A Platform for Ideas and Innovation
The French Tech Day is an annual event that serves as a platform for thought leaders, emerging startups, and established companies to come together and discuss the future of technology. This year’s event was particularly exciting as it showcased cutting-edge trends, including artificial intelligence, UX design, and corporate social responsibility. Speakers and panelists shared their expertise, experiences, and insights on how these trends are not only transforming industries but also influencing how companies approach product development, customer engagement, and societal impact.
The program was filled with engaging talks that were both thought-provoking and actionable. The event’s structure, which featured two parallel stages and 15-minute speaker sessions, ensured that every topic was addressed with precision and clarity. This format also allowed attendees to jump between stages and attend a diverse range of presentations covering everything from the future of AI to the importance of diversity in tech.
Key Themes and Highlights
One of the central themes of the event was the role of user experience (UX) design in shaping the digital products of tomorrow. In this context, Caroline Rosset, Head of Digital Projects and UX at Floa, delivered an insightful session on creating and scaling a UX Factory. Caroline discussed how organizations can build effective UX teams, integrate user-centered design principles into their development process, and ultimately create digital experiences that resonate with users. Her session emphasized the importance of putting the user at the core of product development to ensure that products are not only functional but also intuitive and engaging.
Caroline’s talk was a reminder of how UX design has evolved from being a niche focus to a critical part of the product development lifecycle. It’s no longer enough to create a product that works; it must be seamless, enjoyable, and meet the needs of its users. This shift has driven companies across industries to prioritize design thinking, user testing, and feedback loops in their development cycles.
Diversity in Design and Innovation
Another key theme explored during French Tech Day 2024 was the intersection of diversity and innovation. Malija Saifullah, Product Design Director at PayFit, delivered a powerful session titled “How Diversity Drives Innovation.” In her talk, Malija shared her personal journey in the tech industry, explaining how diversity in teams leads to more creative solutions, more inclusive products, and a more dynamic workplace culture. She argued that embracing diversity—whether in terms of gender, culture, or background—is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage for businesses looking to drive innovation.
Her talk resonated deeply, especially considering the current conversations around inclusivity in the tech industry. Malija highlighted how diverse teams bring different perspectives, which ultimately leads to better problem-solving and more thoughtful product design. This aligns with the growing recognition that diversity is key to driving innovation and that companies need to actively foster inclusive cultures to remain competitive in the fast-evolving tech landscape.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Innovation
Perhaps one of the most impactful presentations of the day came from Arnaud Labenne, CEO of Dotsafe, who discussed the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in driving innovation. Arnaud’s talk focused on how businesses can leverage their technical expertise to contribute to society, beyond their core business objectives. His company, Dotsafe, has been actively involved in the Sauvlife project, which aims to enhance emergency response times by using a mobile application to help people respond more effectively to cardiac arrest situations.
Arnaud’s presentation was a powerful reminder that businesses have the opportunity—and responsibility—to use their resources for social good. He demonstrated how corporate innovation can have a profound impact on society while also reinforcing a company’s reputation and brand image. By aligning business goals with social impact, companies can create value not only for shareholders but also for the communities they serve. Arnaud’s talk was a testament to the idea that innovation is not just about creating new products or services but also about creating solutions that address real-world problems.
Demo Day: Showcasing the Next Generation of Startups
A highlight of the day was the Demo Day, where nine promising startups showcased their innovative projects. The startups presented a wide range of solutions, from AI-powered tools to sustainable technologies and healthtech innovations. These startups, which were selected through partnerships with accelerator programs, were given the chance to pitch their ideas in front of an audience of investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts.
The Demo Day was a valuable opportunity for these early-stage companies to gain visibility, receive feedback, and potentially secure investment for their growth. It was also a chance for the audience to see firsthand the incredible talent and creativity emerging from Bordeaux and the surrounding region. For many, it was an inspiring reminder of the potential of startups to drive change and solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Networking and Collaboration: Building Future Partnerships
One of the most valuable aspects of French Tech Day 2024 was the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, potential partners, and investors. The event provided ample opportunities for attendees to connect in informal settings, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations. It was a reminder that in the world of technology and entrepreneurship, collaboration is key to success. The social aspect of the event, including the networking cocktails at the end of the day, allowed participants to unwind and discuss new possibilities in a relaxed environment.
Conclusion: A Day Full of Inspiration and Opportunity
Overall, French Tech Day 2024 was an inspiring and enriching event that showcased the power of innovation, diversity, and social responsibility in shaping the future of technology. The speakers’ insights, the Demo Day presentations, and the collaborative environment all contributed to a highly successful day. Bordeaux continues to establish itself as a thriving hub for tech innovation, and French Tech Day is a crucial event that brings together the best minds in the industry to drive the future of entrepreneurship and innovation.
The sessions on UX design and diversity in tech reminded us of the importance of inclusivity and user-centered approaches in building products that truly resonate with people. Arnaud Labenne’s presentation on corporate responsibility reinforced the idea that businesses should not only focus on profit but also strive to make a positive impact on society. All in all, French Tech Day 2024 was a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of tech and its ability to create a better future for everyone.