The Gerondeau – Safran award, created to honour Jean-Louis Gerondeau (X 1962), aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship at École Polytechnique. It supports the development of innovative projects by teams within the École Polytechnique and Institut Polytechnique de Paris ecosystems. This award aligns with Polytechnique’s strategy to promote business creation, particularly in high-tech sectors. Projects are judged on their innovation, economic potential, and viability in forming a company. The total prize of €30,000 is shared between the two winning projects.

For Eric Dalbiès, Safran’s EVP, Strategy and Chief Technology Officer: “Safran is a loyal supporter of this award as we believe that startups have a role to play in fostering innovation.  We are happy to discover these dynamic startups and to support the two winners as they address technological and strategic challenges in a wide range of sectors such as health and materials decarbonisation. We are delighted to encourage them with this Jean-Louis Gerondeau – Safran award.”

Greyn: Revolutionising concrete production with AI and sustainability

Addressing the critical challenge of reducing CO2 emissions and conserving resources in the construction industry, Damien Beaudou (École Centrale de Nantes - Master X-HEC Entrepreneurs) launched Greyn. This project aims to optimise the concrete delivery cycle using AI and data analysis, monitoring the process from production at the plant to its application at the construction site.

“Today, nearly 7% of all concrete produced is unusable because its state of consistency does not allow the material to be used properly. To combat this waste, we have developed an innovative technology that combines a hardware sensor with a machine learning algorithm,” explains Damien Beaudou.

This sensor, designed to be retrofitted to mixer trucks, continuously monitors the concrete's consistency from production to placement. It allows for real-time adjustments to be made, ensuring the concrete is usable upon delivery. Greyn’s technology has the potential to reduce resource usage in French concrete production by 6%, resulting in annual savings of over €220 million for the industry.

"I'm delighted to win the Gerondeau – Safran award and to have my project validated by a panel of experts. The financial prize that goes with it will enable me to take the next steps in developing a physical prototype of the sensor and filing patents. While the first funds are the most difficult to obtain, this prize is a real boost for Greyn", says Damien Beaudou.

INEN Robotics: Pioneering endoscopic robotics to advance gastrointestinal cancer treatment

Philippe Bencteux, a radiologist and entrepreneur, along with engineer Constantin Krempp (X2014), have founded INEN Robotics with a mission to enhance the treatment of early-stage gastrointestinal cancers through robotic-assisted endoluminal procedures.

“Colorectal, gastric and esophageal cancers are among the most common and deadliest, but if detected early, they can be successfully treated using minimally invasive surgery. To facilitate those complex operations and support gastroenterologists, we are making the most of the research carried out at a world-renowned centre for medical robotics in Strasbourg (ICube Laboratory) by developing a robotic platform that interfaces with an endoscope equipped with two instruments: forceps and an electrosurgical knife.” explains Constantin Kremp.

To support gastroenterologists in these complex operations, INEN Robotics leverages research from the prestigious ICube Laboratory in Strasbourg. The team is developing a robotic platform that interfaces with an endoscope, equipped with forceps and an electrosurgical knife. This innovative technology aims to optimise the tools available to doctors, making treatments more effective, reducing the risk of complications, and lowering the overall cost of cancer care.

"We are very honoured to receive this award, which recognises the academic work carried out by centres of scientific excellence. As we work on developing new prototypes, this award encourages us and is a first step on the long road that will take this technology to the patient's bed", concludes Constantin Krempp.