French Tech Pays Basque and ESS Sector Highlight Innovation with Social Responsibility

The French Tech Pays Basque continues to champion innovation deeply intertwined with social responsibility, focusing on four strategic areas: employment, ecological and social transitions, international outreach, and business development. The organization supports its members through various initiatives, including the annual innovation fair 'mon innovation, mon territoire,' held at Estia engineering school in Bidart. This event offers startups visibility through workshops and conferences and culminates in a pitch competition where the public votes on projects positively impacting society, the economy, or the environment. Winners from categories including businesses, associations, research labs, and young innovators receive a €2,000 prize to advance their initiatives. Additionally, 'green apéros' facilitate face-to-face networking among startup founders, fostering knowledge sharing and RSE expert engagement. Companies like Exofair, with its exoskeletons, and JuWin, offering foot-washing devices, exemplify the integration of impactful production.

Meanwhile, the Mois de l'ESS 2025 has brought attention to the social and solidarity economy sector with an event hosted on November 25 at the Musée Sainte-Croix in Poitiers. This gathering, supported by Grand Poitiers Community and CRESS Nouvelle Aquitaine, addressed critical issues such as economic scaling, sector transition, identity, and visibility within ESS. Notable speakers included Antoine DETOURNÉ of ESS France, Anne-Laure FEDERICI of RTES, and Hélène BANNIER, Vice-President of CRESS Nouvelle Aquitaine.

Together, these initiatives highlight France's ongoing commitment to embedding social responsibility and innovation within its tech and social economy ecosystems, strengthening both local impact and international outreach.