In a world where innovation knows no borders, the vibrant creations from the Overseas Territories often illuminate our path towards a brighter future. The recent climax of the « Innovation Outre-mer » competition has shone a rather large-sized spotlight on the technological, environmental, and social breakthroughs sprouting from these regions. From transforming everyday experiences to pioneering groundbreaking solutions, these regions demonstrate that brilliance can emerge from the most unexpected corners of the globe.
The « Innovation Outre-mer » competition, which recently concluded at the iconic Station F in Paris, aims to shine a spotlight on groundbreaking technological, environmental, and social innovations from the Overseas Territories and Africa. Since 2015, the event has facilitated over 43 million euros of fundraising for hundreds of entrepreneurs, showcasing its resounding success. Ingrid Chaine, the event’s president, jubilantly noted the community’s growth and the abundance of innovative business ideas emerging each year.
Initially a one-night affair, the event has now expanded to include « IOM Days, » which stretch over five days to provide startups with immersive networking opportunities. Among this year’s distinguished innovators is Guadeloupean Manick Siar-Titeca, who triumphed in the « leisure, culture, and craft » category with her pioneering audio book publishing house « Une voix, une histoire. » The event empowered her to embrace a more decisive approach in the business world.
The inspiring participants, like the airline pilot Valérie Delépine, encourage budding entrepreneurs to be fearless and to chase their dreams despite obstacles. Notable winners for this edition are SmartBiotic for health, Atmos Innov with an honorary prize, Eco Green Animal in the « Green Gold » category, and the trailblazing « Une voix, Une Histoire » in the realm of leisure, culture, and arts. The competition truly underscores the innovative spirit flourishing within the Overseas Territories.
The spotlight on overseas innovation
In a world brimming with technological advances, the « Innovation Outre-mer » competition is an unbeatable event that casts a much-needed spotlight on emerging innovations. Originating from the vibrant landscapes of the Overseas Territories and Africa, this competition creates a stir more electric than a double espresso on a dreary Monday morning. With more than 43 million euros of funding raised and numerous entrepreneurs supported since its inception in 2015, it’s no wonder the event’s development leaves its president, Ingrid Chaine, chanting Hallelujah in the tech chapel.
The flourishing innovation ecosystem
The competition, as fruitful as a bowl of Caribbean mangos, has grown from a single night affair to five days of innovation immersion under the IOM Days banner. This expansion has provided a rich breeding ground for networking among startups, allowing them to swim in new opportunities. One cannot overlook the role of Manick Siar-Titeca, a Guadeloupean with a business spirit as invigorating as a tropical breeze. Her success in the « leisure, culture and crafts » category with her Caribbean audiobook publishing house, « Une Voix, Une Histoire, » has been a journey of growth and empowerment. This exemplifies how the competition helps entrepreneurs to cultivate a business acumen that mingles both courage and euros.
Encouraging courage and creativity
The event is bubbling over with inspiring narratives, potentially lighting the flame of innovation in those pondering their paths. During the 9th edition of Innovation Outre-mer, participants were encouraged to be as daring as a toddler with a paint set. Words of wisdom from pilot Valérie Delépine exhorted the participants to never fear dreaming big. Many have risen to the challenge, earning recognition like the Antillean winners: SmartBiotic in health, Atmos Innov with a place of honor, and Eco Green Animal in the green gold category. These awards affirm that anyone can reach for the Innovation Outre-mer prize, just like Dorothy reaching for her ruby slippers in Oz. With resources such as Plug and Play and DreamPath at their fingertips, entrepreneurs can transform those dreams into a reality, one innovative step at a time.
