Léo Tlouzeau, a second-year student in the Grande École Program at the Arts et Métiers campus Arts et Métiers , is enjoying a particularly formative work-study experience at Pilion, an innovative startup specializing in next-generation scaffolding.
A work-study program focused on innovation
Recruited to develop the technical aspects of Pilion's flagship product, a folding scaffold, Léo Tlouzeau works at the heart of a revolutionary technology. The concept? A veritable "metal mille-feuille" that unfolds along a facade like an accordion. Thanks to this ingenious system, assembly is up to ten times faster than with conventional scaffolding, requiring only two people for installation.
Speed, safety, and savings: a new vision for scaffolding
This new scaffolding offers speed, safety, and simplicity. The necessary safety protections for users are automatically positioned, ensuring a compliant working environment. While the basic components remain those of traditional scaffolding, Pilion has added smart joints that make deployment possible.
There are many uses: facade work (thermal renovations, refurbishments, etc.), structures for events, emergency shelters after natural disasters, maintenance and new industrial construction, etc.
A comprehensive mission, from needs assessment to industrialization
At Pilion, Léo Tlouzeau plays a key role in developing the startup's flagship product. He has two main responsibilities: centralizing the technical knowledge accumulated within the company, particularly regarding standards, and overseeing the technical aspects of development, working closely with engineers, design offices, and standardization bodies such as AFNOR and ECE BTP.
His work covers the entire development cycle: gathering user requirements, site visits, 3D modeling with feedback from pre-sales engineers, digital simulations to validate stability, and then complete prototyping of the scaffolding. The next step? Support for industrialization. " The partners have the means to produce, but it's up to me to convey the specific features of the product to them and check that they haven't overlooked anything," explains Léo.
An alternating program that gives meaning to learning
For Léo, this work-study program is much more than just professional experience. It allows him to make a direct link between theory and practice. He is discovering the practical usefulness of many of the lessons he has learned in class, particularly in static mechanics, 3D design (CAD), and manufacturing process optimization to reduce costs.
"It gives you a lot of perspective on what we learn in school," he explains. "It's very complementary: I see the immediate application of what I'm taught in school in the workplace."
Léo Tlouzeau is currently preparing for an international assignment in the United States, where he will work on adapting the product to American standards and setting up a production line with a local industrial partner. The goal is to replicate the production model and develop Pilion internationally.
With his technical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and international projects, Léo is building a rich and promising career path.
An ecosystem that supports innovation
Incubated on the Arts et Métiers campus Arts et Métiers Paris, Pilion benefits from an ideal environment for its development. The incubator offers premises dedicated to young companies with meeting rooms, offices, and workshops, along with collective and personalized support from entrepreneurship experts. This support is both business and technical.
Pilion also benefits from access to the resources of the 2CRP (Resource and Prototyping Center – Prototype Design and Production Center): state-of-the-art machinery, advice from engineers and technicians, and the ability to quickly prototype parts directly on site. Mechanical and materials research laboratories also provide operational support for various tests.
The project does not stop at the prototyping phase: the next step is to prepare for the industrialization of the product. Pilion plans to oversee the transition from artisanal development to mass production.
