Since September 2024, the Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation Program (PEIT) has taken on a new dynamic on campus.
The objective is twofold: to ensure the continuity of awareness-raising initiatives and to structure a genuine training program focused on innovation and entrepreneurship on campus.
"We are committed to cultivating a taste for entrepreneurship and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among students on campus," emphasize Franck Cleymand, PEIT representative in charge of monitoring projects and educational developments, and Magali Fournié, PEIT representative in charge of planning and organizing awareness-raising events.
Franck Cleymand and Magali Fournié, PEIT advisors on campus
A mission at the crossroads of information and action
The role of PEIT advisors is to disseminate information about entrepreneurial initiatives to all PGE students, as well as to doctoral students and apprentices, as needed. This communication mission is carried out through several information channels: presentations in lecture halls and classes, communications on Lise, and emails.
The other essential aspect is the planning and organization of key events, such as InnoDay in September, JITCAM in December, and the IFTP challenge in February, not to mention the projects carried out throughout the training program.
These events are designed to spark students' entrepreneurial interest from the very first year.
Magali Fournié explains: " My mission is to disseminate information about the PEIT program and to publicize internship opportunities and related company projects. I am also in charge of event logistics, coordinating with the teaching and academic teams, as well as recruiting coaches and seeking sponsors. Nothing is left to chance. "
An offer that takes shape from the first year
The 2024-2025 academic year marks an important step forward.
" The Entrepreneurship program is now open to first-year PGE students on a voluntary basis," says Franck Cleymand. As for the tutored projects in the second year, they also include student initiatives with an entrepreneurial dimension. "
These projects provide opportunities for students to tackle real-world issues, sometimes based on their own ideas, and to experiment with creating value through innovation.
Today, six first-year PGE students are enrolled in the Entrepreneurship track through first-year projects.
Very recently, one of the students being mentored proudly led his team to third place and the audience award in the IFTP international challenge with the Carbon Catch project.
Several projects carried out in the second year of the PGE program also illustrate this dynamic.
Time, culture, flexibility: the challenges to be overcome
Despite this momentum, there are still many obstacles: inexperience in the entrepreneurial world, few inspiring models from Arts et Métiers to students, lack of entrepreneurial culture and taste for entrepreneurship, etc.
The small number of courses dedicated to innovation or business creation also makes it difficult to truly shape the curriculum in the first and second years.
" It seems important to rethink the flexibility and structure of courses, " insists Franck Cleymand. This will enable the introduction of new knowledge and skills and, more importantly, broaden and adapt teaching by developing multidisciplinary or even transdisciplinary teaching sequences with other institutions such as ESCCA, Kedge Marseille, and the School of Art. Mixing knowledge, mixing skills, mixing backgrounds can only be enriching.
Towards an entrepreneurial campus ecosystem
Through the PEIT, Arts et Métiers to inspire entrepreneurship, but also to train and support future creators of responsible businesses. In a world in transition, the aim is to encourage bio-inspired, sustainable entrepreneurship rooted in local realities.
This also involves creating places dedicated to innovation. " The Ruche project, led by the campus management and designed as a space for co-construction and ideation open to educational activities and projects proposed by students from different schools in the region, would be a first step. The idea of a FabLab or Living Lab on campus could complement this initiative," explains Féthi Ben Ouezdou, campus director.
To support this growth, the campus is considering creating a pool of expertise in entrepreneurship and innovation, bringing together speakers, teachers, and external partners. This support network would be a lever for consolidating the offering, supporting students, and creating a true entrepreneurial ecosystem on campus.
Contact:
Franck Cleymand, DAFOR and PEIT representative responsible for monitoring projects and educational developments
Magali Fournié, Head of Corporate Relations and PEIT representative responsible for planning and organizing awareness-raising events
