Futurapolis: Groupe BPCE at the heart of innovation in Occitania

Open to all, the 2018 edition brought together innovators, researchers, artists, and entrepreneurs on topics that reveal the challenges of the future: AI, data processing, cybersecurity (digital, but also health, security), agro-food, disability, education, environment, mobility of the future, and sport. The event offered participants two days in which to learn, question each other through round tables and conferences chaired by experts in their respective fields, but also to physically experiment with the innovations of tomorrow within the Lab.

It provided an opportunity to present the approach developed by Groupe BPCE within the framework of its digital action plan. “More than a digital bank, Groupe BPCE aims to be a bank in a digital world and to be the preferred bank for developers and start-ups with a single objective: keep it simple.”

A partner of Futurapolis from the very outset, Banque Populaire Occitane confirmed its presence in the world of innovation once again this year, accompanied by four start-up customers: Qwart, which manufactures scalable motorcycle helmets and accessories; Bleujour, a start-up specializing in microcomputers; AB Design & Creation – Delissea, an innovative cup designer; and I-MEDS, a home medication distributor. It also provided an opportunity for Banque Populaire Occitane to present its “Innov & Plus” offer.

For the Caisse d'Epargne de Midi-Pyrénées, the event was an opportunity to present visitors with an innovative new service reflected in the digitalization of real estate loans. The customer can now perform a remote simulation, complete the financing document, and receive loan offers directly at home that he or she can then sign electronically.

Groupe BPCE was represented by Frédéric Burtz, Deputy Director of Digital Technology and Partnerships at Groupe BPCE, who took part in the debate on data at a round table staged on November 16 on the theme: “Data: the masters of information,” alongside experts representing different sectors of activity. Social networks, intelligent navigation, digital ethics... experts shared their visions of the future of data.

Finally, the Group also partnered the “Startup Competition” via the “Groupe BPCE Brain” prize. The challenge? To reward an innovative, high-growth-potential company using artificial intelligence and data processing to create new services in the fields of commerce, services and industry. This prize was awarded by Philippe Sudres, Innovation Project Manager at Banque Populaire Occitane, and Maxime Storti, Head of Financing for Innovative Companies at the Caisse d'Epargne de Midi-Pyrénées, to Liberty Rider. This start-up, which is developing a GPS application that detects accidents involving two-wheeled vehicles, won a grant worth €3,000 and will shortly be taking part in a “Start-up Camp” organized by the 89C3 Factory.