Gaaap. Three “a”s for support, attractiveness and ambition. “We support innovative projects in the region to make it attractive. This is our ambition,” explains Kévin Pétrovitch, head of the incubator and the coworking space.
This entity comes from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) and the Gap-Tallard Durance Agglomeration community: “This common desire around innovation comes to fruition in 2018. The observation is simple, the project leaders are welcomed in Aix-Marseille, Grenoble, Lyon and even Paris. We therefore need a place to innovate. Gaaap was born. »
The incubator has two branches, one in Gap, in the premises of the CCI and one in Tallard, place du Château. “We can accommodate up to 24 project leaders. From now on, there are three support routes: Topographical route to find out if a project is viable or not; Ascent to develop a project, plan it and structure it; Go beyond the top to accelerate the project, attract investors and optimize your strategy. For each theme, there is a collective support time and individual times,” describes the manager.
GPS and walker
Since the start of the year, around fifteen people have been supported. “We are here to give all the resources to entrepreneurs. Often, when we talk about Gaaap, two images come up: that of a GPS which allows you to navigate in troubled waters and that of a walker with plenty of foam to avoid shocks. We dare to take risks by controlling them. This is the strength of start-ups. »
Once incubated, entrepreneurs benefit from a network of professionals to help them gain skills: those from the regional institute of business leaders, the Banque de France, French touch and technicians from the CCI.
Incubated projects often revolve around new technologies, whatever the field of activity. But also low tech, understanding paper and pencil. “We do not impose any limits and we invite project leaders not to get involved. » To participate in industry 4.0, you “just need to walk through the door of the incubator”.
Apply until December 1st
The Gaaap incubator launched a call for applications to integrate its incubation programs in 2025. Applications must be submitted by 1is December. A strong moment for the candidates but also for the elected representatives of both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Gap-Tallard-Durance Agglomeration. “The incubator is the only one in this form in the department with the CCI and Agglomération Gap-Tallard-Durance. There is a well-exploited synergy,” rejoice Géraldine Roux, elected to the CCI, and Roger Grimaud, vice-president in charge of economic development at the Gap-Tallard-Durance agglomeration community. “This strategic location has its place and has meaning in the region,” she continues. “By taking on the “economic development” competence, the Agglomeration has decided to provide a structure to support entrepreneurs in the best conditions with the incubator complemented by a coworking space », adds the Saulcetier elected official.
A moment ” particular “
For the two elected officials, the time for candidacies is always “special”. “It is not because the idea is not completed that we are not concerned. It's not because the company exists that we can't come to the incubator. Innovation is not only something wow in terms of the idea, but also wow in terms of the design, the process,” she explains. Roger Grimaud adds: “It’s a rewarding role, we serve a purpose. It's like giving birth to a baby. When we see that it works afterwards, we are simply happy. »
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