THE innovative startups in the automotive sector have a golden opportunity to propel their projects thanks to the ACF AUTOTECH Grand Prix. Organized by theAutomobile Club of France and the ESSEC Auto & Mobility Clubthis call for applications is open until November 29 at 11:59 p.m.
A Prestigious International Competition
The ACF AUTOTECH Grand Prix is recognized as an international competition, independent and impartial. This free competition is a platform for startups that are revolutionizing the automotive sector through innovative design, manufacturing, marketing and usage. Founded by Richard de Cabrol and directed by Yann de Pontbriand, president of the Automobile Club de France, and Thierry Peugeot, president of the ESSEC Auto & Mobility Club, this event brings together an exceptional jury composed of eminent personalities from the sector automotive and financial.
Major Benefits for Startups
The winners of the competition benefit from great visibility, as well as personalized support in financial and legal matters, without forgetting coaching and effective networking with key decision-makers. This support is crucial to accelerate the development of startups and facilitate their establishment on the international scene.
Three Trophies in Competition
The competition features three distinct trophies:
- Grand Prix ACF: Intended for startups that are most advanced in their development.
- ACF Pioneer Award: For young startups at the start of their development (Seed).
- Mention GPACF GreenTech: Aiming at finalists whose products respond to current environmental issues.
Each of these trophies provides not only recognition, but also essential resources for the future of these companies.
A little history of the ACF Grand Prix
The Grand Prix ACF AutoTechcreated in 2018, is an annual competition organized by the Automobile Club de France (ACF) in partnership with the ESSEC Automobile Club. It aims to reward the most innovative startups in the automotive field, encompassing the design, manufacturing, marketing and use of vehicles.
Objectives and progress
This international competition offers young companies a platform to present their innovations in front of a jury made up of automotive industry professionals, entrepreneurs and investors. The winners benefit from financial grants, personalized support and increased visibility in the sector.
Previous editions and winners
- 2018 : For its first edition, the competition attracted 74 participants. THE Grand Prix ACF was awarded to Scortexa company offering an artificial intelligence-based inspection solution for the manufacturing industry. THE ACF Pioneer Award was assigned to Wheeliza car rental platform adapted for people with reduced mobility.
- 2019 : With 75 participants, the Grand Prix ACF rewarded Expedite (now HiFlow), which simplifies the logistics of vehicle transport and delivery. THE ACF Pioneer Award was assigned to ProovStationspecialized in the industrialization and automation of automobile inspection.
- 2020 : Despite the health context, the competition maintained its edition in online format. THE Grand Prix ACF was awarded to Dismissala company offering smart charging solutions for electric vehicles. THE ACF Pioneer Award rewarded Altaroadspecialized in collecting data on road traffic using sensors installed on the roads.
- 2021 : The Grand Prix ACF was assigned to Geolithwhich is developing an eco-responsible lithium production solution. THE ACF Pioneer Award rewarded Serinus Labsoffering a technical monitoring system to analyze and control the quality of lithium-ion batteries.
- 2022 : The Grand Prix ACF was won by Nodal Sensorsan American company offering a stereovision system with dual on-board cameras for night vision and bad weather. THE ACF Pioneer Award was assigned to DoLowa French startup developing a tool for optimizing embedded algorithms to reduce the energy consumption of connected systems.
- 2023 : The Grand Prix ACF rewarded Genominesa French startup transforming plants into nickel material as a substitute for traditional mines. THE ACF Pioneer Award was awarded to Diamfabbased in Grenoble, which deploys a diamond synthesis process for the semiconductor industry, offering superior electrical performance in terms of efficiency and compactness. There Mention GPACF GreenTech was attributed to Cyliba German company specializing in recycling end-of-life batteries into recycled products.
The ACF AutoTech Grand Prix continues to play a vital role in promoting automotive innovation, supporting startups that are helping to shape the future of mobility.
To participate, the most innovative French and international startups must submit their application before November 29 at 11:59 p.m. via the official website: www.grandprixacfautotech.com.
This competition is not only a chance for startups to shine on the global stage, but also to receive invaluable support to turn their dream into reality. Potential candidates are encouraged to act quickly to avoid missing this unique opportunity.
