IKIGIA: a new player in the digital ecosystem in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
With more than 6,200 registered establishments, including 1,250 employer establishments and almost 20,000 jobs, the digital ecosystem in Burgundy-Franche-Comté continues to grow, driven by a dynamic business fabric and constantly evolving local expertise. In June 2024, this technological landscape welcomed a promising new player: IKIGIA, a company dedicated to bringing artificial intelligence (AI) to regional SMEs and VSEs.
A regional base at the heart of the project
Identified in May 2024 at the Vivatech trade show in Paris by the Agence Économique Régionale de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté (AER BFC), IKIGIA draws on the region’s digital ecosystem to offer solutions tailored to local businesses. The AER BFC has played a key role in accelerating IKIGIA’s establishment, facilitating connections with key players in the region such as MEDEF 21, the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Robotics Valley and French Tech Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. The start-up, founded by Vincent Allard, an expert in the technological transformation of organisations, and Mickaël Faust, a specialist in Deep Learning, has positioned itself as a catalyst for companies wishing to take advantage of AI to boost their competitiveness.
An approach focused on business needs
IKIGIA offers an innovative approach to helping local businesses understand, adopt and integrate AI. Unlike standardised solutions, the company makes a point of designing tools tailored to the specific needs of each sector. ‘Before we even think about technological solutions, we work with the company on its vision and its differentiating factors. We only turn to AI solutions if they are of real interest to the company’, explains Vincent Allard, co-founder and CEO.
A lever for strengthening AI expertise in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
The establishment of IKIGIA illustrates the growing importance of regional expertise in artificial intelligence. By helping SMEs and VSEs to adopt these technologies, the start-up is making an active contribution to the development of digital technology in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. With the support of the AER BFC and local economic players, IKIGIA aims to become a key partner in the digital transition of businesses in the region.