2nd South West Boating Innovation Trophies
Organised by the newspaper Sud Ouest, with the support of the Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine and the Atlantic Cluster, an association of regional nautical companies, the Trophées Innovations Nautisme are renewed in 2020. In spite of the uncertain context, the competition schedule is maintained. "It is included in our roadmap and serves as a selection for the Final of the competition scheduled at the Nautic de Paris. Our aim is not necessarily to recruit new members, but this is part of the Atlantic Cluster's role of identifying innovative companies in the nautical sector," explains Gaëlle Pallu de La Barrière, director of the Atlantic Cluster.
The jury for the 2020 edition will be presided over by the skipper from La Rochelle and founder of the Watt&Sea hydrogen generator company, Yannick Bestaven. In 2019, the competition brought together around twenty participants. "We are on the same objectives this year. For the 3 companies selected last year, which were already at an advanced stage of development (Editor's note: Alternatives Energies, Incidences Sails, Madintec), it gave them an interesting communication tool. It also allows start-ups to emerge," says Gaëlle Pallu de La Barrière. The winners will also benefit from the future new stand at the Nautic, bringing together that of the New Aquitaine Region and the La Rochelle Agglomeration.
Applications and practical information
- Conditions of participation : The competition is open to companies in the nautical sector, whatever their size, provided that their head office is in New Aquitaine. The innovation presented must be related to nautical practices, on or under water, in fresh or salt water. The response to ecological and social issues and the opening up of boating to new practitioners will be highlighted.
- Planning : Applications must be submitted online before midnight on 20 September 2020. A pre-jury will determine the finalists on September 25. The finalists will defend themselves before the jury at the Grand Pavois in La Rochelle on September 30. The 3 winners will be qualified for the national final in Paris on December 12th.
