From innovative business ideas to projects with meaningful social impact, Pépite Méditerranée is helping promote a new generation of entrepreneurs on the French Riviera. Through its entrepreneurial support programme and its award ceremony, the initiative highlights the creativity, ambition and commitment of student entrepreneurs. Among the projects recognised were Cap Relais by Anaïs Maze, awarded the Special Impact Award, and Arpanis by Baptiste Saby, recipient of the Special Innovative Enterprise Award.

The French Riviera is internationally renowned for its tourism, hospitality, luxury industries and exceptional lifestyle. Yet beyond its established reputation, the region is also developing a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, driven by young innovators, university initiatives, startups and ambitious business founders.

At the heart of this movement is Pépite Méditerranée, an entrepreneurship support programme led by UniCA Entreprendre at Université Côte d’Azur. Its mission is to help students transform their ideas into viable projects, develop their entrepreneurial skills and build the foundations for future businesses.

Through its activities, initiatives and award ceremonies, Pépite Méditerranée provides visibility for emerging talent and encourages a culture of innovation across the region.

The recognition of projects such as Cap Relais and Arpanis illustrates the diversity of ideas being developed by this new generation of entrepreneurs.

Pépite Méditerranée: Supporting the Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow

Entrepreneurship is increasingly becoming an attractive career path for students and young professionals. Rather than following traditional employment routes, many are choosing to develop their own concepts, explore new markets and create businesses capable of responding to changing economic and societal needs.

Pépite Méditerranée plays an important role in supporting this transition.

Led by UniCA Entreprendre, the programme offers tailored support to students at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey, whether they are developing an initial idea, working on a prototype or have already secured their first customers.

The programme is designed to adapt to the needs and circumstances of each student, providing guidance, resources and opportunities to develop their projects.

The support process includes an initial diagnostic meeting to assess the entrepreneur’s profile, the project’s progress, its objectives and the challenges ahead. A personalised development roadmap can then be established.

Students also benefit from follow-up meetings, collective workshops, webinars and intensive two-day sessions known as Boosters, designed to strengthen entrepreneurial skills and refine business concepts.

For those wishing to deepen their knowledge, Université Côte d’Azur also offers the Diplôme Étudiant-Entrepreneur (D2E), a dedicated qualification that helps students develop essential business skills and learn how to present their projects to potential investors.

This approach demonstrates that entrepreneurship requires more than a good idea. It also involves preparation, strategic thinking, professional guidance and the ability to turn an initial concept into a sustainable business.

Anaïs Maze Receives the Special Impact Award for Cap Relais

Among the projects recognised through Pépite Méditerranée, Anaïs Maze received the Special Impact Award – Pépite Côte d’Azur for her initiative, Cap Relais.

This distinction recognises an entrepreneurial approach centred on commitment, positive impact and the development of meaningful initiatives.

Today, the notion of impact has become increasingly important in the business world. Companies and entrepreneurs are no longer judged solely on their financial performance. Their ability to address societal challenges, contribute to their communities and create positive change is also gaining recognition.

Through Cap Relais, Anaïs Maze represents this new generation of entrepreneurs seeking to combine business ambitions with a wider purpose.

The Special Impact Award acknowledges the importance of this approach and highlights the growing interest in projects that seek to make a difference beyond traditional commercial objectives.

On the French Riviera, where social inclusion, solidarity and sustainable regional development are important issues, initiatives with a strong sense of purpose have a particularly relevant place in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Anaïs Maze’s recognition illustrates how student entrepreneurship can also become a vehicle for meaningful social contributions.

Baptiste Saby Wins the Special Innovative Enterprise Award for Arpanis

Another highlighted entrepreneur was Baptiste Saby, recognised with the Special Innovative Enterprise Award for his project, Arpanis.

Innovation remains one of the most important drivers of economic development. Whether through new products, services, technologies or business models, innovative entrepreneurs contribute to transforming industries and creating new opportunities.

The recognition of Arpanis reflects the importance of encouraging young founders who are prepared to explore new ideas and develop original approaches.

For student entrepreneurs, receiving an award can represent an important milestone. Beyond the recognition itself, it provides an opportunity to gain visibility, establish professional connections and strengthen the credibility of a developing project.

The distinction awarded to Baptiste Saby also demonstrates the diversity of entrepreneurial talent emerging from the university environment.

Together, the projects of Anaïs Maze and Baptiste Saby illustrate two complementary dimensions of modern entrepreneurship: social impact and business innovation.

A Programme Bringing Together Universities, Institutions and Business Leaders

The Pépite Méditerranée event also provided an opportunity for representatives from higher education, public institutions and the business community to discuss the future of student entrepreneurship.

The programme included a project exhibition village, where visitors could discover initiatives developed by student entrepreneurs and meet their founders.

A roundtable discussion entitled “Driving the Momentum of Student Entrepreneurship” was also scheduled for 6 pm.

Moderated by Rani Dang, Vice-President for Entrepreneurship at Université Côte d’Azur, the discussion brought together several prominent figures from the academic and economic communities.

Among the announced participants were:

• Jeanick Brisswalter, President of Université Côte d’Azur.
• Pierre Ippolito, Vice-President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolitan Authority and fourth Deputy Mayor of Nice, responsible for businesses, commerce, economic development and higher education.
• Tiffany Varlet, Head of Business Creation and Entrepreneurship at Bpifrance.
• Aline Humbert, Regional Academic Delegate for Research and Innovation.
• Théo Vidal, Student Entrepreneur and Co-founder of Studio Fleuve.

The diversity of participants reflects the importance of collaboration between universities, public authorities and business organisations.

Universities provide knowledge, expertise and an environment in which new ideas can emerge. Public institutions contribute to regional economic development, while organisations such as Bpifrance help entrepreneurs access resources and business support.

Bringing these different perspectives together is essential to creating an environment in which young entrepreneurs can develop their projects and identify new opportunities.

Guillaume Néry Among the Special Guests

The evening programme was also expected to feature talks and an awards ceremony, with the announced special presence of Guillaume Néry, internationally recognised freediver and world-record holder.

Known for his achievements in freediving, Guillaume Néry represents values that extend beyond the sporting world: determination, preparation, discipline and the ability to push personal boundaries.

These qualities are particularly relevant to entrepreneurship, where building a business often requires resilience, patience and the ability to overcome unexpected challenges.

Mathieu Mérian, representing Somanity, and Victor Basier, from Philartmédia Studio, were also among the announced speakers.

Their participation added further perspectives to a programme dedicated to entrepreneurship, creativity and professional development.

Bénévolat Côte d’Azur: Strengthening Community Engagement

The entrepreneurial momentum of the French Riviera is also closely connected to the region’s social and community initiatives.

Among the organisations contributing to this local dynamic is Bénévolat Côte d’Azur, an initiative dedicated to promoting volunteerism and highlighting the work of non-profit organisations across the region.

Associations play an essential role in local communities. Their activities cover a wide range of areas, including humanitarian projects, social support, cultural initiatives, environmental causes and assistance for vulnerable people.

Behind these organisations are volunteers who dedicate their time, knowledge and energy to projects that benefit others.

Bénévolat Côte d’Azur helps bring these initiatives to public attention and encourages people to become involved in local associations.

In a region with a diverse population and strong international connections, volunteering is an important way to strengthen social relationships and encourage civic participation.

The development of a territory depends not only on its economic performance but also on the strength of its communities and the involvement of its citizens.

Dockyo: A Startup Reflecting the Entrepreneurial Energy of the French Riviera

Another example of the region’s business dynamism is Dockyo, a startup recently discovered as part of a closer look at the French Riviera’s entrepreneurial landscape.

A visit to the company provided an opportunity to explore its concept, activities and vision, while learning more about its ambitions and development opportunities.

Startups play an increasingly important role in regional economic development. By introducing new ideas, exploring emerging markets and developing innovative solutions, they contribute to business diversification and create opportunities for collaboration.

The French Riviera offers an interesting environment for these companies, with a combination of international business networks, higher education institutions, innovation centres and entrepreneurial support organisations.

From Nice and Cannes to Sophia Antipolis and beyond, the region continues to attract entrepreneurs looking to develop new projects.

Companies such as Dockyo are part of this evolving business environment, demonstrating the diversity of initiatives emerging across the territory.

Entrepreneurship is also about building relationships. Meetings between startups, established companies, investors and professionals can help identify opportunities, encourage knowledge sharing and strengthen the regional business network.

The French Riviera: An Attractive Environment for Innovation

Although the French Riviera is traditionally associated with luxury tourism, hospitality, gastronomy and international events, its economic landscape is considerably more diverse.

Technology, creative industries, professional services, research and innovative startups are all contributing to the region’s development.

Université Côte d’Azur plays an important role in this transformation by connecting education, research and entrepreneurship.

Through UniCA Entreprendre and its Pépite Méditerranée programme, students are encouraged to explore business opportunities and develop their entrepreneurial potential.

This relationship between higher education and the business world is particularly valuable. It allows students to gain practical experience, develop professional skills and understand the challenges involved in creating a company.

The presence of innovation networks and entrepreneurial support structures also helps strengthen the region’s appeal to emerging businesses.

As the French Riviera continues to diversify its economy, initiatives supporting young entrepreneurs are becoming increasingly important.

A New Generation Shaping the Future of the Côte d’Azur

The projects recognised through Pépite Méditerranée reflect a broader transformation taking place across the French Riviera.

Anaïs Maze, with Cap Relais, and Baptiste Saby, with Arpanis, represent entrepreneurs whose projects illustrate the importance of social impact and innovation.

Alongside them, numerous students and young business founders are developing initiatives that contribute to the region’s economic and social evolution.

The role of Pépite Méditerranée goes beyond celebrating entrepreneurial achievements. By providing guidance, resources, training and professional connections, the programme helps create an environment in which ideas can develop into concrete projects.

Its approach also highlights the importance of supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, from the first idea to the development of a business.

In a region internationally recognised for its attractiveness and quality of life, the ability to encourage innovation and support emerging talent is an important asset.

Pépite Méditerranée demonstrates that the future of the French Riviera is also being shaped by its students, young entrepreneurs and innovators. Through their ideas, ambition and commitment, they are contributing to a more dynamic, diverse and forward-looking Côte d’Azur.

https://entreprendre.univ-cotedazur.fr/devenir-etudiant-entrepreneur