France has celebrated leading France tourism-tech start-ups during the French Open Innovation Challenge, spotlighting collaborations between start-ups, major companies, and public stakeholders. Karacal-Renault and Aquatech-Veolia were recognized for technological efficiency and sustainable tourism solutions.
French Open Innovation Challenge Highlights
The national initiative, partnered with France’s Directorate of Entrepreneurship and the Ministry of SMEs, Trade, Crafts, Tourism and Purchasing Power, evaluated collaborations from across the country. Six finalist duos pitched in Paris: Buddy-Lyon Airport, Karacal-Renault, Genial-Atout France, Aquatech-Veolia, Luniwave-B&B Hotels, and Moovert-Clef Verte.
- Karacal-Renault won for geolocated audio “bubbles,” offering immersive location-based cultural storytelling.
- Aquatech-Veolia was recognized for a modular green-technology system that recycles and monitors wastewater in tourist areas.
Driving Innovation and Sustainability in Tourism
The UN Tourism highlighted the significance of public-private collaboration and France’s innovation ecosystem, home to over 25,000 start-ups, as a key driver for tourism transformation. Finalists received UN Tourism Online Academy scholarships, access to the Global Innovation Network, and opportunities for international expansion and investment.
The Challenge reinforces France’s position as the world’s leading tourism destination while promoting technology-driven and sustainable solutions in the tourism sector.
Source: UN Tourism
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