Has France found its Silicon Valley? For four years, the discovery of the technology sector has accelerated in the Basque Country and in Biarritz in particular. Several events are organized this summer to attract experts, entrepreneurs, but also tourists and local startups.
“We have been working on the development of local innovations for 30 yearssays Christel Rodet, Biarritz city councilor responsible for the Smart City. The concept. “A city that must meet the needs of the population while preserving its resources and environment“. According to the advisor, technology is a part of everyday life and should be a way to make life easier for Biarots and Basques.
As early as 1985, Estia, a high school of advanced industrial technology, was established in Bidart at the same time as the Izarbel technology park near Biarritz. Since then, seventeen buildings have emerged, hosting various activities: an incubator, a hundred companies and two incubators, three laboratories….”Today, we want to promote companies that create jobs, attract talent and anchor the future– adds the adviser.
Demonstrations towards the decentralization of technology
All summer long, the French Tech Pays Basque movement, a 130-member hub created 2 years ago, is promoting local startups at Galeries Lafayette in Biarritz. “The city is quite far from the road, so we need to redouble our innovation to attract new talent“, evaluates the local French tech. “We need to support our network, which already includes 40 tech communities in France and 60 internationally.“. with “French touch“, the aim is to inform passers-by about the activities of the technological sector in the department. “ There is a lack of exposure and visibility for local start-ups so that young people are aware of the dynamics here. You can work in Biarritz in a pleasant environment while achieving a concrete result in your search for meaning. The proof, as since Covid, many entrepreneurs have returned to the region thanks to telecommuting.“.
“I can’t stand Paris anymore, I hate this cityexclaims Jonathan Herscovich, creator of Surfin’Bitcoin. The event, which will take place on August 25, 26 and 27 at the Biarritz Casino, is the largest Bitcoin convention in Europe. It brings together the biggest names in the field of economy, jurisdiction and cryptocurrency popularization. Among others, the Minister of Economy of El Salvador, which is a pioneering country in digital currency payments, will be present.
The organizer, also the CEO of StackinSat, a bid to buy bitcoin, settled in the Basque Country four years ago. “There were few resources used for technology here. Dynamics have been created in less than five years, particularly with the rapid and impressive development of the technopolis.“. The ambition this year is to democratize Bitcoin for everyone, including beginners and skeptics. The first day will be free with games and activities to win €10,000 in Bitcoin. Over three days, up to 1,500 people are expected.
Another event scheduled for late August is NFT Biarritz, held at the Connector, a room dedicated to business and innovation. This day dedicated to NFT and web3 marks a whole week of new technology making its way through the South West. The appointment wants to impose itself on the calendar. Founded by two brothers from Biarritz, Franck and Damien Dupont, the conference breaks with the concentration of French technology in Paris. “ We were tired of these events in the capital, very tame and elitistsays Franck Dupont. “In Biarritz we made a more relaxed wave, in the sun, on holiday“.
Between roundtables, conferences and documentary screenings featuring prominent guests such as the NBA and FIFA, the uninitiated will also be at the center of the day. “Several animations have been created, including a hands-on workshop that helps visitors create their first NFT wallet or develop their first non-convertible token.– explains the organizer. “People have very strong opinions about these digital objects. They think that it is only pollution or speculation. We want to invite them to discuss it with us and have a good time.“. Other events are planned for October, including a technology awareness drive for 400 high school students.
Source: Le Figaro
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.