Organised by Synergia and the Regional Delegation for Women’s Rights and Equality, the 9th edition of the competition entitled “Innovation Enterprise”: business spirit in the masculine and the feminine” recently rewarded six budding and promising young businesses in Lower Normandy. An encounter with three of them

Xavier Croux and Philippe Kohler / Chic Green
Winners of the “Sustainable development and services for individuals” category

Both ecological and chic

Looking at things from the user’s point of view. Xavier Croux and Philippe Kohler recently founded Chic Green, a company specialising in the design and industrial production of customisable cloths hangers made from plant resources. “Our product innovation lies in the fact that we have cut out an opening in our cardboard hangers enabling users to hang a pair of trousers,” explain the two creators. A patent has been filed. Following the success of the “écocintre by Chic Green” range at the Paris “Prêt-A-Porter” fashion fair last January, they are now committed to developing a 100% French line in Normandy. Currently located in the Plug n’ Work entreprise zone, Chic Green benefits from a working environment which is truly propitious to developing new products and to identifying new clients. “With an annual market of 100 million hangers, there is genuine potential for us to develop our ideas, targeting in particular the fashion industry, dry-cleaning, hotels and wholesalers… The competition offered us an ideal communication opportunity,” add the two project initiators. “Our prize has reassured us that we have made the right strategic choices and any opportunity – as long as it isn’t a waste or a hindrance -  is good news for a young business like ours.”

Corinne Chatelain and Olivier Legoupil / Studio Pickup
Winners of the “Special award” category

“We were truly delighted to win this prize”

It’s totally new. Only a stone’s throw from the marina in the centre of Caen, a professional recording studio has been set up in what used to be a bank. In premises of over 200m2, Studio Pickup offers the best recording, mixing and mastering conditions… “Our studio is open to record companies, labels and experienced or budding artists,” highlight Corinne Lechatelain and Olivier Legoupil. “And our premises are also equipped to welcome film production companies, be it for institutional films, documentaries or advertising clips… together with individuals, schools and associations.” Professional resources akin to those one would expect to find in the finest Parisian studios. With the exception that Studio Pickup is also there to accompany and to create the perfect conditions (conviviality, accommodation…) for an artistically creative atmosphere. “We were truly delighted to win this prize” recalls Corinne Lechatelain. “It was the recognition we needed, because, when you create your business, you really are on you own. Thanks to the competition, everybody knows us now.”

Anne-Marie Chelala and Laurent Lecesve / Écodomaine du Pays d’Auge
Winners of the “Technologies, incubators and research development” category

Towards natural health prevention

The aim of Écodomaine du Pays d’Auge, a project initiated by Anne-Marie Chelala and Laurent Lecesve, is to create an environment for the development of products which are naturally good for our health, around a methanisation (anaerobic digestion) unit: “green” energy, spirulina (1), organic vegetable seedlings for market gardeners, organic fruit and vegetables, natural fertilizers… “Our innovation lies in the fact that we use the heat generated via cogeneration by the fermentation, in closed tanks, of agricultural organic matter (in particular horse manure) for our production, in particular of spirulina,” explains Anne-Marie Chelala. In the long run, we hope to create a comprehensive hub illustrating rural vivacity.” The couple also plans to diversify its activity by creating guest rooms and educational activities. The farm will be operational by June and its aim will be to heighten awareness, among both the young and old, on renewable energies and the environment, from its temporary location in the Pays d’Auge. “This competition prize is a great satisfaction. It has highlighted our project and its highly professional image is sure to open new doors.” The young business has already joined the “Horse Industry” Competitiveness Cluster.

(1)    An edible cyanobacterium used in nutritional supplements (arthrospira)

Association Hybrid Energies -
Écodomaine du Pays d’Auge
Anne Marie Chelala
9, Avenue des Alliés
14510 Houlgate
Tél. : 06 83 52 18 24
Site : Hybrid Energies

Chic Green
Xavier Croux and Philippe Kohler
Plug ‘n Work
2, rue Jean Perrin
14 460 Colombelles
Tél. : 02 31 46 22 64
Site : Chic Green

Studio Pickup
Corinne Chatelain and Olivier Legoupil
8, Rue Michel Cabieu
14000 Caen
Site : Pick Up

Synergia
Campus EffiScience
Bâtiment D - 2 rue Jean Perrin
14 460 Colombelles
Tél. : 02 31 46 73 73
Site : Synergia

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