[This translation was generated automatically.]
ESSEC and ESSEC Alumni organised the very first edition of the ESSEC Entrepreneurs Awards at the Maison des ESSEC. This event celebrates the most innovative startups founded by ESSEC alumni — students and graduates. In total, 8 startups were recognised and applauded across different categories: Student, Graduate, Woman, Scale-up, Deeptech, Entrepreneurial Buyout and Excellence in Entrepreneurship.
Student Award: Omair Bahawal (E25), Co-Founder and CEO of Mina Class
Incubated at ESSEC Ventures and winner of the ESSEC Foundation entrepreneurial grants in 2025, Omar co-founded Mina Class, a mobile application that simplifies academic tutoring through a free and flexible matching service. Users can both learn and teach, earn an income, and reinvest it to continue progressing.
Graduate Award: Claire Gouze (E17), Co-Founder and CEO of NaoLabs
In 2024, Claire co-founded NaoLabs, an intelligent code editor for data teams that helps them work faster and with greater peace of mind. Thanks to its AI-powered code editor, NaoLabs enables data teams to code, test and deliver data (SQL, Python, dbt…) more quickly and without errors.
Woman Award: Corinne Vigreux (BBA 87), Co-Founder and CMO of Tomtom
For 35 years, Tomtom has been a global company specialising in digital mapping and location technologies.
Corinne is also the founder of CODAM College in Amsterdam — part of the École 42 network — offering innovative, tuition-free computer science training based on peer learning.
Young Scale-Up Award: Romain Palmieri (E17) and Dorian Perron (E17), Co-Founders of Groover
Founded in 2018, Groover is a platform for independent artists that enables them to promote their music to professionals in the industry and receive concrete feedback.
Scale-Up Award: Guillaume Paoli (E95), Co-Founder and Co-President of Aramis Group
For 24 years, Aramis Group has been a pioneer in the online sale of reconditioned used cars. The brand has always upheld a simple vision: making car buying more accessible, reliable and sustainable.
Deeptech Award : Mohamed Abou Ali (E21), Co-Founder and CEO & Tatiana Monseur (E17), Co-Founder COO and CFO of Polygon Therapeutics
Polygon Therapeutics is a French biotech company specialising in cardio-immunology, aiming to address unmet therapeutic needs through innovative and groundbreaking approaches.
Entrepreneurial Buyout Award : Justin Bignon (E00), Founder and CEO of Groupe Batibig
BATIBIG is a group of 64 traditional construction companies specialising in renovation work for housing co-ownerships, offices and residential buildings. Over the past 12 months, the group has integrated 16 new companies.
Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award : Patrick Thelot (E74), President and Founder of Sofinord
Founded 50 years ago, Sofinord is a holding company bringing together four divisions: ICTS Europe (a leader in airport security technologies and data centres), Aeria Airport (airport passenger services and hospitality), Armonia (a major player in facility management), and LMB (specialised in temporary staffing and services in luxury, fashion and beauty). In 2025, Patrick will hand over to his son, also an ESSEC graduate, Jean-Baptiste Thelot (E07).
Are you an ESSEC graduate and an entrepreneur?
Mentoring, incubator at Station F, business angels, Entrepreneurs Club, dedicated events… Discover the various ESSEC Alumni services designed for you!
Are you a student launching your startup?
The ESSEC Student incubator is here to help you!
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