[Takeoff#9] Winning the Montpellier Innovation Booster (BIM) award

[Article, Video] - Published on November 18, 2024 in Major Programs, Valorization

Hamza El Jjouaoui is a research engineer at the Montpellier Laboratory of Computer Science, Robotics, and Microelectronics (Lirmm). In 2023, he was the winner of the Montpellier Innovation Booster award for his project called Clamps. He talks about it in the video series "Décollage" produced by the Department of Innovation and Partnerships (Dipa) at the University of Montpellier.

Hamza El Jjouaoui works in robotics and is particularly interested in its medical applications. As part of his Clamps project, he has invented new flexible silicone structures, made using a 3D printer, which adapt to the human body and prevent any injury or damage to patients. "The silicone 3D printer makes it easier to create complex and precise structures with potentially unusual internal cavities or external shapes, without the user having to intervene during printing," explains the Lirmm engineer.

Know all aspects of your project

In 2023, he enrolled in Montpellier's innovation booster program, which enabled him to attend a three-day training course specifically designed for innovative project leaders. "For me, Bim was a real pitch training course. We were taught how to structure and master all aspects of our project, because as scientists, we are mainly familiar with the technological side of things."Itwas an opportunity for him to discover Montpellier's innovation ecosystem and talk to other project leaders in order to dispel his doubts about the relevance of his innovation. 

Named the winner at the end of the final competition that concluded the three days, Hamza El Jjouaoui received support from the Initium incubator. "Dipa also helped me file my first invention disclosure with Yassine Haddab (Lirmm) and Philippe Poignet (Lirmm). All this support enabled us to accelerate our project and recruit a software engineer to strengthen our team." In February 2024, he was selected to join the CNRS Innovation Rise pre-incubation program. His advice to young entrepreneurs? "Go for it!"

Keywords: BIM, Takeoff